University of Houston Athletics
Clay's Big Game Garners Conference Honor
11/17/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 17, 2003
HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston junior defensive end Joe Clay (San Angelo, Texas) today was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for his play in the Cougars' 34-14 win at Army last Saturday.
Clay becomes the second Houston defender to be honored by the league office in Chicago, joining junior linebacker Lance Everson who won the award back in September. Freshman quarterback Kevin Kolb has twice been honored, and senior wide receiver Brandon Middleton picked up the hardware back in October.
Clay played a big part in the Cougars' critical Conference USA win, which not only snapped a three-game UH losing streak, but also made Houston bowl eligible with its sixth win. The Cougar defense held Army to just 208 total yards, including only 10 on the ground.
Clay finished the game with six total tackles, but more importantly, he had five tackles for loss and three sacks in negating the Black Knight offensive attack. In what has been a breakout year for Clay, the former member of the Lombardi Award Watch List leads the Cougars in sacks with six and is tied with Everson for the team lead in tackles for loss with 14. Overall, Clay has 67 tackles, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and 20 quarterback hurries.
Clay and his teammates return to the road for the final time this season, traveling to the State of Kentucky to face Louisville on Saturday, November 22. Kickoff is slated for 2 pm CST.
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