Houston to be cautious with using QB Clayton Tune in run game

Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune had the play of the game on Saturday evening when he soared through the end zone to score the go-ahead two-point conversion that ultimately defeated UTSA.

While the play was celebrated by UH players and fans, head coach Dana Holgorsen knows for Houston’s long-term success, the Cougars will need to be smart about how often they allow their quarterback to use his legs.

“We had some things designed, which we will use in critical situations,” Holgorsen said. “If that gives us the best chance to get a first down or get a touchdown then we are going to do that.”

Tune finished as the team’s lead rusher against UTSA with 51 yards on 15 carries. The 15 carries is a number Holgorsen wishes to see reduced. In addition, the Carrollton native was also sacked four times.

Holgorsen said a big reason why Tune had so many rushing attempts was the way UTSA played its defense. UTSA’s plan was to drop a lot of people into coverage and be patient, which forced Houston to have to extend plays, the head coach said.

While UH was able to find success with Tune in the run game against UTSA, Holgorsen sees what happened to Texas Tech starting quarterback Tyler Shough as a cautionary tale of why the Cougars need to be wise about letting Tune get in the defender’s sights.

Shough sustained an injury during the Red Raiders’ season opener against Murray State when he landed on his left shoulder. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said on Monday the injury is to the collarbone and he will miss the Red Raiders’ game against Houston, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

“That is why I want to protect our quarterback and get him on the ground and not have to (run) very much,” Holgorsen said.