Nathaniel Dell scored the winning touchdown with 20 seconds left in the game and Houston beat Louisiana 23-16 to win the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Friday evening (23). The game was played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.
With the scores locked at 16 apiece, Clayton Tune connected with Dell, who evaded a defender and then dove into the end zone to seal the win for the Cougars (8-5). It was the first appearance in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl for both of the programs. This was their 10th time facing off against each other.
Louisiana scored the first 13 points of the game and went into the halftime break leading 16-6. But Houston held the Ragin’ Cajuns (6-7) scoreless in the second and put in 17 points for themselves to collect the win and close out the season on a high.
Clayton Tune connected with Dell for two of his three touchdown passes in the game with KeSean Carter taking the other touchdown catch. Dell, the star receiver for the Cougars, concluded his college career in style with the game-winning score.
Dell is a junior with Houston, but has declared for the NFL Draft. He noted ahead of the bowl schedule that he wanted to play in the bowl game and didn’t disappoint.
Tune finished 18 of 28 for 229 yards with his three TDs and ran for an additional 55 yards, while Carter had three catches for 104 yards for Houston. he completed the season with 109 receptions for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Chandler Fields was 17 of 25 for 169 yards and a touchdown for Louisiana in the defeat.
