Jan. 1, 2013

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss reported to Birmingham Tuesday to begin bowl week festivities for the BBVA Compass Bowl, which is set for a noon kickoff Saturday vs. Pitt at Legion Field.

The Rebels bused as a team from Oxford to their official hotel, the Birmingham Sheraton, arriving at 5 p.m. and were greeted by bowl officials. All eligible players were accounted for on arrival.

“We are excited to be in Birmingham,” said Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze. “We are getting ready to try to win a football game, but we also want to enjoy all that the BBVA Compass Bowl has set for us. We want to be great ambassadors for our university and represent our football program in a way that brings great recognition to us and at the same time honors this great bowl and this great city.”

It was a light evening for the team, as players and staff settled in their rooms for the week and enjoyed supper together in the hotel.

A full slate is in store for the Rebels on Wednesday, beginning with the FCA Breakfast at the Sheraton. Alabama great Rich Wingo will serve as keynote speaker.

Ole Miss will hold the first of its two practices at Birmingham Southern College’s facilities late in the morning. Practices are closed to the public.

The afternoon will include a visit for coaches and players to the Children’s of Alabama Hospital, and the night’s schedule will provide entertainment at Stardome Comedy Club.