Dec. 17, 2007

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team started its game-week preparation for No. 20 Cincinnati in the second annual Papajohns.com Bowl, Monday, with an hour, 30 minute afternoon practice at Carlisle-Faulkner Field.

The Golden Eagles (7-5) worked through chilly conditions to continue putting in both its offensive and defensive game plan against the Bearcats (9-3).

"Today was a good day," said Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower. "We came out and practiced well. We threw and caught the ball real well today."

Bower said the Golden Eagles will continue its rigorous practice schedule this week in preparation for a team he thinks is the best one his squad will face all season.

"I think the biggest thing with bowl practices is to practice hard," Bower added. "In my experiences with bowl games, when you go light you are not going to play very well. We are going in full gear tomorrow and we did some live drills last week. I just do not think you can be off for this long and stay as sharp as you need to be."

The team continues to practice loose as they meet UC for the first time since the 2004. It will be the 15th overall meeting between the two schools with each squad winning seven times.

"It think the team is happy that exams are over and I hope they are excited about playing a top 25 team in a bowl game," Bower added.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling the Southern Miss Athletic Ticket Office at 800-844-TICK (8425) or via the internet at SouthernMiss.com.