University of Houston Athletics
Weekly Football Press Luncheon
11/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 4, 2003
On the Cougars at this point
"It's been a while since we played, with the open date last week. It (open date) came at a really good time for us, I think. We've had some time to get a few guys healthy, recharge, refocus and get ready for these last four games. We've got four more games to find out how our season is going to end up, and we're ready to go attack each and every one of them."
On the Cougars' defense
"It's hard to play defense in any league, ay division I-A venue these days because of all the talent on the offensive side of the ball and everything that everybody is doing and how the rules are. Our guys are doing a good job, we're just giving up a few too many third-down plays, which has in turn has led to some scores. We're going to keep battling and they'll be out there at four o'clock on Saturday ready to take on Southern Miss."
On the Cougars' offense and if there is added pressure on the offense to score on every possession because of the high scoring of late
"I don't think so. I want our guys to feel like they have to out there and score on every possession anyway, regardless of how the tone of the game. From an offensive standpoint, when you have the ball, you're supposed to score points. It's the same thing on the defensive side - when they (opponent) has possession, you're supposed to stop them. That's just the way the game is made up and that's how we'll approach it. Some games get into a flow when everything seems to be working on both sides of the ball for both teams and you just match scores and hope that you have one more than they (opponent) do when it's over."
On how the team has regrouped following the two losses to get ready for the final four games of the season
"It's not difficult at all. Our guys are mature and they understand the situation that we're in. We've worked hard for eight games and have allowed ourselves a great opportunity. Now what we do with that opportunity is up to us. We've set ourselves up for the last four games, and we're going to battle hard, perform well and we're going to do everything we can to take care of business. After these last four games, we'll sit around, add them up with what happened in the first four and the middle four, and go from there. As far as their (players) demeanor, attitude and personality, we're just as hungry right now as we were on Aug. 30. And that's the thing that I like, because a lot of teams lose focus, drive and determination and we're gaining it all."
On the Cougars' battles against Memphis and TCU, despite the losses
"Honestly, you can ask them, but we haven't even talked about the TCU game since it's been over. It's over. Now we've got Southern Miss and we other new games, new adventures. Once they're (games) done, there's not a whole lot you can do about them. Now we can build from them and learn from them. I don't like building character. We've got character. What we need to do is worry about getting too cocky. That's the thing we've got to get to. Right now we have to show that we character, we have strength, we have guts and all of those things. I'd rather have to try to worry about us getting too high and having to tone it down, rather than trying to build back up. And that comes from winning, and that's what we have to do."
On the Southern Miss game this weekend (Nov. 8)
"They've (Southern Miss) been doing what they've been doing for 12 years, ever since Coach (Jeff) Brower has been there. They've got a sound program based upon their defense, a real high percentage style of offense similar to TCU in that they (USM) is not going to take a lot of chances. They are going to try to grind away and play great defense and win a low-scoring football game. It will be a good game for us to get out there and match our talents and skills against a really fine football team."
On Houston changing its game plan to combat Southern Miss' defense
"We're going to make some changes according to what we think they are going to try to do. As the game gets going, we'll have to make adjustments throughout the game. The thing we have to do is start a lot faster. We haven't started fast enough the last few weeks and we have to start out fast on offense."
What concerns Briles the most going into the game against Southern Miss?
"My main concern would be the consistency of their ball club on both sides of the ball. They've gotten a lot better offensively in the last month because they got their quarterback situation settled and they're getting healthier as a football team. The consistency of their team this year and of their program over the last decade."
On the difference in Southern Miss' three quarterbacks and what they may use this weekend
"I can't speak for them (Southern Miss coaches), but I think they'll use one quarterback. If it's a game that determines if they need to win the football game, then I think its Almond as the QB. I think he's their guy right now, and he's a good player. I remember him last year against Oklahoma State in the bowl game in Houston, and I was impressed with him then, and that certainly has not changed. They are all very capable, good quarterbacks, and I'm sure Southern Miss feels like they can win with either of them."
