December 29, 2004
The Texas A&M football team continued preparations for the 69th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic against the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers with a two-hour practice Wednesday in pads and shorts under warm, cloudy skies at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The practice featured a physical 11-on-11 scrimmage between the offensive and defensive starters.
Texas A&M's practices are always closed in College Station. This week, though, head coach Dennis Franchione has opened practice to fans and high school coaches and players. Over 325 fans, many of them local high school coaches, attended today's workout. For the week over 700 fans have watched the Aggies during their bowl preparations at SMU.
"We've been very open this week. I think it's been a boost for our players to have our fans at practice," Franchione said. "We did it for the exposure in the Metroplex. We've had a lot of high school coaches and prospects attend our workouts, along with a lot of our Aggie fans that don't get to see us as much in College Station."
Several former Aggie players attended today's practice, including RB Bucky Sams (1973-75), DL Charles "Tank" Marshall (1973-76), WR Gary Oliver (1987-90), RB Doug Carter (1989-92) and P Bill Johnston (1996-97). Also in attendance were six of Franchione's former TCU players from when he coached in Fort Worth from 1998-2000.
With such a young squad, Franchione has done his best to guide his players through the busy SBC Cotton Bowl week schedule.
"The week has gone well. We spent a lot of time with the players going over the itinerary," Franchione said. "We want them to enjoy the activities and rewards that go along with being in the bowl. I've been proud of them. When it's time to work we've worked, but we've also enjoyed everything the Cotton Bowl has offered."
Following practice Texas A&M players visited the Children's Medical Center. Tonight the Aggies will be at the Main Event in Grapevine for a private team function.
On Thursday the Aggies are scheduled to practice from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at SMU's Ford Stadium. Thursday's practice is closed to the public. Coach Franchione will be available to the media following practice.
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.