University of Houston Athletics
Cougars conclude preparations for Tulane
9/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 7, 2006
HOUSTON - - The University of Houston concluded preparations for its first home game of the 2006 season against Conference USA rival Tulane with a three-hour practice on the UH practice fields Thursday afternoon. The Cougars enter Saturday's game looking win their third home-opening game in the last four years, and fourth straight home opener at Robertson Stadium.
"We are very excited to be playing our first home game after having a great crowd over at Rice last week," Houston head coach Art Briles. "They really made a big difference at the end of the game when Anthony (Aldridge) scored and our defense held. It was a great University effort and that is why we won the game. Most teams would have folded, but we didn't. Our University didn't and our players didn't."
The Cougars posted their greatest comeback in a road game in school history when they overcame a 30-14 deficit to come back and beat Rice, 31-30. "You have to have a defining moment to understand reality," Briles said. "We had that the other night. That was a huge accomplishment, especially against a cross-town rival and inner-conference rival. Now, our guys know they have to play 60 minutes.
"Roshawn Pope stepped up and played well for us. Our offensive line did a good job and our defense held them to 48 total yards in the second half. Our special teams played very adequate and proved to be difference in the game with a blocked extra point try and getting the punt off to end the game with Rice bringing everything but the kitchen sink."
"We also have to understand that we can't relax and give up two early touchdowns to get momentum and get back in the game. We have to stay alert and focused for 60 minutes."
Houston will look to go 2-0 in conference play for the first time since the 2003 season when the Cougars opened up C-USA action with wins at East Carolina and Tulane.
" We have a chance to go 2-0 in conference and sit on the top of the Western Division standings for a while," head coach Art Briles said. UH will host "Armed Forces Day" Saturday at the Tulane game. All current and retired military personnel will receive half-price off the admission price to the game with a military ID.
Prior to kickoff, there will be a F-16 flyover and throughout the game the Cougars will honor former, current and future members of the Armed Forces. Following the game there will be a fireworks show.
The game can be heard live on ESPN 790 AM with the pre-game show beginning one hour before kickoff. Tom Franklin calls the play-by-play duties, while former record-setting UH quarterback David Klingler provides color analysis. Former All-Southwest Conference center Chuck Brown also serves as the sideline reporter. All Cougar Football games can also be heard live on the Internet by logging onto www.UHCougars.com.
