University of Houston Athletics
Weekly Football Press Luncheon
11/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 18, 2003
On the Cougars win over Army on Nov. 15
"A beautiful atmosphere up there at West Point, just a special place. I was really proud of our guys for going up there and really staying focused on what we had to do, which was go up there and win a football game and become bowl eligible. I thought as a team we played very well, very intense in all three phases of the game. Everybody picked up did things to help us win. It was a great win for the University of Houston, for our football team and a great win for our seniors. We have some guys that have never been able to experience a bowl game, and we're getting closer to that realization. We just have to take care of business from here on out, and everything will hopefully fall into place."
Is there anything in particular being doneas a team to cut down on the penalties?
"Not really, other than coaching it up each week as you go along and pointing out things that could be done differently. That was one of the bright spots against Army - the penalites were down and in our favor. I think that as we mature as a team and get to know what is expected throughout the league, that will continue the downward trend."
How is Lousiville as a team?
"They are a very talented football team on both sides of the ball and on special teams. They have outstanding athletes and they are well-coached and well-discplined. There is a reason they are a 7-3 football team. They've got good folks and they are doing a good job with them."
On facing Louisville this weekend (Nov. 22) after its loss to Memphis last weekend
"I guess you could flip that coin the other way. I'd feel a whole lot better playing after a win than trying to prove myself after a loss. Each week is a new story and how they handle their situations has no bearing on how we handle ours. I know how we're going to go in there and play and how we're going to represent the University of Houston. What they do we cannot control and has no feeling to us."
What do you expect Louisville's defense to play?
"I think they have a very talented defense, they have a lot of good athletes on the field and I expect them to do what they've been doing all year long - let their athletes get out there and make plays. They'll show a bunch of different looks, as they have all season. We'll just have to try to get as good a feel as we can for them throughout the game and hopefully make the proper adjustments, control the ball and put some points on the board. It's going to be a great game. It's a good atmostphere up there, they have a nice stadium, and it will be a nice place for us to go play and get ready to bring it back against UAB the last week."
Has Louisville's offense become more pass-savvy since the injury to running back Erik Shelton, or have they been maintaing a balance?
"He (Shelton) went out in the second quarter of the TCU game and didn't play last week, and they had to throw a little bit more last week because they got behind. It's kind of a hard measure. I think they'll still try to run the ball - they're a very balanced offense."
Will Jackie Battle be back in action this week?
"I think there is a decent chance. We'll know a little more after today. I think there is good hope. Hopefully it will work out and he'll be able to go out and play."
Can the Cougars think or even ponder the thought of playing past Nov. 29 and in a bowl game?
"We're getting closer to it. It's a deal where you might not have to pinch me but once. It's become a reality. Is it a done deal? No. Do we have a chance? Yes. I am going to feel a lot better if we can get ourselves a couple more victories, then I think there will not be much doubt in the equation. Right now there is still a little bit of doubt in the air, so we need to eliminate the doubt. We've been dealt the cards, now we have to play them the right way."
