Nov. 9, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in shells Wednesday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs are preparing for Saturday's Southern Conference game at The Citadel, which will be televised on the SoCon Sports Network, including the Birmingham affiliate My 68 WABM and ESPN3.

Samford and The Citadel are meeting for just the fifth time, with The Citadel owning a 3-1 advantage in the series. Last season, The Citadel defeated Samford, 13-12, at Seibert Stadium.

Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said he thought the team made progress in its preparation for The Citadel during Wednesday's workout.

"I thought it was a better practice today," Sullivan said. "The effort was all there yesterday, but with going back and working on the responsibilities of the option and some of the different things they do on defense, I thought our guys were thinking a little bit, but today it was more reaction. We're getting closer. We are not there yet, we need another good day tomorrow and hopefully we will get that."

Samford enters the game with a record of 5-4 overall and 3-4 in Southern Conference play. A win in Saturday's game would secure a winning season for the Bulldogs for the first time since 2008.

Sullivan said he has liked the attitude and work ethic of his team throughout this season.

"They've had a great attitude," Sullivan said. "I haven't questioned a day of practice, game or anything this season. They have come to work every day."

Samford will practice again Thursday. The practice is scheduled to start at 4:45 p.m.at Seibert Stadium.

Saturday's game at The Citadel is scheduled for a 2 p.m. (CT) start from The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston, S.C. In addition to the television broadcast, the game can be heard live on the Samford Sports Network, including Samford's on-campus station, WVSU-FM 91.1, or worldwide on the internet at www.samford.edu/wvsu.