University of Houston Athletics
Wednesday Football Practice Report
11/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 29, 2006
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team continued its preparations outside under cloudy skies with a spirited two-hour workout Wednesday afternoon at the UH Athletics Complex.
"We're 48 hours from the game," head coach Art Briles said. "Our players are focused, intense and determined to play well in front of our home crowd Friday night."
Houston (9-3, 7-1 C-USA) squares off with Southern Miss (8-4, 6-2 C-USA) for the Conference USA Championship presented by Aéropostale Friday at 7pm CST inside Robertson Stadium. The game can be heard live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with the pregame show beginning one hour before kickoff. Tom Franklin will handle the play-by-play duties, while former record-setting UH quarterback David Klingler will provide color analysis. Former All-Southwest Conference center Chuck Brown serves as the sideline reporter. All Cougar Football games can be heard live on the Internet by logging onto www.UHCougars.com. In addition, the game will be aired live on ESPN2 in the Cougars' seventh appearance on television during the 2006 season.
The Cougars dropped a 31-27 decision at Southern Miss, but Houston has won five consecutive games since the setback in Hattiesburg.
"We have a different mindset more than anything that we do schematically from the last time we faced Southern Miss," Briles said. "We're a more mentally tough and determined squad. I'm not saying we didn't play hard the last time we faced them. We just have to limit our mistakes this time around."
Quarterback Jeremy Young leads the USM attack, throwing for 1,423 yards and 11 touchdowns in addition to averaging 3.2 yards per carry on his 70 carries for the Golden Eagles this season. Young threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another score in the regular-season meeting against Houston.
The Golden Eagles use a ball control offense headed by running back Damion Fletcher, who ranks fourth in C-USA, posting 120.2 yards per game. Fletcher also has found pay dirt nine times this season.
Young looks to tight end Shawn Nelson, who has a team-best 34 receptions for 440 yards. Damion Carter is the deep threat on the offense, notching 16.4 yards a reception.
"They're big and powerful up front," Briles said. "Their offensive line allows them to control tempo and to be successful. They have playmakers on that side of the ball. Young is a solid quarterback who can run and throw. Nelson and Carter are solid receivers, while Fletcher is someone who can grind out a lot of yards."
The Golden Eagles defense allows a league-low 16.5 points per game, while the secondary has recorded 15 interceptions in 12 games.
Gerald McGrath headlines the Southern Miss defense, recording 76 tackles, including 43 solo efforts. Brandon Sumrall serves as the rover and is an all-around threat. Martavius Price anchors USM's 3-4 scheme with 12 of his 57 tackles coming for a loss from his defensive tackle spot.
"Southern Miss has built their reputation over the last 15 seasons as a program on solid defense and this season is no different," Briles said. "They're a tough team to move the ball and score points on."
The Conference USA Championship presented by Aéropostale marks the 11th time that Houston and Southern Miss will meet on the gridiron. The Cougars have lost seven of the last eight meetings in the series but knocked off the Golden Eagles with a 27-24 victory last season the previous time the teams met at Robertson Stadium.
"We're excited because our fans are excited," Briles said. "We're excited about the opportunity of playing in our home stadium one more time for a championship. A great crowd helps us win football games."
Ticket sales remained steady through the recent Thanksgiving holiday, but good seats remain. Premium seating tickets are available for $50, while sideline and lower end zone reserved seating tickets will be sold for $30. Upper end zone general admission seating tickets are available for $20. Both Houston and visiting team student tickets can be purchased for only $10 with a valid ID. Students at any Conference USA school who plan to attend the C-USA Championship Game presented by Aéropostale must purchase their tickets in person at the UH Ticket Office or at the Southern Miss Ticket Office.
The Ticket Office will be open during regular business hours during the week of the C-USA Championship game. On-line ticket sales always are available 24 hours a day at UHCougars.com.
Fans of the University of Houston football team that have ordered their tickets to the 2006 C-USA Championship Game presented by Aéropostale are encouraged to stop by the UH Ticket Office and pick up their tickets to avoid long lines at the will call window on game day.
