Aug. 27, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team went through a one hour mock scrimmage in shorts and helmets Saturday morning at Seibert Stadium.

In the workout, the Bulldogs went through all of the different situations they are likely see in an actual game. The team opens the season one week from today against Georgia Southern, currently ranked third in the preseason Division I-FCS Coaches poll and fourth in the Sports Network poll.

Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said he thought Saturday's workout was a very productive one for his team.

"They had good concentration and focus today," Sullivan said. "That's what you want to see when you're in shorts and helmets. I thought they had their mind on their business, so we were able to get something out of it."

This marks the first time Samford has opened the season with a conference game in the Division I-FCS history of the program. Sullivan said playing a conference game and a highly-ranked team adds a little extra motivation to the normal season-opener.

"Sure, it adds something to it, especially playing a team that is ranked third in the country," Sullivan said. "They're an outstanding football team and they have 20 of their starters back from last year. It will be a huge challenge. I just hope we can get our guys back healthy and rested."

Samford will practice again on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. The team will take Monday off as Samford begins classes for the fall semester, and the Bulldogs will return to practice Tuesday afternoon.

The team's season-opener against Georgia Southern is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff from Seibert Stadium on Sept. 3. 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.