University of Houston Athletics
Scrimmage Insider: Quarterbacks Shine
4/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Post Game Quotes in PDF Format 
HOUSTON- The 2008 version of the University of Houston football team is taking shape. And although the finished product isn't yet complete, fans should expect an electrifying offense blended with a fast and hard-hitting defense when the Cougars hit the field to take on Southern on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, Aug. 30.
Houston took to the turf at Robertson Stadium Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. for a situational controlled scrimmage without referees.
Nothing could dampen Head Coach Kevin Sumlin's mood Saturday afternoon. That's because of what he saw in Saturday's full scrimmage. For perhaps the first time this spring, he saw an offensive line functioning smoothly; he saw receivers step up and make big play after big play; he saw kickers making kicks and he saw both quarterbacks, sophomore Case Keenum and junior Blake Joseph, take huge steps in their quest for the starting job under center.
"Blake Joseph and Case Keenum both bring something to the table. They help each other out and at the same time make each other better," Sumlin said. "I was pleased because their play was better today than compared to last Saturday, just from the sheer point of not giving the other team the ball."
On the day, the quarterbacks combined to throw 49-62 for 445 yards, 7 TDS and only two interceptions.
In Saturday's scrimmage, the offense came out on fire scoring touchdowns on three of their first four possessions. The highlight of first half of the scrimmage happened with sophomore L.J. Castile took away a would-be interception out of the grasp of junior linebacker C.J. Cavness, which ended in a 14-yard gain for the Keenum and the offense.
The second half of the scrimmage was controlled by the defense. Led by senior interior linemen Tate Stewart and his two sacks, the defense totaled 12 sacks, two interceptions, a safety and a blocked field goal.
"I think we're starting to get more physical," Sumlin said. "We missed a few tackles in the open field, but I was pleased with our ball pursuit."
The Cougars will wrap up spring practice with the annual Red-White Game at noon on Saturday, April 12 at Robertson Stadium.
