Preparation Becoming More Critical As Liberty Bowl Nears
12/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Preparation Becoming More Critical As Liberty Bowl Nears MEMPHIS, Tenn.
The Conference USA champions went through their third practice in Memphis, Tenn., in a two-hour session at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex.
Southern Miss Head Coach Jeff Bower has been pleased with his team's focus as the Wednesday game, which will be held at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, approaches.
"It's getting better. We cut back a good bit today," Bower said. "We'll go shorter tomorrow and then just have a walk-through on Tuesday. I think the players have enjoyed themselves and had a good time. But now it's time to really zero in and get focused to play the game."
Bower also hopes that the concentration in practice keeps improving in these next two sessions before the bowl game against Mountain West Conference champion Utah.
"Today's practice was good," Bower said. "Tomorrow we want to go short and fast and have good execution. We can't afford to make mental errors now."
Bower also said that defensive back/kick returner John Eubanks, running back Tim Blackwell and defensive lineman Greg Casnave have been limited in practice because of injuries.
"John Eubanks' ankle bothers me," Bower said. "I'm not too sure about Tim Blackwell either, because we held him out of practice today. Casnave was held out today. We have three guys who I am not just sure about."
Kickoff for the game, which will be televised by ESPN, is slated for 2:30 p.m.