University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Football Notes
10/31/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 31, 2002
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team closed out its weekly practices with a solid showing Thursday at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
The Cougars (3-4) face Conference USA rival Memphis at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Liberty Bowl at Memphis, Tenn.
The team worked under the lights at Robertson Stadium for about 90 minutes in shorts and shoulder pads before calling it a day. After enjoying their second open weekend last week, the Cougars looked sharp in their preparations for the Tigers. With three of their last four games at home, this weekend's game could help the Cougars bring momentum into the homestretch.
"This game could be a real springboard for us, if we take it one step at a time and play four quarters of three segments," said Dimel, who is now in his third year at the helm of the UH program.
UH will be looking to ride its wave of momentum into Saturday's game. The Cougars are coming of a 56-42 home win over Army on Oct. 19 that snapped a 14-game losing streak in league play.
In that game, UH rushed for nearly 300 yards against the Black Knights with a pair of senior running backs leading the way. Joffrey Reynolds led all players with 197 yards and two touchdowns, while Chris Robertson added 93 yards and a UH single-game season best three rushing scores in the win. With recent performances like that, both Reynolds and Robertson will be important cogs in the Cougars' offensive game plans this weekend, Dimel said.
"We have to make sure that we establish our running game, but don't let them key on our running game. We have to let those two guys try to win the game for us by establishing some consistency," Dimel said. "Having Chris come back helps Joffrey have somebody complement him."
Following Thursday's workout, the team held the annual Cougar Bowl at Robertson Stadium. Both non-traveling players and redshirts competed against one another for about 40 minutes in a scrimmage, giving all the players on the team a chance to compete in a game-type atmosphere.
The game ended, after about 40 plays, when redshirt freshman offensive tackle John McGilvray made a leaping catch over an outstretched defensive back in the end zone from about 25 yards out. The catch sent players and coaches from both teams onto the field to mob and congratulate the Mexia, Texas, native.
Dimel was also quick to praise the performances of freshman defensive back Will Gulley, freshman wide receiver Leonard Gibson, freshman wide receiver Chad McCullar and freshman defensive lineman L.C. Kirkpatrick.
"This is a chance to get these guys better, knowing they are in their redshirt or second year," Dimel said.
