Houston Cougars defensive back Jayce Rogers motions the crowd in Memphis to quiet down following his 100-yard kickoff return touchdown. (Courtesy Houston Athletics)
Houston Cougars Clayton Tune, Jayce Rogers take AAC honors
The Houston Cougars had two players win American Athletic Conference weekly awards following the team’s 33-32 comeback win against Memphis on Friday.
Quarterback Clayton Tune was named the AAC’s offensive player of the week, and defensive back Jayce Rogers was the conference’s special teams player of the week, the league announced Monday morning.
Tune went 36-of-57 for 366 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and an interception in Houston’s comeback win. The Houston quarterback was 15-of-19 with 147 passing yards and threw all three of his touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the game. Houston outscored Memphis 26-12 in the period.
Rogers had arguably the play that ignited Houston’s rally. With the Cougars trailing 29-13, Rogers returned a kickoff and took it to the house, capping off the play with the 100-yard touchdown. Adding to the play’s impressiveness was that it was Rogers’ first kickoff return in his collegiate career, according to Houston Athletics. Rogers’ touchdown was the eighth 100-yard kickoff return in program history.
Houston’s rally saved the Cougars from losing their second straight conference game. The Houston Cougars are now 3-3 and 1-1 against AAC teams as they enter their bye week. UH returns to action on Oct. 22 against Navy in Annapolis, Maryland.
