MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Eagle Nation's invasion of Montgomery was evident on Monday as Georgia Southern supporters descended on the city to truly paint the town Blue. Monday's events included the annual Alabama Legends Luncheon, the final practice of the season, a press conference, the team picture, Hail Southern Live!, and a pep rally to wrap up preparations for tomorrow's game.
The red carpet was rolled out for the annual Alabama Legends Luncheon, which was the first time all week both teams have been at the same event together. Former Cowboys and Bills coach Chan Gailey was honored and both coaches addressed the room. The team then went straight to the Cramton Bowl for a quick team photo and walk-through to put a bow on final preparations. Several of the players swapped jerseys for the final practice, so it was a sight to see some of the offensive linemen crammed into a receiver jersey. After the final horn blew, Coach Helton had the team line up and form a tunnel for the seniors to run through, which seemed to be a big hit.
Coach
Clay Helton, quarterback
Kyle Vantrease and defensive lineman
Dillon Springer met the media after the practice as the rest of the team headed back to the hotel.
Danny Reed hosted a two-hour radio show in the lobby of the Embassy Suites that featured numerous guests to help pump up the crowd for Tuesday's game. The lobby was packed, as expected, for the event and it led to a great pep rally afterwards. Freedom and GUS made appearances, and fans were gobbling up Camellia Bowl gear while also picking up their tickets. Georgia Southern was represented well at the pep rally as the entire team headed to Union Station Train Depot for the event. With the Southern Pride Marching Band performing their top tunes including the fight song. Cheerleaders, Freedom and Gus were also in attendance. Based on Monday's excitement, expect Eagle Nation to be loud and proud tomorrow.
The team is locked in and ready to take on Buffalo Tuesday morning. It will be an early start to game day as the team will leave the hotel at 8:30 a.m. Georgia Southern fans are encouraged to wear blue for the game. It will be a cold one for tailgating but with the sun out and little wind expected, it should be a great day for football. Georgia Southern will arrive to the stadium at approximately 8:45 a.m. (CT) on Tuesday and any fans wanting to join the team for the Eagle Walk are asked to line Hall Street by Gate 7 starting at 8:30 a.m.
The Camellia Bowl will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. (CT)/noon (ET) on ESPN. The game can also be heard via the GS Sports Network on radio stations across the state and online.
