Sports

UH defense holds, Eddy throws for 177

Cougar Sports Services

With the temperature dropping into the high 30s and the winds kicking up, one wouldive thought it was time for football season. It was under those conditions that new head coach Art Briles conducted the last scrimmage of the spring Saturday.

While offense drove the March 22 scrimmage, defense was the focus of this one.

"I thought the defense really flew around today and did a good job," Briles said. "We did a few good things offensively, but we have time to get better, so weire going to take that time to get better."

The defense flew toward the ball during a scrimmage as it forced three fumbles and picked off two passes. It made UH quarterbacks glad they only had to worry about the opposition on game days. Senior linebacker Justin Davis led the team with two sacks. The rest of the team recorded six.

"(The defense) is really accelerating to the ball. Theyire playing fast. Theyire playing with a lot of effort and intensity. That is what we like. If the other team doesnit score, we have a pretty good chance to win," Briles said.

But the offense wasnit without its moments.

With sophomore quarterback Barrick Nealy still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered during the Sept. 21 against Texas last season, senior Nick Eddy continued to lead the first team offense. Nealy should be back by the first part of the 2003 season, but Eddy is projected as the starter.

Eddy completed nine-of-15 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns. He threw a pick, but he withstood a Cougar blitz to complete a 70-yard strike to sophomore wide receiver Chad McCullar. While practicing goal-line offensive schemes, Eddy completed a quick five-yard toss to sophomore wide receiver Vincent Marshall for a touchdown.

Sophomore Anthony Evans has made the most of the learning experience gained from playing as a freshman last season. The running back ran for 59 yards on seven carries and scored two touchdowns. Junior Bobby Tillman ran for 24 yards on four carries while redshirt freshman Jackie Battle had 18 yards on three rushes.

The Cougars will practice twice more (Tuesday and Thursday) before the Red-White Game. After the intra-squad game, the team will be off until the summer. The 2003 season kicks off against Rice at 7 p.m. Aug. 30.

Kick-off for the Red-White game is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Robertson Stadium. Admission is free.

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