December 30, 2004
The Texas A&M football team wrapped up preparations Thursday for the 69th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic against the Tennessee Volunteers with a 90-minute practice in helmets and shorts under warm conditions at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
The Aggies spent considerable time working on special teams as head coach Dennis Franchione treated this practice as a normal "Thursday" workout.
"On Thursdays we're normally in shorts and helmets, and we've kept our normal workout schedule this week," Franchione said. "Monday's practice was a bonus day for us because we're usually off on Mondays, and we had a physical practice in full pads that day. By Thursday it's more about mental preparation than physical preparation."
Franchione believes his players are ready for Saturday's showdown with the Volunteers.
"I think as the bowl week goes along it's natural to focus on the game as you get closer to game day," Franchione said. "I think our guys have been ready for the last day or two. As the week wears on, you're ready to play the game."
Attending today's practice were former coach Jackie Sherrill, who was 2-2 in four Classics (three with Texas A&M and one with Mississippi State), former QB Kevin Murray (1983-86), Tommy Perry, the grandson of Heisman Trophy winner John David Crow who served as the 12th Man in 2001 and 2002, and North Texas head coach Darrell Dickey, who served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in the 1980s.
Following practice the Aggies took a team photo at the Cotton Bowl stadium. Tonight both schools will enjoy a private dinner at Medieval Times.
Tomorrow the Aggies will conduct a "walk-thru" at the Cotton Bowl stadium from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The walk-thru is closed. Texas A&M will have a pep rally at the Hall of State in Fair Park from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Tomorrow night the Aggies will have their traditional Midnight Yell Practice at 12:00 midnight at the West End Market Place in downtown Dallas.
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. Texas A&M is the designated "home" team.