University of Houston Athletics
Football Locks in on SMU
11/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 16, 2005
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team practiced under brisk conditions in anticipation for this weekend's game against new Conference USA rival SMU with a strong workout Wednesday afternoon at the UH Athletics Complex.
"The cool air feels really good," head coach Art Briles said. "The main thing that we have to do is maintain our focus and our intensity. What we can't do is let other stuff distract us from getting better everytime we step out onto the field."
SMU (3-6, 2-4 C-USA) comes with an extra week to prepare for the Cougars. Four of SMU's six losses this season have come by a touchdown or less, including the Mustangs last two C-USA setbacks against East Carolina and at Tulsa.
Offensively, running back DeMyron Martin and quarterback Jerad Romo spearhead the ground game with over 200 carries between them. Martin averages 4.8 yards per carry, while Romo is also a throwing threat adding 1,453 yards through the air to go along with five touchdowns.
"I think that Romo does a great job for them," Briles said. "They are real precise in their passing game and they are a type of team that can concern you without a doubt."
The Mustangs boast the No. 6 defense in C-USA giving up 385.8 yards per game. Defensive Back Joe Sturdivant anchors the unit with 85 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass break-ups.
"He's (Sturdivant) a good player," Briles said. "He really backs up their linebackers well, and a guy that is proud to be a Mustang."
Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m., Saturday, at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. The game will be broadcast on KTRH 740 AM with the voice of the Cougars, 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. The radio broadcast is also live on UHCougars.com
While the game will not be televised, fans can see the pictures with the radio broadcast as part of the Cougar All-Access pass presented by CSTV.
With a victory over SMU, 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.
"We want the stadium full on Saturday," Briles said. "We want them loud and we want them roudy. They did a great job of helping us last week against Southern Miss. As big a game as that was, this is an even bigger one."
