Dec. 17, 2007

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Florida Atlantic University's football team departed from the Tom Oxley Athletic Center at 9:15 a.m. with a send off from well wishers who attended a standing room only Coach's Breakfast.

The team landed in New Orleans with a quick hotel check-in before a scheduled 2 p.m. practice at the New Orleans Saints' practice facility. Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger then put the Owls through their normal Tuesday practice and kept the team on the field for nearly two and a half hours. The majority of the practice was held inside while both the offensive and defensive linemen worked through line drills on the adjacent outdoor field.

"This facility (the Saints) is a nice facility to prepare for a game indoors," said Schnellenberger. We will assess the practice tonight and decide if we will be in shorts or pads tomorrow."

"Everyone is focus and has on their mind on what we are here to do," said senior safety Taheem Acevedo. "I'm glad for the opportunity to play one extra week of football and the opportunity to practice here." FAU then returned to the hotel where they were greeted by the second half of the team and received treatments before leaving for the Rock N'Bowl event hosted by the New Orleans Bowl.

"Our guys liked the field a lot. It feels good to be in there practicing," said sophomore quarterback Rusty Smith. "We now have functions to go to, but we will try to stay focused and keep in mind the reason that we are here for and that is to play on Friday. Coach (Gary) Nord reminded us that we will have a lot of memories, but the ones we will always remember are the game memories."

The game will be carried on ESPN2. Fans can also listen to WMEN 640 AM for live action and can also listen via the web at www.fausports.com

Schedule
Tuesday
2:30 practice
Wednesday (Note Change)
1:00 p.m. Community Outreach at Children's Hospital
2:30 practice
Thursday
Team Luncheon, preceded by the school's band and cheer performances 2:30 practice
5:30 - 8:30 New Orleans Street Party. Fans will be able to enjoy live music and great food
Friday
4:30 -6:30 p.m. Owls Tailgate Party presented by the FAU Alumni Association
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands
7:00 p.m. Game
10:30 p.m. Post game party hosed at the Diplomat Restaurant