University of Houston Athletics
Football Daily Practice Report
10/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 9, 2007
HOUSTON - The University of Houston football team returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon as it began preparations for this weekend's Conference USA showdown against crosstown rival Rice.
Working out under blue skies and mild temperatures, the Cougars practiced for more than two hours in full pads on the UH practice fields. Following the workout, head coach Art Briles said he was pleased with the way his team started its work week.
"We're learning. It was teaching day. We still have a few bumps and bruises from last week," said Briles, who is in his fifth season at UH. "We still have the rest of the week to get right. We're excited that the game is at Robertson Stadium."
The Cougars face Rice at 2:30 p.m., Saturday in the friendly confines of John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. Fans can hear the game live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action, David Klingler providing color analysis and Chuck Brown reporting from the sideline. The pregame show is slated to begin one hour before kickoff.
Fans also can follow live stats over the Internet by clicking the "Gametracker" link at UHCougars.com.
The game also will be shown live on CSTV with Tom Hart calling the play-by-play action and Trev Alberts providing color analysis.
For the 31st time, the Bayou Bucket Trophy will be on the line when the Cougars face the Owls this weekend. With the intra-city rivalry and a C-USA game, this weekend's contest takes on added significance, Briles said.
"Anytime you are playing for the (Bayou) Bucket and a conference game, it's a big deal," Briles said. "We understand that they are 1-0 in conference play, and they are coming into our house Saturday, so we are excited about the opportunity. We know what we need to do."
The Cougars (2-3, 1-1 C-USA West) come into the game after dropping a 30-24 decision at Alabama last weekend in Tuscaloosa. After giving up 23 first-quarter points to the Crimson Tide, the Cougars staged a furious second-half comeback and had a chance to win the game late.
But the Crimson Tide defense stiffened and knocked down the Cougars' pass to the back of the end zone on the last play of the game to take the victory.
Although the Cougars' second straight loss dropped their overall mark below .500 , Briles said he was pleased with the resilience of his team.
"What we are doing best is we are fighting our tail off. We have a bunch of guys that are fighting and believing," Briles said. "Anytime you have that, you have an opportunity to win."
