University of Houston Athletics
Cougar Football Notes
11/6/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 6, 2002
Following a big win at Memphis last weekend, the University of Houston football team returns home to Robertson Stadium this coming weekend for a Homecoming match-up against East Carolina and practice on Wednesday (Nov. 6) afternoon under the lights at Tellez Track centered on preparing for the Pirates as well as the rest of the C-USA season.
Riding a two-game win streak -- their longest in three seasons -- third-year head coach Dana Dimel said that returning home is the biggest factor for the Cougars this week.
"We're back at home, and that's the big thing with East Carolina," began Dimel. "We've only played three of our eight games so far this season at home, and this really gives us a chance, a boost, to be here in our stadium and have three of our last four games at home.
"It's also important for us to build on the two-game win streak and try to have some momentum with the home game."
In preparing his Cougars for battle this weekend against the Pirates, who lead the all-time series 3-1, Dimel stressed that the game plan is similar to that of Memphis last week: stop East Carolina's run game, speared by running back Art Brown, and keep their offense, led by young quarterback Paul Troth, from making the big play.
"For s offensively, we need to be as balanced as we can be," said Dimel of the Cougars' plan of attack. "We've been very balanced all year, and we've been a good third-down team. Now we need to continue to do that and execute the big plays in critical situations."
Dimel reiterated the importance of playing on John O'Quinn Field.
"Just being at home, and having a chance to get our football team in a position to play into November, and have some success in November, and have some momentum and confidence, those things are all there now," said Dimel. "We've made some big strides."
Following this weekend's 2:00 p.m. game against the Pirates, the Cougars head back on the road and travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats on Nov. 16.
