2022 Independence Bowl, Louisiana vs. Houston, 12-23-22: Photo Gallery

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Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune -effectively a fourth quarter maestro in 2022– once again saved his best for last in the 2022 Independence Bowl. As temperatures ranged in the mid-teens, Tune heated up right on time.

With the game in the balance tied at 16, Tune and star receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell made an in-game adjustment on an audible that led to the game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass. Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen had no problem allowing his star quarterback make the call.

“I told yall a couple of day ago that he (Tune) was going to call a lot of the plays based on his familiarity with what they were going to do defensively,” Holgorsen offered after the game. “He changed that play (game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass to Dell) right. That’s what make this relationship (pointing to Tune and Dell) so special.”

Donavan Mutin and Zykeius Strong enter the smoke before the Independence Bowl

Houston defensive lineman Zykeius Strong (No. 90 pictured) and linebacker Donavan Mutin (No. 3 pictured) lead the Cougars entrance onto the field in the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Eric Garror returns a kickoff in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Louisiana CB-KR Eric Garror (No. 7 pictured) returned two punts for touchdowns in 2022 for the Ragin' Cajuns. During his career, he also posted nine interceptions, three punt return TDs and 26 pass breakups.

Noah Guzman about to tackle Louisiana's Eric Garror in the 2022 Indepdendence Bowl

Houston S Noah Guzman is about to meet Louisiana KR Eric Garror in the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Nathaniel Dell uses jab step off of the line of scrimmage

Dell, Jr. (No. 1 pictured) had an all-day battle with Louisiana CB Trey Amos. He uses a jab step to release from Amos off the line of scrimmage on this play.

After beating Amos off of the line of scrimmage, Dell was able to use his speed on a crossing route. The Florida native led the nation with 17 touchdown receptions in 2022 and posted 31 in a spectacular three-year run for the Cougars. Despite excellent coverage from Amos (No. 21 pictured) much of the afternoon, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Tune.

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns fans brave the temperatures of the Independence Bowl

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns fans braved temperatures in the teens for the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Clayton Tune (No. 3 pictured) handled the cold weather well and passed for 229 yards with three touchdown passes. He finished the year with 40 touchdown passes and is now headed to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.

Wide receiver Ke'Sean Carter (No. 8 pictured) catches a 49-yard corner route vs. Louisiana CB Eric Garror and S Bralen Trahan in the second quarter of the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Fellow wide receiver Ke'Sean Carter (No. 8 pictured) catches a 49-yard corner route vs. Louisiana CB Eric Garror and S Bralen Trahan in the second quarter. He finished with four receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Louisiana offensive line vs. Houston defensive line in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Redshirt sophomore LT Nathan Thomas (No. 50 pictured) engages Houston stalwart DL D'Anthony Jones (No. 44 pictured) on the edge to protect QB Chandler Fields during Saturday's game.

Houston's Art Green defends a pass versus Louisiana's Neal Johnson, Jr.

2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl defensive MVP No. 26 Art Green (9 tackles, PBU) breaks up a pass intended for Louisiana WR Neal Johnson, Jr. in the end zone during the second quarter of Friday's contest.

Gervarrius Owens and Neal Johnson both dislodge from the ball in the end zone

Gervarrius Owens (No. 2 pictured) and Louisiana WR Neal Johnson, Jr. both go in opposite directions in full chemistry during a second quarter pass in the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Louisiana PK Kenneth Almendares had a strong day in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns PK Kenneth Almendares kicks a field goal in the 2022 Independence Bowl. Almendares made two 42-yard field goals in the cold temperatures of Shreveport.

Louisiana dancing after a field goal in the 2022 Independence Bowl

As a result of his three-field goal performance, Almendares (pictured in the middle) practiced his dance moves with teammates Johnny Lumpkin (No. 88 pictured) and Pearse Migl (No. 24 pictured).

2022 Independence Bowl celebration with fireworks

Houston's Art Green, Nathaniel Dell, Clayton Tune and Ta'Zhawn Henry celebrate the 2022 Independence Bowl championship with head coach Dana Holgorsen.