Nov. 7, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in shells Tuesday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs are working toward Saturday's season finale at in-state rival Jacksonville State.

Jacksonville State currently ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense, pass defense, rushing defense and total defense.

"They always pride themselves on having a good defense," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "I think the game this week will come down to mistakes on either side."

Samford and Jacksonville State are meeting for the 44th time, with Samford holding a 21-20-2 advantage in the series. Last season, Jacksonville State defeated Samford, 26-20, in Birmingham.

"We know the feeling we had coming off the field last year against them," Gray said. "They're a very good football team and they play in a great environment over there as the home team."

Samford will practice again Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. Saturday's game is scheduled for an 11:00 a.m. kickoff from Paul Snow Memorial Stadium.