University of Houston Athletics
Game Prep Begins For Season Opener
8/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 18, 2003
HOUSTON, Texas - With less than two weeks until the season opener at home versus Rice, the University of Houston football team returned to two-a-days today with one eye focused on improving all facets of its team and the other eye towards the arch-rival Owls.
After a brief workout in helmets and shorts this morning, the Cougars had intended on a two-hour-plus afternoon practice outdoors in full pads; however, the inclement weather sent UH inside for the entire two hours.
Despite having to scuttle the outdoor plans, UH head coach Art Briles enjoyed what he saw with his Cougars today.
"It was productive, and that is what we wanted (was) production," commented Briles. "We knew if we stayed indoors we would get production. As for staying outdoors, it could've rained, it could've hailed (and) it could've had lightning slapping around up there. So, we stayed in and we had a good workout, and we feel good about it."
For the first time since fall camp began back on August 6, the Cougars started to focus some of their attention on preparing for the Rice game on August 30. For Briles, the most important aspect of the next two weeks is staying mentally sharp in anticipation of a very disciplined Rice team.
"What we're really concerned with right now is mental awareness," added Briles. "We are playing Rice. We do have to start trying to get a feel for how they do things and why they do things. So, that is what we're after, as well as what we do from an offensive, defensive and special teams standpoint."
The Cougars will practice just once tomorrow, returning the UH practice fields, weather permitting, for a 3 pm workout. UH practices remain closed to the public.
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