University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Begin Preparations For Tulane
9/4/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 4, 2002
Houston, Texas -- - Fresh off their victory at Rice, the University of Houston practiced at Robertson Stadium as the Cougars begin preparing for their first home game of the 2002 season. Houston will play host to the Tulane Green Wave in a Conference USA game on Saturday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m.
"This is an important game for us," Houston head coach Dana Dimel said. "Not only is it our first home game, but it's also an early Conference USA game at home. "Right now, our football team needs to stay real focused on what we are doing. They need to understand that we got a nice first win, but we have to put that game behind us. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get a conference win."
One of the keys in Houston's victory was the fact that the Cougars ran for 304 yards in their victory at Rice and that marks the first time since November 11, 1999 that Houston has rushed for 300 yards in a game.
"We were pleased with our success running the ball," Houston head coach Dana Dimel said. " One of the reasons that we were able to accomplish that feat was that we got out to a 14-0 lead and tried to milk the clock with our running game. "Joffrey Reynolds had a great game despite starting a little rusty early in the game from not getting a lot of carries in preseason camp. Anthony Evans also got off to a good start in his first collegiate game."
Another key was Houston's play on the defensive side of the ball.
"Our defense was flying around and playing real hard," Dimel said. "They demonstrated what they learned in the fall camp and their effort was real good. We seemed to tackle a lot better and played a real physical game defensively."
Dimel anticipates another tough test for his defensive unit against the Green Wave.
"Tulane is a fine passing team and they have a very talented quarterback, who has a strong arm," he said. "The ball will be whistling through the air a lot faster this week. We will have to put pressure on their quarterback, make sure that we have sound coverage and know that the speed of the game will increase."
