University of Houston Athletics
Football Begins Preparations for SMU this Weekend
11/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 15, 2005
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team began preparations for this weekend's showdown against new Conference USA rival SMU with a solid workout Tuesday afternoon at the UH Athletics Complex.
Although rainy weather moved through the Houston area in the afternoon, the Cougars were able to finish their special teams and individual drills on the fields at the UH Athletics Complex for about 40 minutes. From there, the team headed inside the Yeoman Fieldhouse to complete their team drills during the final 80 minutes of practice.
UH (5-4, 3-3 C-USA) returns to action again at 5 p.m., Saturday, when it meets the Mustangs for the first time since 2000 at the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. The game will be broadcast on KTRH 740 AM with Tom Franklin handling play-by-play and Tony Fitzpatrick providing color analysis. Former All-Southwest Conference center Chuck Brown serves as the roving sideline reporter.
While it will not be televised, the game can be bought online as part of the Cougar All-Access pass presented by CSTV.
With a win over the Mustangs, the Cougars will record their sixth victory of the season and become bowl-eligible. UH would have a chance to compete in two bowls during a three-year span for the first time since the 1980-81 teams played in the Garden State and Sun bowls.
However, head coach Art Briles said he and his team must focus on SMU before even thinking about postseason appearances.
"We really haven't talked about it. Without trying to sound cute, the last time I checked, five wins didn't get you there. We haven't deserved that option of talking about it yet," Briles said. "We go out and take care of business Saturday, then we can sit back and start looking at scenarios. Right now, our only scenario is beating SMU and winning the football game Saturday. Our focus has to be taking care of business. All of that other stuff will fall into place. "
SMU (3-6, 2-4 C-USA) enters the game after enjoying a bye weekend. Prior to that, the Mustangs took a 27-7 win over Rice on Nov. 19 to snap a two-game losing skid. While their record is three games under .500, that mark can be deceiving, Briles said.
"They are a good football team," Briles said. "They have lost six games, but four of them have been by a touchdown or less. They have beaten some good teams."
