University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Continues Memphis Preparations
11/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 1, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team practiced for two hours, today, at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility, continuing preparations for its match-up with Conference USA rival Memphis on Sunday.
Head Coach Jeff Bower said the team is focused and had a good day of practice, despite some slight rain toward the end.
"I thought we had a good day," Bower said.
Bower mentioned that redshirt senior Travis Cooley is improving since his knee injury but is still questionable when it comes to game time.
"We're going to leave it up to him and let him do what he is capable of doing," Bower added. "He knows it better than we do, and nobody doubts him. He got in there today and did a few things. He's got to be mentally ready and know that he can play on it. He said it felt better today than it did yesterday."
When asked if the rivalry between the Golden Eagles and the Tigers is all the motivation the team needs, Bower claimed that the team has the right mindset and knows what needs to be done.
"We know what we've got to do," Bower claimed. "If we want to have a chance, we've got to take care of business, get ready to play and play well."
Bower also said that the extra day of practice might make a big difference as far as getting the team rested and recuperated.
"We didn't practice until yesterday so it would feel like Monday and the normal routine, but the extra day will help from the standpoint of getting some guys healthier."
Kickoff for Sunday's Black and Blue game is set for 7 p.m., and will be televised on ESPN.
