University of Houston Athletics
Wednesday Practice Notes
10/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 20, 2004
HOUSTON - More then two weeks will have passed by since Houston's last football game, when the Cougars take the field against TCU on Saturday in Fort Worth, which has given the team some extra time to become focused on the last half of the season.
At 1-5, the Cougars are more motivated then ever to become the football team they know they can and should be. Head coach Art Briles is confident in his team's preparations over the last two weeks.
"The last two days have been pretty good," said Briles after practice on Wednesday. "The team's been in good spirits, had good focus and has had good intensity, that's all we can ask for. Now we just have to get out to the game and get after it on Saturday."
Many people see Saturday's game as a critical one for both squads as the Cougars and the Frogs, who are 3-3 on the year, need a win to keep their bowl hopes alive. With the season winding down and every game counting, the need to go out and perform is something the Cougars are very aware of.
"They are all college students and understand what's going on," said Briles of the Cougars' preparation and motivation for Saturday's matchup. "Every game is critical, there hasn't been a game this year that hasn't been critical."
This will be the last meeting between the Frogs and Cougars as Conference USA rivals. Next season TCU will be leaving C-USA to join the Mountain West Conference, but the departure of one of their rivals doesn't mean anything to Briles.
"What we are trying to do is take care of ourselves," said Briels. "You go to work and get paid. We've been going to work but haven't been paid, so its time to go get paid."
During the past two weeks the Cougars have refused to let up one bit. Briles and his staff have kept the pressure, intensity and focus high for the players and the team has responded.
"I am extremely proud of our players and coaches, I have quit a bit of faith in them," said Briles. "We have been through a pretty good grind and now we are ready to finish this thing out strong for ourselves, for our program and the University of Houston."
TCU and Houston are set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. in Fort Worth with live coverage being broadcast on Star 790, KBME-AM with the pregame show beginning at 5:15 P.M.
