University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Football Notes
10/30/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 30, 2002
Following their second bye week of the 2002 campaign, the University of Houston football team returns to action on the field this coming weekend at Memphis, and in practice on Wednesday (Oct. 30) afternoon under the lights at Robertson Stadium, the Cougars continued to prepare for the Tigers as well as the rest of the season.
And the main focus heading into the remaining schedule is winning on the road, especially against league opponents.
"It's important for us to win a road game, that's the main thing," began third-year head coach Dana Dimel following practice. "We feel like we've played decent on the road, but haven't found a way to win yet at TCU and UAB, as far as Conference road games.
"That's been the main focus, and it's been nice having two weeks to prepare for this ball game (Memphis)."
In preparing his Cougars for battle this weekend at Memphis, Dimel 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.
"The way our defense plays will be very crucial in this game," continued Dimel. "Stopping their run game, trying to keep them from making big plays in their passing game and trying to win the special teams battle have also been the big things we've been stressing to our guys."
Houston may carry a slight edge over Memphis heading into Saturday's contest, as the Tigers currently ride a four-game skid and are looking to rebound from a 48-10 loss at Cincinnati last week, a game in which Memphis managed just 247 yards of total offense and turned the ball over six times. In order to halt the Tigers' run game as Dimel mentioned, the Cougars are looking to halt DeAngelo Williams, Memphis' main threat on the ground who has posted 453 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season.
"In talking about our offense, we have to try to be consistent in our run game, eliminate turnovers and create big plays in the passing game," said Dimel.
Following this weekend's game at Memphis, the Cougars return home to Robertson Stadium on Nov. 9 to host the East Carolina Pirates with kick-off slated for 2:00 p.m.
