MYRTLE BEACH – The Georgia Southern football team concluded final game preparations and Eagle Nation soared into Myrtle Beach for tomorrow's game. Friday's events included the final practice of the season, pep rally, and Hail Southern Live! to wrap up game preparation. 

The morning consisted of team and positional meetings with a special graduation ceremony for seven student-athletes. The Eagles cheered their teammates on as they walked down the aisle to receive their diplomas before turning their tassels. 

After lunch, the team wrapped up final preparations at the official site of the Myrtle Beach Bowl and familiar scene, Brooks Stadium. After the final horn blew and a team picture, Coach Helton had the team line up and form a tunnel for the seniors to run through, the smiles seemed to tell it all. 

Coach Clay Helton, linebacker Khadry Jackson, offensive lineman Brian Miller, and wide receivers Khaleb Hood and Derwin Burgess Jr. met with the media after practice. 

Danny Reed and Terry Harvin hosted the pep rally at The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach that featured the Southern Pride Marching Band and cheerleaders. Freedom and GUS also made appearances and fans purchased Myrtle Beach Bowl gear. Georgia Southern was represented well at the pep rally as the entire team headed to the event. Eagle Nation is expected to show up in Conway for Saturday's game. 

The team is locked in and ready to take on Ohio Saturday morning. It will be an early start to game day as the team will leave the hotel at 8:15 a.m. It will be a cold one for tailgating with expected cloud coverage, but it should be a great day for football. Georgia Southern will arrive at the stadium at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday for Eagle Walk.

The Myrtle Beach Bowl will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. on ESPN. The game can also be heard via the GS Sports Network on radio stations across the state and online.