Texas Tech football: What to know about the Houston Cougars

QB Clayton Tune can be turnover prone

The belief in Houston is that, in his third year as the starting QB, Clayton Tune will finally have a breakout season.  But for that to happen, he’s got to stop giving the football to the other team.

Last year, Tune was picked off ten times in just eight games while tossing only 15 TDs.  Any QB coach will tell you that a 2:1 TD:INT ratio is less than ideal.

But some would suggest that much of Tune’s struggles came as a result of poor play along his offensive line.  And running for his life is not how any QB is going to succeed.

Still, Tune has to improve if Houston is going to take a step forward this year.  He’s been just a 57.7% passer for his career including a mere 59.6% last year, a career-best.

Another interesting Clayton Tune bullet point is the fact that he’s never faced a Power 5 team.  He has taken on BYU, Cincinnati, SMU, and Central Florida though.  His record in those games…0-6.  His interception total in those games…eight.  Thus, one might wonder if Tech can overwhelm him with elite athleticism and speed, especially in the secondary where the Red Raiders believe they are deep and strong.

Tune is not the caliber of QB that the Cougars used to have in Kase Keenum back in the days when they were a perpetual pain the backside for Power 5 teams.  Rather, he’s merely an average American Athletic Conference QB who has struggled with turnovers throughout his career as he’s tossed 21 picks in 20 career games.

But the people in Houston are confident that his breakout is coming soon.  Here’s hoping it doesn’t begin on Saturday night.