Oct. 31, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about two hours Tuesday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs are preparing for Saturday's home game against Tennessee Tech. The game will be the final home game for Samford's 17 seniors.

"We need to finish strong and do the best we can to beat a team that upset us last year," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "We have had a good rivalry and good competition with Tennessee Tech. I have a lot of respect for Coach (Doug) Malone, I think he is a fine person.

"There are two games left on the schedule, and this is the last one at home, so it needs to be special," Gray said. "If it is going to be special than we have to prepare."

Tennessee Tech is led by quarterback Lee Sweeney, who ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference in passing yards per game, averaging 179.2 yards passing per contest. Wide receiver Larry Shipp ranks third in the OVC in receiving, averaging 65.4 receiving yards per game.

"They've got a good football team," Gray said. "Their kids play hard, and I have a lot of respect for how much they get out of their kids. We have a big challenge in front of us. It will be a tough ballgame."

Samford will practice again Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff from Seibert Stadium.