Redshirt freshman Gunn enters tied game after Stilley is injured; plays safe, impressive game
Tye Gunn played it safe in his Amon Carter debut, displaying poise and talent — as well as inexperience.
By Brandon Ortiz
Editor in Chief

Tye Gunn showed all the flashes of brilliance one would expect from a former high school all-state quarterback Saturday.

But by his own admission, he also displayed a timidness not uncommon for a redshirt freshman quarterback called into action during a tied game.

“I don’t think I would have played as conservatively,” Gunn said after the game. “I didn’t want to make a mistake.”

Displaying the speed and playmaking ability that elevated him from fifth to second-string in a year, Gunn sparked the Frogs (3-1, 0-1 Conference USA) only touchdown drive in the team’s 16-10 win over North Texas (1-3) Saturday. But his line in the box score didn’t sparkle — 12 passing yards, 24 rushing yards on eight carries.

But more importantly, he didn’t lose the game.

“I wanted him in earlier in the game, and I think you will start seeing him more in the first half,” said head coach Gary Patterson Sunday. “He has a great presence for a freshman.”

After only playing once in the Frogs’ first three games, Gunn finally got his chance to play after senior quarterback Sean Stilley walked to the sideline clutching his separated throwing shoulder. Stilley’s status for the Oct. 5 game against Houston was uncertain as of Sunday.

Gunn couldn’t have entered the game at a stickier time. The Frogs were tied 3-3 in the third quarter. The offense struggled in the first half, turning the ball over as many times as earning first downs (twice). The team had more yards to this point in penalties (53) than in total offense (51).

Gunn did not fair well his first series, zipping a pass over receiver Adrian Madise and tripping on third down and 10 behind the line of scrimmage.

“It was very nerve wracking,” Gunn said.

Gunn apparently rid himself of the butterflies by the next series. After the pocket collapsed, Gunn scrambled for 29 yards — the Frogs’ longest play of the game — to get the ball to the North Texas 4-yard line. Gunn eluded pass rushers again the next play to connect with tight end Cody McCarty for the first touchdown of the game.

The freshman still made mistakes — he didn’t throw the ball away on one play and was sacked — but didn’t throw the game away.

“Tye did great,” Madise said after the game. “He was tight a little. After we joked around, we loosened him up.”

Stilley watched most of the second half with his right arm in a sling. Should Stilley not be ready for the Homecoming Game, Gunn will have at least two weeks of practice to prepare.

Patterson said he would be comfortable with Gunn starting.

“I think he just has to run the offense,” Patterson said. “You see what we did to a redshirt freshman, we blitzed him. I think that is what you have to do for him to be able to handle it.”

Sports Editor Danny Gillham contributed to this story.