Cougar Football Notes
11/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 20, 2002
With the second-to-last game of the 2002 season set for this weekend at Robertson Stadium against the visiting South Florida Bulls, who join Conference USA next season, the University of Houston football team practiced on Wednesday (Nov. 20) afternoon and early evening under the lights at Tellez Track with its eyes set on playing a solid four quarters and preparing to close out the year on a positive note during this upcoming two-game home stand.
"This is a big game for us," began third-year head coach Dana Dimel after practice. "Last year's game was tough, and this year we've wanted to get another chance. It's a game our guys have been looking forward to playing and we're excited to play. We've been working hard this week and I really like the attitude of our team going through the practices. It's just been a good week for us all around."
In going up against South Florida, which boasts an 8-2 record and boasts quarterback Marquel Blackwell, who has thrown only five interceptions all year for third-fewest total in the nation, Dimel said the Cougars' pass defense, despite struggling at times this season, is ready for the challenge.
"The biggest strategy of the game will be containing their passing game," continued Dimel. "They (South Florida) have one of the best quarterbacks in the country (Blackwell) and their offensive line doesn't give up many quarterback sacks. He (Blackwell) just makes good decisions and makes them in a timely manner."
In preparing his Cougar offense for this weekend, Dimel contended that he and his staff will most likely experiment and possibly pass more than they have in any one game during this 2002 campaign.
"We might throw it a bit more than we have," said Dimel. "We're going to test the run. If the run is going good for us, then we'll stay with it; if not, we're going to throw the ball a little bit more."
And perhaps the biggest factor for the Cougars is that they close out the year with two straight home games -- a luxury that seems so far removed with four of their last six games having been on the road.
"It's awesome to have the last two games at home, just awesome," said Dimel. "It's horrible to be on the road in November. Because we haven't been at home enough, we've taken some of the tolls you take from being on the road before this time. Now we have to take advantage of being home."
Following this weekend's game against the visiting Bulls, the Cougars wrap up the 2002 regular season with their Robertson Stadium finale against the Louisville Cardinals on Nov. 30 with kick-off slated for 2:00 p.m.