BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - On the eve of game day, Rebel Nation started showing up by the thousands to support the Ole Miss football team as tomorrow's BBVA Compass Bowl approaches.
Friday's first activity was the Monday Morning Quarterback Club Luncheon, which took place at the Rebels' team hotel, the Sheraton. The Ole Miss band and spirit groups introduced the team, and Rebel coach Hugh Freeze and Pitt coach Paul Chryst had Q&As with ESPN color commentator David Diaz-Infante. The luncheon's keynote speaker, 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, provided an inspirational speech to the crowd.
The Rebels then conducted a final walk-through at Legion Field under clear, sunny afternoon skies.
Freeze, sophomore quarterback Bo Wallace and redshirt-freshman linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche met with reporters prior to the walk-through, while Freeze and Chryst took a photo opp with the game trophy.
Highlighting the bowl's Street Fest in the Five Point South district of Birmingham was a mega-sized pep rally in the early evening. Ole Miss fans were the overwhelming majority of the crowd that cheered on the Rebels, led by the Pride of the South marching band and Rebel spirit squads. Seniors Jason Jones and Ferbia Allen, and Freeze, then got on the stage to send the raucous crowd into a frenzy of excitement.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon CT on Saturday and will be televised by ESPN for those unable to attend. Legion Field parking lots open at 8 a.m., and the Fan Zone (free admission) gets going at 8:30 a.m.
Ole Miss fans are reminded to wear red on Saturday. It is expected to be a record crowd for the BBVA Compass Bowl.
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