March 25, 2005

HOUSTON, Texas - While the majority of the University of Houston campus was shut down in observation of Good Friday, the Cougar football team was still at work, taking part in afternoon drills today on the UH practice fields.

With one week of spring practice under his belt, UH head coach Art Briles is pleased with his team's performance to start 2005.

"I've tried to find things that are wrong, but it has been hard to do," commented Briles. "The attitude, the effort, the enthusiasm and the conditioning have all been where we thought it should be. The guys are bouncing around and having fun. We have determined attitude, which we need to have because we're on a mission.

"Of course it is early, (and) we've only had four practices. We'll know a little more after today. So far it has been very pleasant."

One of the major challenges for the Cougars this spring is becoming acclimated to the new defensive scheme implemented by the coaching staff. For the first time since the 1998 season, Houston will run a 3-4 alignment, and Briles is pleased with the way the team has adjusted to the change.

"(The change) has really gone well," added Briles. "It really fits our personnel a whole lot better. We like the defense from a coaching standpoint. Schematically it is a really good defense, so the kids are adjusting really well and seem to be enjoying it."

Houston returns to the practice fields on Monday, when week two begins at 4 pm. The Cougars are slated to hold their annual Red-White game on Saturday, April 16, at 1 pm at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.

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