University of Houston Athletics
Football Daily Notes
9/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 14, 2004
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team began its preparations for this weekend's home opener against Conference USA rival Army with a two-hour workout Tuesday at the UH Athletics/Alumni Center.
However, second-year head coach Art Briles was not entirely pleased with his team's performance at practice and said he expected better things as the weak progressed.
"We have to get better. We have to get ready to match Army's intensity and tenacity," Briles said. "We have to rise higher than we were today."
Earlier in his weekly press luncheon, Briles complimented the Black Knights for the way they played the game and was preparing to warn his Cougar squad about what they faced this weekend.
"Those guys (Army) honestly play as hard as any team I've seen in the last four to five years," Briles said. "I'm talking about every snap, every play, regardless of what the situation is. Whatever they have, you are getting."
The Cougars play at the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium for the first time this season when they play host to the Black Knights at 7 p.m., Saturday. After tough games against Rice at Reliant Stadium and at No. 2 Oklahoma last weekend, playing in front of the hometown fans will be a welcome sight.
"We're excited being at our home stadium," Briles said. "That's an advantage, and hopefully it will help us get a victory."
Saturday's game can be heard live on Star 790 KBME-AM. Tom Franklin handles play-by-play duties, while Tony Fitzpatrick will provide color analysis. Chuck Brown will serve as the roving sideline reporter.
The pregame show begins 45 minutes prior to kickoff. All Cougar football games can be heard live on the Internet by logging onto the UH Athletics web site at www.UHCougars.com.
Although the Cougars have started out 0-2 in 2004, Briles is looking toward bigger things ahead this season. With the Army game being the start of the C-USA season, he is preparing his UH team for the more important second season.
"That's why they have two columns in the conference standings," Briles said. "This is what we're after. We need to be 1-0 after this weekend."
