University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles End Preseason Scrimmaging
8/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Golden Eagles End Preseason Scrimmaging
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi football squad got in its final scrimmage work of the preseason, Wednesday, and now can look forward to some free weekend time, following Thursday's workout.
Wednesday's workout was of the "big bump" variety, and drew mixed reviews from Head Coach Jeff Bower. "We tried to use the scrimmage to get the players a look at a lot of situations in the kicking game and on offense and defense that they will face during a game, and I think I saw some good things from that standpoint," said Bower
"I think we were a little lethargic at times today, and we didn't need that. We wanted them to go hard, but to stay on their feet, not tackle; and I think, because of that, we didn't get the kind of effort we would have liked.
"The coaches will use the tape from today's workout to our advantage in looking at how we responded against some of Oklahoma State offensive and defensive schemes. The players will come back Sunday with rested legs and renewed excitement as we start final preparations for the first game."
Sophomore wideout Kenny Johnson (Gramercy, La.) was injured during the workout and did not return. "We think he twisted a knee, but don't know how seriously," Bower said.
Southern Miss will hold a regular but somewhat-abbreviated Thursday workout, and then start game-week preparations with a Sunday evening workout. The Golden Eagles open the season against Oklahoma State in a Sept. 1, 11 a.m., ESPN-televised game in M. M. Roberts Stadium.
