Sept. 24, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about an hour in shells Thursday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The practice was the final full workout in preparation for Saturday's game at 10th-ranked Appalachian State.

Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said his team has had a good week of practice preparing for its Southern Conference opener.

"I think the week has gone well," Sullivan said. "We've had a hot week and we've been able to get our practices in without any rain. I think we've had a good week and now we have to get some rest because I know they are rested after having the week off."

Appalachian State is led by 2008 Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards. Sullivan said, however, the Mountaineers have a lot of weapons in addition to Edwards.

"He's a great athlete, but he is also surrounded by a great cast," Sullivan said. "It's not just stopping him, although it starts with him. They're good on defense, they have great team speed. They have a lot of good players and they have a good football team."

Sullivan said the Bulldogs have been concentrating this week on improving as they do each week during the season.

"What we've been working on all week is what we have to do for us to get better," Sullivan said. "We're excited about going up there to play."

The Bulldogs will leave campus Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. to travel to Boone, N.C. for Saturday's game.

Saturday's game at Appalachian State is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff from ASU's Kidd Brewer Stadium. The game can be heard locally on WVSU-FM 91.1, or worldwide on the internet at www.samford.edu/wvsu.