University of Houston Athletics
Eddy, Marshall Shine In Red-White Game
4/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 5, 2003
HOUSTON, Texas - Quarterback Nick Eddy illustrated to the boisterous Cougar crowd at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium that he has fully absorbed the complexities of Art Briles' wide-open offense, as the senior was near perfect during the annual Red-White game to conclude spring practice.
Under a controlled environment and working with the number-one offense, Eddy completed 17-of-21 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite targets in the morning scrimmage were a mix of old and new, as senior Brandon Middleton and a pair of exciting sophomores, Vincent Marshall and Chad McCullar, scored all five touchdowns in the one-and-a-half hour workout.
Marshall had five catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns, while Middleton also hauled in five for 105 yards and a score. McCullar chipped in five receptions for 49 yards and the final touchdown.
In concluding his first spring guiding the Cougar program, Briles heaped praise upon the Houston faithful who attended the game.
"I would really like to thank the fans that came out today," said Briles. "There is a lot of things to do in Houston, Texas, but they chose to come out today and support us. I am proud of them for coming out and supporting us today.
"We're going to try to make (the fans) proud. That is our number-one objective...to make us a good team and make the people who love the University of Houston proud."
From an executive standpoint for the three facets of his team's game (offense, defense and special teams), Briles was pleased with his team's performance.
"I thought the (team's understanding) of the schemes were good," added Briles. "This was the first time all spring we were not out on the field with them, so that part of it went well. We acted like we had a feel for what we were doing concept-wise.
"Again, the effort was good. It was a bit muggy, but we battled through it and got it done."
Running the second-team offense, sophomore Blade Bassler also enjoyed a productive morning. Bassler completed seven-of-11 passes for 95 yards and one score. He suffered one interception by senior strong safety Jermain Woodard. Bassler added 16 yards on four carries.
Speaking of the run, the top Cougar back was sophomore Anthony Evans, who looks like he nailed down the number-one spot on the depth chart with his spring's performance. Evans rushed for 39 yards on just four carries.
Defensively, senior defensive end Farouk Adelekan, who led the way with two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. Walk-on Courtney Sterling and sophomore Kade Lane also had fumble recoveries, in addition to the lone interception by Woodard.
The Cougars will open the 2003 season at home on August 30, playing host to archrival Rice in the annual Administaff Bayou Bucket. Houston defeated the Owls, 24-10, last season at Rice Stadium.
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Scoring
Brandon Middleton 33 pass from Nick Eddy (Dustin Bell kick)
Vincent Marshall 61 pass from Blade Bassler (Justin Laird kick)
Marshall 27 pass from Eddy (Bell kick failed)
Marshall 40 pass from Eddy (Laird kick)
Chad McCullar 26 pass from Eddy (Laird kick)
Rushing: Evans 4-39, Sapp 9-32, Tillman 5-18, Bassler 4-16, Thibodeaux 5-13, Ca. Francis 2-5, Scott 1-5, Fernandez 1-3, Eddy 3-2, McCullar 2-2, Battle 1-1, Stanley 2-0.
Passing: Eddy 17-21-0, 325 yards, 4 TD; Bassler 7-11-1, 95 yards, 1 TD.
Receiving: Marshall 5-180, Middleton 5-105, McCullar 5-49, Clark 2-23, Cucci 1-13, Pritchett 1-9, Arceneaux 1-7, Ch. Francis 1-5, Moore 1-2, Thibodeaux 1-2.
