Cougar Football Notes
11/26/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 26, 2002
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team began its final week of practice Tuesday with a solid effort.
The Cougars play host to Louisville at 2 p.m. Saturday at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Under cold temperatures and intermittent rain, the Cougars worked out for about two-and-a-half hours under the lights at the UH practice fields. While the Conference USA-leading Cardinals are coming to town, the recent dismissal of head coach Dana Dimel has been the biggest distraction for the team this week.
However, Dimel, who will coach Saturday against Louisville, said he expects his team to handle the adversity and play well this weekend.
"The biggest goal for this game is to finish the season strong for the senior and finish the season strong to make a statement of where the program is now," said Dimel, who will complete his third season on Saturday. "After getting over the shock of what happened over the weekend, it's time to get focused and compete and play a great game."
Senior running back Joffrey Reynolds needs just four more yards to become only the third player in UH history to rush for 1,400 yards in a single season. In addition, the Tyler, Texas, native needs only 37 yards to set the new C-USA single-season mark, currently held by East Carolina's Leonard Henry in 2001.
With Reynolds' steady offensive production all season, Cougar fans can expect to see him rushing the ball often on Saturday with the record in sight, Dimel said.
"We have to get that done," Dimel said. "That could be something to set the season off and we can all be proud of that he accomplished."