Coach Gene Chizik described the last football practice before the first game as "focused." The team only plans to do a run-through tomorrow of some plays and work on last minute touch-ups. Tonight was the last night for the guys to get physical out there on the field with each other.
As for returning players and starters like junior corner back Chris Davis, Coach Chizik expects them to play well.
"He loves the game of football and I expect him to be very productive while doing his job," Chizik said. "He himself expects to play well. The leadership he should be able to bring to the table in my opinion is a big part of where I think he's got to grow... he has got to be able to step up in Saturday's game."
The receivers are said to be looking great out there on the field too. Senior Emory Blake and sophomore Quan Bray are two of the starting receivers for this weekend's game.
"Emory has been in and been making some plays, said trooper Taylor, assistant head coach. "Quan has done a really good job. Let me tell you, you have to love Quan's spirit out there. He plays hard and practices hard."
There are also several other young guys Taylor has been pleased with, such as freshman wide receiver Ricardo Louis. Taylor said he feels good going into this weekend's game and hopes to be able to play quite a few guys as opposed to just one or two.
"We just have to wait and see what happens when everything is live," Taylor said.
The coaches all agreed after Wednesday's practice that the players have to stay confident. They have to be able to physically match up with Clemson's players and stay out there and not get beat up.
"You tell me, are you excited on Christmas Eve?," Taylor said when asked about his excitement. "I can't tell you what kind of team we will be on Saturday, but I can tell you what I'd like it to be. I'm ready to open some presents."
Curtis Luper, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, talked about walk-ons this year traveling with the team. There have not been any official decisions made on deciding who will be an addition on the road this year, but potential players have been showing improvements at camps.
"They are a great contribution to our team this year, so if not this week then we will definitely be taking a couple of those guys on the road at some point," Luper said.
Sophomore running back Tre Mason is reported as back to full speed and ready to rock for this season.
Chizik and the other coaches have not decided on how many players they will be bringing on the travel team this year, but for the first time the team appears to be ready to go. There were no mentions of inconsistency or fear of facing No. 14 Clemson.
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