University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Football Notes
10/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 17, 2002
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team wrapped up its preparations for this weekend's home contest against Army on Thursday with a solid workout.
The Cougars (2-4, 0-3 C-USA) return to the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium to play host to Conference USA rival Army at 2 p.m. Saturday. After three straight losses on the road, UH head coach Dana Dimel said his team is looking forward to a game on its home field.
"It's nice to be back home," said Dimel, who is now in his third year at the helm of the UH program. "We have matured through those road games, and I hope that we have come back as a better football team."
UH wrapped up its weekly preparations with a 90 minute-workout in shorts and shoulder pads Thursday at the Cougar practice fields. Following the practice, Dimel said his team has already endured the peaks and valleys of a college football season only halfway through the year and is becoming better because of that.
"We're halfway through the season, and we have to keep improving," Dimel said. "Hopefully, our team is maturing daily and learning how to handle whatever situation might come its way."
Senior running back Joffrey Reynolds has enjoyed some solid performances against the Knights during his collegiate career, rushing for more than 100 yards in both encounters. He posted 201 yards on the ground and three touchdowns in a Cougar win during the 2000 season. After rushing for 148 yards last weekend at UAB, Reynolds should be an important piece of the Cougar offense on Saturday.
"We're trying to run the football more and more, so Joffrey becomes more and more significant," Dimel said. "Joffrey has had success in these ball games in the past and he needs to feed off that and have his best game yet."
Saturday's game features a pair of hungry football teams. The Cougars will be looking to snap a 14-game losing skid in C-USA play while Army (0-6, 0-4 C-USA) is vying for its first mark in the win column this season.
