University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Continue Preparation For Season Opener
8/29/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Eagles Continue Preparation For Season Opener
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi football team put in its next-to-last workout prior to Saturday's season-opener against Oklahoma State, and Head Coach Jeff Bower says that even with the amount of preparation that has gone into the game, Thursday's workout is still an important one.
"From an execution standpoint, we were better today than we were Tuesday, but tomorrow is a key day for us, from an assignment and execution standpoint," he said. The injury situation also was somewhat improved today, according to Bower, who said, "I can't say that either of them (WR/PR Kenny Johnson and OL Jason Jimenez) will play, but both worked today, did more than they did yesterday, so that's positive."
Bower also says Oklahoma State will be a challenge. "They have a good football team," he said. "We'll have to execute and play well, and be good in the kicking game. I really think that's a key for us."
The Golden Eagles also have spent considerable time working to rebuild a defense that lost key performers from last season, and Bower says that really hasn't been the problem fans might expect it to be. "Our kids believe in this system, you lose players and plug in others every year, and go about your business," he said. "So we really don't prepare any differently than we do any other year. Now, our strengths may lie in different places, so we may do things a little differently in calling the game defensively, but, from a preparation standpoint, no differently."
The Oklahoma State game will start at 11 a.m., and will be televised by ESPN. Tickets are still available by going by the ticket office in the Ferlise Center on the Southern Miss campus, or by calling 601-266-5418. A crowd of 30,000-plus is expected for the game.
