Dec. 12, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - After four days spent in the classroom taking final exams the Southern Miss Golden Eagles returned to the practice field this afternoon in preparation for the 2008 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

"It was good to be back out on the field today," head coach Larry Fedora said. "As coaches we have been out on the road recruiting and have not really been around these guys which can make you a little antsy. It is fun to get back out here and coach these guys."

The Golden Eagles worked out for a little over two hours inside M.M. Roberts Stadium in full pads as they begin their preparation for the New Orleans Bowl matchup with Troy.

"Troy is a really good football team on both sides of the ball, they are probably the most balanced football team we have seen this season, we really have our work cut out for us," Fedora added.

Southern Miss will return to the practice field tomorrow afternoon but a change in venue as the Golden Eagles have moved their practice to Hattiesburg High School to accommodate the Mississippi Youth Football Championships which are being played at "The Rock."

The team has five more practices scheduled before they depart for New Orleans next Wednesday.

Tickets for the New Orleans Bowl are $40 for sidelines and $20 for students and can be purchased through the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket Office on West 4th St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, over the phone at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or online at SouthernMiss.com.

-southernmiss.com-