University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles Go Through Final Preparation for Season Opener
8/30/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Golden Eagles Go Through Final Preparation for Season Opener
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Even though the last part of practice was spent in the rain, the Southern Miss football team put the final touches on its preparation for Saturday's season-opener against Oklahoma State at 11 a.m., in M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower said he was happy with the effort and hard work by the team and believes the team is ready for Saturday's game. "I think we'll be ready to play. We had a pretty good day today. We were mentally sharp. We got some work with a wet ball in case of bad weather on Saturday.
When thinking about all the new players that might have to play Bower commented, "You're are a little apprehensive when you got guys who have never played before. We're very anxious to see how some of these new guys will play on Saturday, you don't know sometimes. I feel comfortable. I saw these guys practice well. I have confidence that these guys will play well.
Bower believes that both Jason Jimenez (OL) and Kenneth Johnson (WR/PR) have shown some improvement. "Jason is moving pretty well, and Kenny also is moving okay. I think they both will play. How much, I don't know, but I think they both will play. Earlier in the week, it didn't look good. Both were better yesterday and now they have a day and a half to keep progressing. I don't think they will be full speed but I think they both will play. Everyone else is ready to go."
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.
