University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Finalize Preparations For Sam Houston State
9/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 8, 2005
Houston, Texas - When the University of Houston plays host to Sam Houston State, it marks the sixth time overall that the Cougars have played against the Bearkats. It also is the first time the two teams have played against each other since 1996, when the Cougars went on to win the Conference USA championship and play in the St. Jude's Liberty Bowl. Despite the fact the two schools haven't played in nine seasons, Houston head coach Art Briles has his team focused on getting better as a team following the Cougars' 38-24 setback against Oregon last week.
"Right now, we are not worried about who we are playing," Houston head coach Art Briles said. "We have to work at being good as a team and grow as a program. I think we are headed in the right direction, but we have to prove it on the football field."
The last time the two teams played against each other Houston scored 20 fourth-quarter points to come back and win the game, 43-25, at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.
If the first week of the season is any indication, Saturday night's game could become another shootout as the Cougars look to win their first game of the season. Houston scored 21 first-half points against Oregon.
Sam Houston State opened their 2005 season under first-year head coach Todd Whitten with a 77-7 victory over Bacone College in Huntsville. The Bearkats are coming off their best season in school history after winning 11 games and advancing to the NCAA I-AA national semifinals for the first time.
Kick-off is schedule for 6 p.m., and can be heard live on ESPN 790 AM and on the www.UHCougars.com website. Tom Franklin handles the play-by-play duties and Tony Fitzpatrick provides color analysis. Former Cougar Chuck Brown serves as the roving sideline reporter.
