Sept. 1, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about an hour and a half in shells Wednesday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs are preparing for Saturday's season-opener at Florida State.

Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said he saw some positives during the team's Wednesday afternoon workout.

"I thought we had a good day today," Sullivan said. "I thought we were a little fresher, a little sharper, our concentration was good and that is what we will have to have Saturday to have any kind of chance."

Sullivan said he has seen a lot of improvement during the team's first game week of the 2010 season.

"I think they've gotten a little fresher and they understand what we are trying to do," Sullivan said. "The biggest thing now is to get more polish on it between now and Saturday."

Sullivan also named the captains for Saturday's game. The defensive captains will be defensive lineman John Michael Clay and linebacker Bryce Smith. Running back Chris Evans and offensive lineman Thomas Gray are the offensive captains for the game, while punter Bob Hooper is the special teams' captain for the FSU game.

Samford will hold its final full practice in preparation for Florida State on Thursday. The practice is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.

Saturday's season-opening game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. (CT) start from Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game will be televised live on ESPNU.