Rain caused the Auburn University football team (7-5, 3-5 SEC) to practice inside Saturday.
It was the Tigers' first practice in preparation for the Outback Bowl against the Northwestern University Wildcats (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten) Jan 1.
Junior linebacker Craig Stevens said it was good to get back to practice.
"Everybody was flying around, everybody had their legs back up under them," Stevens said.
Although the team was only practicing in shells, junior running back Mario Fannin wore an orange jersey and did not participate in contact drills.
"I just had a little stinger, and they're trying to keep it under wraps right now," Fannin said.
The Outback Bowl pits Auburn against a Northwestern team that finished the regular season with four straight wins, including wins over then No. 4 Iowa and then No. 16 Wiscosin.
Northwestern runs a spread offense that has the ability to move the ball quickly.
Stevens said the defense can handle the spread attack.
"It's somewhat like West Virginia, except they pass a little more," Stevens said.
The Wildcats' defense ranks 43rd in the nation in total defense; 36th in rushing and 68th in pass defense.
Senior quarterback Chris Todd said the Northwestern defense is big and physical.
"They're a solid defense; they're coached really well," Todd said. "They're going to make you earn it."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
