The reason has been made known as to why Houston RB Michael Hayes missed the Tulane game. He was simply held out to rest.
With Bryce Beall returning to the lineup on Thursday, head coach Kevin Sumlin thought it would be a chance to take advantage of his running back depth and get Hayes, who also plays on special teams, some time off. He was not missed as Charles Sims and Bryce Beall played very well.