Football Continues Preparations For New Orleans Bowl
12/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 15, 2005
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team continued preparations for the New Orleans Bowl at Lafayette today, with a two-hour practice in M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Head Coach Jeff Bower said preparations for the bowl have gone well.
"It's been good," Bower said. "We've got some good work done. We've practiced really well the past few days. We've worked hard. We did some live work today, because it had been awhile since we played. The players' attitude has also been good."
Bower also talked about Arkansas State, who won the Sun Belt Conference and enter the game with a 6-5 overall record.
"It's going to be a tough game," Bower said. "Arkansas State is a good football team. They are very sound and well coached. I told our players that we need to go down and have one of our better games of the year. Arkansas State is very talented and sound in the kicking game. It will take a great effort out of our squad.
"This bowl game is very important. It gets us another winning season and sends our seniors out with a win. You also feel better about yourself in the offseason program."
On Friday, the team will hold an evening practice, before departing for Lafayette at 12 p.m. Fans are encouraged to be at the Southern Miss Athletic Center to cheer the team as they depart for the game.
Southern Miss finished 6-5 overall and 5-3 in Conference USA this season. The team will meet Arkansas State in New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., CT. It will be the Southern Miss' eighth bowl game in the past nine years, and will be the fourth consecutive bowl appearance. The 6-5 record also is the 12th straight winning season for the Golden Eagles, who is one of only seven schools that have achieved the mark.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets from the Southern Miss Ticket Office. Premium sideline tickets are $40 each, Goal line tickets are $20 each and Southern Miss student tickets are $20 each. Priority ticket deadline is Fri., Dec. 9 at 1 p.m., and for ticket information call 1-800-844-TICK, 601-266-5418 or visit www.southernmiss.com.