University of Houston Athletics
Football Continues Oklahoma State Preps
9/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 20, 2006
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team hit the practice fields for a strong two-hour workout Wednesday afternoon at the UH Athletics Complex.
"We know what we have to do before Saturday, and we know how to get there," head coach Art Briles said. "We have to continue to work hard, keep improving and believe in each other. If we do those things, we'll have a lot of fun on Saturday night."
The Cougars (3-0) conclude their three-game homestand when they face Oklahoma State (3-0) at 8pm. The game can be heard live on ESPN 790 AM and on the internet by logging onto www.UHCougars.com. A pre-game show begins one hour before kickoff. Tom Franklin handles the play-by-play duties, while former record-setting UH quarterback David Klingler provides color analysis. Former All-Southwest Conference center Chuck Brown serves as a sideline reporter. In addition, the game will be televised nationally on CSTV with Carter Blackburn handling play-by-play and Brian Jones on color. It will be the first of two straight nationally televised games for the Cougars.
Houston picked up a 42-22 win over Grambling State, while Oklahoma State dismissed Florida Atlantic, 48-8. The all-time series between the two schools is knotted at 8-8-1, but Saturday will be the Cowboys first trip to Robertson Stadium.
The Cougars opened up practice today working on kick coverage and multiple ways to contain dangerous return man Perrish Cox. He has already broken a kickoff for a touchdown and averages 17.3 yards per punt return, which is second-best in the nation.
Quarterback and Houston native Bobby Reid fuels the OSU offense. Reid is a mobile quarterback that has already thrown for 518 yards and seven touchdowns.
Mike Hamilton paces the rushing attack that averages 5.1 yards per carry. Hamilton has ripped off 313 yards on an impressive 7.1 yards per touch and has scored three touchdowns.
Adarius Bowman and D'Juan Woods are a pair of big play threats at receiver, averaging 27.2 and 20.4 yards per catch, respectively. Both have longs are over 65 yards this season.
"OSU has been a great running team for decades ever since the days of Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders," Briles said. "But they have playmakers on the outside that can go up and get the ball. We have to play the complete game on the defensive side of the ball."
The Cowboys have a young secondary but are very experienced up front led by four senior defensive linemen. OSU has recorded 30 tackles for loss in addition to 12 sacks.
"They are so good up front that it takes a lot of pressure off their secondary," Briles said. "All of their guys in the front seven play with a high motor and high intensity that allows them to control the line of scrimmage."
Saturday's game will mark the first of three meetings between Houston and Oklahoma State. The Cougars travel to Stillwater in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Tickets to game can be purchased by calling 713-Go Coogs or on the UHCougars.com website.
