MOBILE, Ala. – After a three-day break over the weekend, the University of South Alabama of football program returned to the practice field Monday with a 90-minute workout at the James A. and Frances H. Yance Football Practice Facility. It's the first of four straight days of preparations scheduled this week before the Jaguars take off for the holidays.
Following Monday's session, head coach Joey Jones provided updates on the Jags as they get ready to face Air Force in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl. USA and the Falcons will meet at 4:30 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Dec. 30 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson.
On the intensity of Monday's practice after three days off: "I thought we had one of the best practices we've had since the last game. Defensively they are starting to get it with last week's practices against the triple option, they are starting to come together. We kept things real simple scheme-wise, I think they are feeling more comfortable with that, so I have seen progress there. Offensively I think we have a great game plan that has been simplified as well, we know we're going against a defense that's going to put a lot of pressure on us so we will have to be able to handle that."
On if the team's practices will change from last week to this week: "I think the intensity level has ratcheted up some this week because they know it is getting closer to the game. They know we have to have a great week of practice because next week is going to be a lot of polish getting ready for the game, so these will be the last three physical practices that we have starting tomorrow."
On implementing a game plan for the bowl: "We've pretty much got it all in and are trying to go over it all again, the coaches did a great job of segmenting it during the first few practices. Defensively we are not going to do a lot because we have to be able to run and tackle; we are going over the different things they are going to see from each look. Offensively we have it all in with a simplified game plan, we just have to execute."
On continuing to work on development with younger student-athletes: "We will do about a 15-minute scrimmage tomorrow and Thursday at the end of those practices. They are also getting a lot of fundamental work with their groups — which they normally don't have because they are on the scout team — in addition to scrimmages after certain practices."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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