University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Conclude Second Spring Scrimmage
3/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 22, 2003
Houston, Texas - New University of Houston head football coach Art Briles has been looking for a little more intensity in his Cougars, and on Saturday morning he got just that. Even in a cold drizzle the thump of pads and crash of helmets dominated UH's second spring scrimmage, with the offense gaining a slight edge in this controlled environment.
Overall, Briles is seems pleased with his team's performance after two weeks.
"We had good intensity (and) great effort," said Briles. "Schematically, we're coming along much better.
"We really appreciate the fans' coming out and watching. It gives us boost, so we're really proud of them (for) fighting through the weather with us.
"I'm pleased. We're playing hard. We're playing exciting. This gives us a chance to win"
Sophomore running back Anthony Evans rushed for two touchdowns during the scrimmage, including a dazzling 23-yarder through the number-one defense. Junior running back Carl Francis also scored a touchdown, and senior quarterback Nick Eddy hooked up with sophomore wide receiver Chad McCullar on a nice play.
Defensively, the line, led by senior Ryan Huffman and sophomores Matthew Bentley and Kade Lane, did a good job stopping the run, as did senior linebacker Damien West.
With two weeks to go to the annual Red-White game on Saturday, April 5, Briles likes the pace at which his team has progressed.
"I really think we're close (to where we want to be)," added Briles. "We have in about 65 percent of our offense. Defensively, we're about at the same pace.
"The thing that I'm impressed with is our retention level is really coming together. We understand what we're doing. So, I'd say we're at least to where I'd expected or maybe even ahead."
The Cougars will return to the practice fields on Tuesday, March 25, at 4 pm to begin the third week of spring drills.
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