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Sports

Cougars still unsure of their quarterback

Joseph fails to outshine Keenum; Antoine steals the show 
at running back

by MARK SUAREZ
The Daily Cougar

For the first time in four years, the question of who will be the Cougars' starting quarterback next season could not be easily answered at the annual Red-White game Saturday morning. 

The Cougars concluded spring practice with sophomore Blake Joseph and freshman Case Keenum sharing snaps at quarterback. 

Joseph (16-of-23, 148 yards) started the day as the projected starter, but Keenum (4-of-9, 143 yards) showed why the competition may go down to the final days prior to the season opener at Oregon by completing two touchdown passes of 44 and 60 yards, respectively. 

"I thought both of them got in and did a good job, but we're still a long way from deciding who is going to step on the field in Eugene, Ore.," UH head coach Art Briles said.

Freshman running back Randall "Skeez" Antoine may have answered questions as to who will fill the role of power running back to compliment junior speedster Anthony "Quick" Alridge next season. 

Antoine, who got the bulk of the carries Saturday, ran for 98 yards on 18 carries with one touchdown. The Louisiana native may have had his coming-out party in front of Cougar fans Saturday, and has set some lofty goals for 2007. 

"I'm trying to have 1,000 yards plus all-purpose this year," Antoine said. "I'm out here trying to exceed everybody's expectations. 

"(I'm) just trying to make a name for myself, mainly get us back to the top, repeat as Conference USA champs and probably go to a big time bowl game."

The Cougars put their new 4-2-5 defensive scheme on display Saturday as well, racking up two interceptions, six sacks and a touchdown.

Freshman inside linebacker C.J. Cavness led the defensive charge with a team-high seven tackles and two sacks. The defense maintained a solid pass rush, taking Joseph and Keenum out of their comfort zone at times.

UH will now set its sights on the season opener at Oregon on Sept. 9, a game Briles said the Cougars are ready to play right now.

"It was a little hard to be as effective offensively as we wanted to be today, but we're ready to play. We're ready to go to Oregon right now," Briles said. 

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