Jan. 3, 2013

VIDEO: Thursday Practice Report | Photo Gallery

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ole Miss players went through their final full practice of the season as part of Thursday’s full day of activities leading up to the BBVA Compass Bowl to be held Saturday at Legion Field.

The Rebels conducted a 1 ½ hour practice session at Birmingham-Southern College in the morning. Going without pads, it was the final full-scale practice before the bowl game. Ole Miss will have a walk-through practice at the team hotel on Friday.

The afternoon featured a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, recognized as one of the top museums in the United States. Players, coaches and staff witnessed exhibits and displays that told the story of the civil rights movement, largely influenced by events that took place in downtown Birmingham itself. It was an eye-opening experience for many of the players who had only heard of the people and events that the museum brought back to life.

Ole Miss and Pitt closed the evening with a trip to the Vestavia Bowl Family and Fun Center, where the teams squared off in a friendly contest that was won by the Panthers. Dreamland BBQ catered the evening with their famous barbecue, ribs, sausage, potato salad, cole slaw and banana pudding.

Friday’s schedule will begin to slow as the teams prepare for game day. There will be a Monday Morning Quarterback Club Team Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Hugh Freeze and selected players will attend the pre-game press conference at 3:30 p.m. (Legion Field).

A pep rally hosted by the BBVA Compass Bowl will be open to all fans from 5-6 p.m. Friday at 5 Points South in Birmingham. It is part of the day-long Street Fest (2-8 p.m.). Admission is free.

Ole Miss fans are reminded to wear red on Saturday. Due to the great support of Rebel Nation, it is expected to be a record crowd for the BBVA Compass Bowl.

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