University of Houston Athletics
Deluge Outside Sends Cougars Inside For Two
8/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2007
HOUSTON - With the outer bands of Tropical Storm Erin dropping several inches of rain on Houston on Thursday, the University of Houston football team took both its practices indoors, working out in full pads in the morning and then returning in late afternoon in shoulder pads and helmets for another two-hour practice.
The 2006 Conference USA Champions vigorously worked out in the morning prior to taking part in the annual Cougar Pride luncheon on the sport courts inside the Yeoman Field House. Then, with crowd noise being pumped in to simulate the environment of Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the Cougars returned to the Astroturf to wrap out the two-a-days portion of their 2007 preseason camp.
Despite having to take the practices indoors, UH head coach Art Briles is seeing the progress necessary to defend the 2006 title.
"We got some work done," said Briles. "We'd much rather be outside, but the guys are moving around and we are making some progress schematically. But, we still have a ways to go. We are not where we need to be to tee it up and play for real right now.
"So, we have a couple of weeks and we need them to work on some things."
Weather permitting; Houston is slated to take part in its second scrimmage of the fall preseason tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. Briles believes this yet another opportunity to evaluate his squad.
"We're looking for players to make plays," added the 2006 Conference USA Coach of the Year. "They are going to have opportunities to make plays. They're going to be in position to make plays. They need to produce and do their jobs. So, that is the main thing we're looking for. We'll put guys in position to make some plays and see how they respond."
The Cougars kick off the 2007 season by traveling to Oregon to face the Ducks on September 1.
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