Major Applewhite grew up in Baton Rouge, La., just four hours away from Houston’s campus. He was watching as a teenager when his hometown Tigers barely survived their first encounter with the Cougars back in 1996, rallying from a 34-14 deficit for a 35-34 win.
“I’ve always felt Houston is a great program with a great winning tradition,” Applewhite said. “I’m watching Houston score 80, 90 points and the quarterback is throwing 11 touchdowns in a game. I’ve always had tremendous respect for this program.”