University of Houston Athletics
Dana Dimel Chat Wrap
9/12/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 17, 2001
Dana Dimel: Hello, everyone. I'm here and ready to take some questions.
CougarFan: Hey coach, what would a win over Texas mean for the program?
Dana Dimel: Where we are in stages two, a victory over a top five ranked team would give our players the confidence to get over the top. Right now we are close to getting over the edge, and a great performance could get us there. Ed: Any meetings with K-State or Wyoming on the horizon?
Dana Dimel: Not any planned at this point. We would definitely be interested in playing either one of the games down the road. These games would be of good interest to our fans and this program. GRoshkowski (Louisvile): Coach Dimel, How long do you think it will take to make the Cougars consistent winners like you did at Wyoming? Good luck with your season and will see you in Louisville Nov. 10
Dana Dimel: Each program differs in the stages it takes to get them to get to the top tier. Some coaches use different philosophies in order to get there. Here at Houston we have a definite philosophy, and I feel we're getting close to it. Vic : How do you plan to stop the high powered Texas ofense? Will we be running the ball more in order to keep them off the field?
Dana Dimel: We have to be much more patient with our running game. We need to establish more first downs running the ball. Defensively, we have to be sound and try not to give up big plays. Jason (Chicago): Coach, when will the game with Georgia be made up?
Dana Dimel: Right now, it is tentatively set for December 1, but right now there is nothing finalized. There is a good chance we'll be making the trip to Athens at the beginning of December. Joe: Coach, keep up the good work. I as well as other Cougar faithful know that it will take a while longer to get the program where you want it. Good luck against Texas. Go Coogs.
Dana Dimel: Thank you for your support. We are exciting to see our young players get better and see our older players become better student-athletes with each day. Shasta66: Coach, how has the long layoff affected your team? This will be your first game in three weeks.
Dana Dimel: With the long layoff the biggest concern is that we've gone against each other for so long of a time. It is important for us to stay unified as best we can when we've had six weeks of practice and only one ball game. We haven't been able to unify and go against someone else. That is why I think it is important for us to get on the field and solidy our unity against another team. coog89: Can you talk a little about this year's special teams as opposed to last year's, especially in light of the fact that Texas' special teams have been largely responsible for most of Texas' points so far this year.
Dana Dimel: Like every ball game we go into this ball game knowing that special teams will play a significant role. We have spent an extraordinary amount of time working on the special teams. Texas has been very opportunistic in the special teams, and we have eliminate their opportunities. Joe (Houston): Coach, do you plan on giving any other quarterbacks a chance to give a different look in the Texas game?
Dana Dimel: As for as the quarterback position, we are steadfast in standing behind Kelly Robertson. We need to give him some time to get fully game tested before we can evaluate him. gocoogs: Is the momentum you earned last year with recruiting local kids still going? How's it shaping up this year?
Dana Dimel: One thing that has remained constant is that the local high school coaches are helping us in the recruiting. Even though our numbers will be limited in the amount we take (scholarships available) we expect our quality to continue to improve. Greg (Houston): Is there any scenario under which Nick Eddy might see some playing time against Texas or TCU?
Dana Dimel: Right now we are not going to have a quick trigger with Kelly. Right now Kelly provides leadership to the team and has the best understanding of the system. Nick and the freshmen quarterbacks are very talented and their time will come. Go UH!: Did you have a shot at a playing career in the NFL?
Dana Dimel: Five surgeries on the same knee limited the length of my opportunities. gocoogs: What is going to mean to have a full house this saturday for recruits, alumni, etc?
Dana Dimel: This will be a great day in the history of football at Houston. To have Texas in our stadium on our campus in front of a full house is what it is all about. We will have an abundance of recruits at the game, and those who cannot make it can see it on television. gecko (Houston): With all the defensive weapons Texas will throw at you this Saturday...where do you think they are vulnerable?
Dana Dimel: We do think we've seen some vulnerabilities, but we also know they have great strengths like every football team. We must do a good job of attacking their weaknesses, but I cannot divulge these for obvious reasons. Allen: Will Anthony Evans play this year or will he be redshirted.
Dana Dimel: Right now it is a day-to-day progression for Anthony. Obviously, we will not put Anthony in a game if he is not comfortable. We will handle Anthony's redshirt with great caution. Eric (Austin): Kicking game -- are you going to give Nathan Vasher the opportunity to return a punt?
Dana Dimel: Good question. Our best strategy is keep the ball out of his hands, but that is not as easily said as done. The belief that you can punt the ball away from a punt returner can sometimes be risky and can result in 10-yard punts. UH Alum: Coach, do you think the uhcougars.com website helps you in recruiting wars?
Dana Dimel: Yeah, I think our fans and recruits are more on our side. Every gets on there to see what is going on with the Cougars and where the support is. Lawdog: How are the kids and coaching staff holding up in light of the tragic events of last Tuesday?
Dana Dimel: The last week has been a long, hard week for our program. We need to unify now, and put our efforts towards an opponent and conquer a common goal. Chris: What is your plan for Chris Robertson? Do you expect him to play against Texas?
Dana Dimel: We expect him to play, knowing that he will have some rust on him. He hasn't played in two years. Knowing this, we know he will have to share some time with some of the other running backs.Dana Dimel: Thanks for the great questions. We are really fired up about this game against Texas. We hope to see everyone out there, and we'll do this chat again down the road.
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