University of Houston Athletics
Football Press Conference Quotes
11/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Nov. 1, 2005
HOUSTON - Quotes from University of Houston Football Head Coach Art Briles
Tuesday, November 1, 2005 * Houston, Texas * Athletics/Alumni Center
Entering UCF game and following second open weekend
"We had a week off. We had a chance to freshen up on some things academically and strength-wise. We tried to place a little personal improvement on ourselves through that week, figuring out ways we could help ourselves to help our team get better. That was our focus a week ago, along with getting ready for UCF. This week, we will get ready for Central Florida.
"We had a good win at Mississippi State. It was probably as complete a game as we have played in the three years that we've been here. It was a really, really intelligent game, both sides of the ball and special teams, in a pretty good environment. It was a good win for us, a tough win for us by means of us playing the way that we feel like we can play. We made the plays that we had to make. We converted on offense numerous times and had big stops on defense. They had first-and-goal from the two-and-a-half and got three points. That's critical if you are going to have a good football team to be able to do things like that. I was really impressed with that.
"The thing that I have like all year long is that every time we have stepped on the field, we have gotten better. We are going to continue to do that, continue to climb. That has been our theme; it's been our goal; it's been our mission, so that's what we will continue to do."
On health of team: "From a health standpoint, we are in really good shape for this late in the season. Lance (Everson) is going to travel this week and maybe get on the field and play a little bit. That will be a big step for him and probably a little bit of a momentum lift for us, because Lance is a respected member of our team, on and off the field. From a personal standpoint, I am happy for him that he gets to get out and enjoy the game a little bit."
On Brendan Pahulu: "Pahulu is probably going to be day-to-day. He has a chance to go this Saturday along with (Chris) Pilot. (Michael) Bloesch is probably the least likely to be able to play Saturday out of those three guys."
On differences in UCF from 2004 to 2005: "I don't think it's roster turnover. It's roster sustainment. They have the same guys that they had last year. They took some lumps last year with some people. They played a pretty tough schedule last year. They lost four games by a touchdown or less and got beat by Penn State, West Virginia and Wisconsin last year. They had a pretty tough, non-conference schedule. They lost an overtime game.
"They got those guys back. They understand their system more and they have gained some confidence and momentum. When you have those things going for you, you have the chance to play with anybody. We have a lot of respect for them. They have a done a great job. It's admirable where they are at and what they have done. Our concern is taking care of the Houston Cougars. We're going out there to win the football game, because we feel like we have confidence and momentum too. It will be a good game against two very good football teams."
On importance of next two games: "I couldn't tell you who we played next week if you didn't mention it. All of our focus is on Central Florida. Every time we step on the field, it's a huge game. We feel like we have a really good football team, and I want this team to enjoy the fruits of being a good team. For us to do that, we have to take care of business over the next four weeks.
"Right now, all of our focus and drive is on this week. We get through this week, and we will take it from there. I like where we are at; I like where we are headed and I like the way our players are approaching each week right now. I expect a really great game Saturday."
On why team plays well on the road: "We haven't had that many home games. We have had two home games. We have had more opportunities on the road. Out of seven games, we've had five chances playing on the road. That's really about the only thing. All we do when we get to the game is concentrate on playing between the lines. You have to block everything else out. Our guys are being mature about that. That has helped us. We have had people step up in practice, which has made us better in games. That's probably just the bottom line. It wouldn't matter whether we were playing at home or on the road. If you have guys that are focused and doing what they are supposed to be doing, then you have a chance to win."
On timing of bye weekend: "It's a definite plus. We will be fresh; we will be active and we will be anxious. It's a big plus. It fell really nice for us this time of the year."
