Tuesday, December 29, 2020

New Mexico-in-Frisco Bowl: Houston 14, Hawai'i 28

The Cougars went to the New Mexico Bowl (which was relocated from Albuquerque to Frisco, Texas due to COVID) in spite of their losing record and in spite of the fact that many key players weren't available (due to positive COVID tests, injuries, academic ineligibility or a desire to keep themselves healthy for the NFL combine). The result was predictable.

The Good: With the Coogs' top WRs out, receivers Nathaniel Dell and Christian Trahan made the most of the spotlight by combining for 11 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown apiece. 

The Bad: Right after the Cougars had scored fourteen unanswered points to turn a 21-0 snoozefest into a competitive 21-14 game, Hawaii kickoff returner Calvin Turner broke off a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that would seal the win for the Rainbow Warriors.

The Ugly: Clayton Tune threw three interceptions and was sacked five times. Houston's ground game was limited to 58 rushing yards. Seven Cougar possessions ended in punts. Head coach Dana Holgerson is supposedly known for his offenses, but after two years into his tenure at Houston all he has to show for it is a sputtering offense. I honestly don't have a great deal of faith in his abilities going into 2021.

What It Means: The Cougars end the 2020 season - a season that probably shouldn't have happened to begin with - with a 3-5 record. The last time the Cougars had back-to-back losing seasons was 2001 and 2002, was when another Dana was head coach.

I pity the UH ticket office employees who have to try to sell season tickets for 2021. At the rate this program is headed, we might be going back to 1990s-era levels of attendance.

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