University of Houston Athletics
Football Press Luncheon
9/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 7, 2004
On the Rice game
"We're extremely disappointed, frustrated and embarrased, but it's our job to be resilient and bounce back. And that's what we'll do. So that part is over with."
On the Oklahoma game this week (Sept. 11)
"We have a great opportunity this week in going to OU. They are without a doubt one of the top, if not the top, Division I programs in the nation over the past five years, and it's a great opportunity for us. It's a great challenge for us, but it's also a chance for us to show our resiliency, our manhood and our competitive nature. That's the thing; I'm ready to get back on the field, get our guys back in focus, and then get in gear. It's going to be a great environment, a great atmosphere for us to showcase the University of Houston to the nation."
Does the loss to Rice change the team's mindset heading into the Oklahoma game, as far as more pressure to show what Houston is made of?
"You have to show what you're made of every week. This is an opportunity for us to go up against one of the best teams in the nation and to see where we stack up right now. It's not an easy task, as what has beren evident by the last five years with those who have played them (Oklahoma). But it's one challenge that is in front of us. And we're going to go up there and handle it as champions, and as competitors."
Are you considering any personnel changes in the offensive line, or is it going to be worked out on the field?
"No, not really. Thos guys battled hard. We knew that we had three offensive line changes going into the game. We knew that there might be an issue or two. We have complete confidence in the guys that are out there, and they will continue to get better. You can't get better just watching. So we're going to get them out there and keep letting them play. I think we'll see steady improvement throughout the season."
Was there anything in particular that you surprised you - was it your execution, was it Rice or was it a combination?
"Against OU, that's what we're going to try to really get out there and establish something from an offensive standpoint. Hopefully we continue to play good defense like we did last week (against Rice), and shore up any problems we have in the kicking game. That's our main focus right now and going into this week."
