Oct. 19, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for a little over an hour and a half Thursday afternoon in continuing preparation for Saturday's Homecoming contest against 16th-ranked Tennessee-Martin.

Due to inclement weather in the Birmingham area the Bulldogs had to move inside Seibert Hall for all of Thursday's practice.

"We had some good quality time in meetings today," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "We are looking forward to a good day of execution on Saturday. We need to execute our assignments on both sides of the ball, and that will give us our best chance to win the football game."

Gray added that the team has responded well following last Saturday's first OVC win over Murray State.

"We haven't had any problem at all getting these guys to work," Gray said. "We have a little momentum built up as well, and hopefully that will show on Saturday."

Gray praised the work of his defensive line this week and throughout the season.

"I think our guys up front on defense work hard during the week, and it is a direct carry over to what they do on the weekends," Gray said. "They come out expecting to make something happen in the football games."

Samford will hold a final walk-through for Tennessee-Martin Friday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff from Seibert Stadium.