University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Will Enjoy Weekend Off
10/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles Will Enjoy Weekend Off
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Southern Miss ended its football work week with a spirited third-team scrimmage, and the players now will take the weekend off before starting preparations Monday for homecoming and Houston, that game scheduled for 2 p.m., Oct. 27.
"We weren't out here long yesterday or today, but we worked hard and got a lot of things done," said Head Coach Jeff Bower. "We used most of our coaches Thursday and Friday for evaluating in our recruiting process, but even with a limited staff I thought we worked really hard. The players had a great attitude."
Bower and the players enjoyed the practice-ending scrimmage. "We scrimmaged the threes some at the end," he said. "They get anxious to hit each other, so about every other week we scrimmage them some. It was spirited, and fun."
Bower says the coaches will be busy over the weekend while the players are away from the field. "As a staff, we'll spend the weekend finalizing our game plan. We'll have that done before we end the weekend, and when we and the players get back Monday we'll start preparing for a Houston team that has been able to move the ball.
"When you look at them offensively, they do a lot of good things. I remember that we were fortunate to win 6-3 down there last year, and we know we'll have to play well to win. We have to put all three phases of the game together. It's midseason and it's time for us to do that."
Bower says the loss to Louisville is in the past and won't present a problem in getting ready for Houston. "I'm just anxious to win a game," he said. "I think our players feel the same way because the attitude has been really good. That's the most important thing. We don't need to think about anything but doing our best to win a game."
A variety of homecoming activities is planned in conjunction with homecoming weekend. Tickets for the game itself remain on sale at the athletic ticket office located in the Ferlise Center or by calling 601/266-5418 or 1-800-844-TICK.
