Aug. 21, 2008

HOUSTON--The University of Houston is just one day short of finishing up two-a-day practices and had to move inside to the Yeoman Field House until the rain passed.

"Everybody looks for a positive. We were in the rain for about at the beginning and we delayed practice for a half-hour due to lightning, threw some footballs in the rain. It is just part of the game. Last time we checked, we aren't playing in any domes this year, so we have to go outside and practice," head coach Kevin Sumlin said.

The chemistry on the team is getting better and the tempo is moving up with the game just nine days away.

"We had some guys wanting to fight tonight which means camp is about over. These guys are getting tired of each other. We have one more two-a-day practice Saturday. School starts Monday, so they get to see some other faces," Sumlin said.

Houston worked began practice indoors, and finished on the practice fields in full pads for a little over two hours. The Cougars continue to work hard to prepare for the first-ever match-up against Southern Aug. 30, slated to begin at 6 p.m. at Robertson Stadium.

With camp coming to an end, and the quickly approaching opener, Sumlin is focusing his attention on the team' chemistry and hasn't had time to deal with his own nerves regarding his coaching debut.

"We are still in camp mode. I will worry about nerves when they come. The focus has been about us and our team getting better during camp. We haven't worried about an opponent yet. I am excited and looking forward to it," Sumlin said.