University of Houston Athletics
Football Press Conference Quotes
11/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 6, 2007
HEAD COACH Art Briles
Opening Statement:
"Sunday night's game was a good win. It was just the win that we wanted. We wanted a workman-like win, a business win. Get in, get out and move on and that's what we got. I was proud of our guys for battling through the game, getting the victory and then moving forward. So all of our focus is on the Tulsa game this Saturday in Tulsa at two o'clock in the afternoon, which is when we like to play. We are excited about the game."
On Tulsa:
"Paul (Smith) is a four-year starter. He has been around awhile. They have been really good every year that he has been there. They have been good the last four out of five years. He played in 2003, sat out 2004 and played in 2005, 2006 and 2007. They are a good football team that is playing well right now. It's the way it ought to be when you have two teams playing the best at this time of year and playing for the West (Division) Championship. These are games that I view are not given to you. Our guys have earned this opportunity to play for this title. We all started out 0-0 nine weeks ago. We have earned this opportunity to represent the West. I am proud of our team for putting us in this position."
On the atmosphere at the game:
"I would expect it to be a good atmosphere and that's great. That is what we want. That is why you play. We don't want to go play in front of an empty house. We want to go play and do our best. The atmosphere will be equally beneficial to both Universities. We will feed off of it."
On playing on the road:
"We have a mature football team. We have a tough-minded football team. We have a football team that believes in what they are doing and how to do it. Being on the road is not a hindrance. We are going out do our job and take care of business. As far as the us against the world mentality, I think everyone needs to posses a bit of that. I am sure we have some of that. We try hard to create our own excitement and energy as a football team. We will have some fans there that will be very vocal and known."
On Tulsa senior quarterback Paul Smith:
"There are a lot of similarities between him and (SMU quarterback) Justin Willis. They are both capable quarterbacks that can hurt you with their arms or legs. We aren't going to invent a special game plan for Paul Smith because they have a good football team. He is an important part of that football team."
On last Sunday night's crowd:
"I appreciate our student body on Sunday night. They have been outstanding all year. It was a great crowd."
