Pahulu, Defense Pace The Cougars First Scrimmage

8/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football

Aug. 11, 2007

HOUSTON - In the first scrimmage of the 2007 fall preseason, it was the University of Houston defense that stepped up to the occasion, pressuring the Cougar quarterbacks and stopping the Uh running backs in the backfield under sweltering conditions this afternoon on the UH Practice Fields.

The Cougars will take Sunday off before resuming practice at 2:20 pm on Monday afternoon.

The Cougar defense registered 11 sacks and one interception on the afternoon. Senior outside linebacker Brendan Pahulu paced the defense with four sacks, while redshirt freshman cornerback Jamal Robinson registered the game's only turnover on his interception of a Case Keenan pass.

As for the offense, Houston was led by Keenum who threw for 92 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with senior wide receiver Perry McDaniel on a 48-yard score just three plays into the scrimmage, later hooking up with senior wide receiver Donnie Avery on a three-yard toss.

UH head coach Art Briles was pleased with the way his defense was swarming to the ball.

"I thought the defense moved around really well," said the 2006 Conference USA Coach of the Year. "I thought we clicked in some areas offensively. There were still some early fall mishandles that I don't anticipate happening in two weeks, but all-n-all (we) stayed healthy, had a good sweat because it was pretty warm and were adequately pleased with the progress we made."

Briles rotated all three of his quarterbacks during the scrimmage. Sophomore Blake Joseph led all the passers with 114 yards on 11-of-19 throwing, while senior transfer Al Pena chipped in 11 yards passing on 2-of-seven attempts. Pena had more success on the grounds, rushing for 22 yards on 10 carries.

True freshman Terrance Ganaway was the scrimmage's leading ground gainer, rushing for 37 yards on 10 carries, while fellow true freshman Justin Johnson was right behind him with 29 yards on seven totes.

Rushing: Terrance Ganaway 10-37, Justin Johnson 7-29, Andre Kohn 7-25, Al Pena 10-22, Anthony Alridge 5-17, Jovan Davis 1-1, Jessie Harrison 1-1, Case Keenum 6-(-3), Blake Joseph 7-(-11).

Passing: Blake Joseph 11-19-0 114 yards; Case Keenum 6-10-1 92 yards, 2 TDs; Al Pena 2-7-0 11 yards.

Receiving: Donnie Avery 4-36, 1 TD; L.J. Castile 3-36, Tyron Carrier 3-32, Anthony Alridge 2-12, Jeron Harvey 2-7, Wesley Scourten 2-7, Perry McDaniel 1-48, 1 TD; Mark Hafner 1-26, Andre Kohn 1-3.

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