University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Conclude Preparations For Grambling State
9/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 14, 2006
Houston - University of Houston head football coach Art Briles was quite pleased with his team as the Cougars held their final practice before Saturday night's non-conference game against Grambling State at Robertson Stadium.
"We had a good crispness and great tempo today," Briles said. "That is what you want every Thursday."
Houston practiced outdoors for the second straight day after beginning the week inside the Bill Yeoman Field House on Tuesday when scattered thunderstorms were passing through the Greater Houston area.
"We prefer to practice outdoors," Briles added. "It gives us a real sense of temperature and the true conditions in which we play each game. So we prefer to practice outdoors any time we can."
The Cougars face a veteran Grambling team that features quarterback Brandon Landers, who has thrown for 544 yards and six touchdowns in their first two games this season.
"Grambling State have a lot of guys on the field that won 11 games last year," Briles said. "I am not sure how we will match up with them because we have to wait and see who is winning the battle up front on both sides of the ball. Our theme all week is that we have to play well up front and on special teams."
Briles has followed Grambling State's program since 1979 when he heard legendary Tiger Coach Eddie Robinson speak when Briles was beginning his coaching career.
"I went up afterwards and got his autograph because I respected him for being a great coach, a great man and a great leader. He was such a great person for anyone to admire and be around. That is something I hope can be said about me some day."
