December 28, 2004
The Texas A&M football team held a physical two-and-a-half hour practice under ideal conditions in preparation for Saturday's 69th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic against the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers.
Head Coach Dennis Franchione was pleased with the work his squad did in pads and shorts at the football facility adjacent to SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
"We've had two good workouts this week in Dallas," Franchione said. "The players have been spirited, and they've had good life in their legs after having a couple of days off. We want to manage their work as we build towards game day. I've been pleased."
Franchione stressed that Texas A&M is not just content to be playing in this year's Classic.
"We set our goal at the beginning of the season to go to a bowl game and to win it, not just to go to a bowl game," Franchione said. "There's always a bit of prestige of playing in a New Year's Day bowl game. Being a traditionalist, I appreciate playing in the Cotton Bowl."
Texas A&M's offensive attack starts with junior quarterback Reggie McNeal. The agricultural development major from Lufkin accounted for 3,250 yards of total offense this season (700 yards on the ground and 2,550 through the air). He rushed for eight touchdowns and tossed 13 more against only three interceptions. As the offensive leader, McNeal is making sure his teammates understand the importance of this game.
"You go to a bowl game to have fun, but we know we've got to work to stay sharp," McNeal said. "When we're off the field we're having fun, but when we're on the field we're all business. I think our practices have been pretty good. We're right where we want to be. Anytime we step on the field we want to win, whether it's on January 1 or the regular season."
Franchione concurred that his players understand when to work and when to have fun.
"In the morning it's work time," Franchione said. "In the afternoon and evening the players have enjoyed the other things that go along with playing in the Cotton Bowl."
This evening the Aggies will dine at the annual Lawry's Beef Bowl and then attend the Dallas Mavericks-Boston Celtics NBA basketball game at American Airlines Center.
Kickoff for the 69th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic is slated for 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005. The game will be televised nationally on FOX Sports. The game is sold out.