For the third time in program history, Houston finished a season with at least 12 wins as the Cougars defeated Auburn 17-13 in the 2021 Birmingham Bowl on Tuesday afternoon at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
Clayton Tune wasted no time getting into rhythm, completing seven passes for 74 yards on the game’s opening possession capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to freshman running back Alton McCaskill.
Tune connected with his favorite target, sophomore receiver Nathaniel Dell, four times for 56 yards in key situations to keep the drive going.
The UH defense got the better of the Auburn offense in the first half, forcing the Tigers to a three-and-out on their first two possessions followed by a fourth-down stop to force a turnover on downs on Auburn’s third drive.