University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Football Notes
10/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 23, 2002
After the Cougars' offensive explosion last weekend in their 56-42 win over Army at Robertson Stadium, Houston heads into its second bye week of the season this week and in practice this week began preparations for its next opponent, Conference USA foe Memphis, while continuing to polish up some new plays.
For Wednesday (Oct. 23) afternoon's practice, the Cougars went indoors to the Yeoman Fieldhouse inside the Athletics/Alumni Building for their second-to-last practice of the week.
"Today we worked on the return game on special teams, punt returns and kick-off returns, two things we think are going to be really important heading into the Memphis game," said third-year head coach Dana Dimel. "We feel like we have to do two things in this upcoming game: have good punt returns and put pressure on their punter.
"Also, we worked on good kick-off returns to give us good field position to start drives so we can establish a run game, which helps the passing game, as the passing game feeds off the run game," continued Dimel.
Dimel also stressed that in order to be successful against the Tigers, who lead the all-time series between the two schools 4-3, the Cougars must also stop Memphis' deep balls, which means defending the deep pass.
"Stopping them from creating big plays in the passing game is going to be very critical," said Dimel.
In addition, with no game this weekend, Dimel said the team has been involved in a lot of film study as well as polishing up on new plays to be incorporated into the game scheme against the Tigers.
The Cougars will practice tomorrow again indoors, take Friday and Saturday off, and Sunday's practice will be under the lights at Robertson Stadium.
Following this weekend's bye week, the Cougars return to the football field on Nov. 2 when they take on the Memphis Tigers at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn. Houston returns home to Robertson Stadium the following weekend for a Nov. 9 Homecoming match-up against East Carolina with kick-off at 2:00 p.m.
