Dec. 31, 2003
BOISE, Idaho – Georgia Tech’s first full day in “Treasure Valley” was highlighted by the Yellow Jackets’ full practice session and their first look at Bronco Stadium. Chan Gailey put his group through a two-hour workout that allowed his players to make adjustments on the AstroPlay surface.
Light snow fell during the majority of the workout, but the surface gave steady support and there was not much slipping if any. Gailey said that he didn’t mind the snow or cold temperatures as long as the wind didn’t pick up for the game.
A trademark of the Boise State program, the blue playing surface was overhauled a couple years ago as the old artificial turf was taken up in favor of AstroPlay, which is similar to Tech’s FieldTurf surface at Rose Bowl field in Atlanta.
Gailey indicated in his press conference that he does have two game plans for the bowl contest, but they are based on weather conditions and are probably not drastically different as some might think.
Pre-practice routines were altered as some Jackets substituted snowballs for footballs in their drills.
For those making the trip out to Idaho…Saturday’s forecast is calling for scattered snow showers and temperatures in the high 30’s.
FIESTA IN IDAHO TONIGHT
Both schools will attend a Mexican Fiesta tonight in Boise. The schools will attend separately, rather than together as the “Beef Bowl” was last night. Likewise, today Tulsa enjoyed the “Winter Activities Day.” Tomorrow, Georgia Tech will get its turn with the event that is highlighted by snowmobile rides in Idaho City.
Tulsa won last night’s “Beef Bowl,” but there is a silver lining for the Yellow Jackets. The team that had won the two previous beef events failed to win the football game.
HAPPY NEW YEAR…I GUESS
Tulsa will have an 11 p.m. curfew local time tonight, while Tech’s is scheduled for 12 a.m. Neither school today seemed all too concerned that they would not be able to ring in the New Year as tradition calls for.
TULSA GETS THE BUZZ
First year Tulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe got quite a surprise this morning at his team’s breakfast. Most of the offensive linemen had shaved their heads to complete a pre-season challenge of making a bowl game.
All-WAC first team tackle Austin Chadwick featured shoulder length locks last night and was given the full treatment along with the rest last night. Chadwick said there were a few guys left to go before Saturday’s kickoff.
KILIAN STARRED IN 8-MAN GAME
Tulsa quarterback James Kilian has played a major role in the revival of the Golden Hurricane program. Kilian’s adjustment to the college game included the addition of three more players to the defense. He grew up in Medford, Okla., playing 8-man football. Kilian said earlier today that his biggest change to the college game was locating the additional defensive back and linebacker. Kilian recorded 120 touchdown passes in his high school career.
