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The Cougars gather in front of the student section as part of a new pre-game tradition at TDECU Stadium. (Craig Hartley/For the Chronicle)
Handing out game balls following the University of Houston’s 52-24 season-opening victory over Tennessee Tech:
• Tom Herman: Herman said he took a few moments to enjoy his head coaching debut, including once when he ran on the field to pump up the student section. He also admits he waved to his wife, Michelle, at one point but isn’t sure if she saw him. For the effort, Herman joked he gave himself a “B-plus.” The team’s four captains presented Herman with a game ball in the locker room after the game.
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Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. accounted for 382 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener. ( Craig Hartley/For the Chronicle)
• Greg Ward Jr.: Ward accounted for 382 total yards and three touchdowns. He was 21-of-28 passing for 275 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 107 yards and two scores. He showed his elusiveness and ability to break loose for big runs. He also showed a nice touch on a few passes while being erratic and overthrowing targets on a few others. Say what you will, but Ward wins; he’s 7-2 as a starter dating back to last season.
• Demarcus Ayers: The wide receiver pulled in 10 catches for 121 yards. His night would have been even bigger if not for a blocking penalty that wiped out a 75-yard touchdown return.
• Kyle Postma: Four days ago, Postma, the Cougars’ third-string quarterback, wasn’t even on the radar as option at receiver. He picked up things quicker than the coaching staff could imagine and finished with four catches for 82 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown. His emergence is a welcome for a position that is extremely thin.
• Javin Webb: Everybody loves a comeback story. This one is a doozy. Thw running back was kicked off the team last year, got a second chance from Herman and had one of the best preseason camps of any player. He had two short fourth-quarterback touchdown runs Saturday.
• Adrian McDonald: The senior strong safety picked off a pass in the fourth quarter. It was the 14th career interception for McDonald, moving him into a four-way tie for second on the school’s all-time list.
• Steven Taylor: The outside linebacker had three tackles for loss and one sack.
• Elandon Roberts: The inside linebacker had a game-high nine tackles, including two tackles for loss.
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