Based on the weather forecast it was pretty clear that today’s schedule was going to be interrupted. The North squad was already on the field in shells, i.e. helmets and shoulder pads, by the time we arrived at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. However, it wasn’t long before the rain drops began to fall and shortly after the players were sent scurrying back to their buses. The session was moved to an enormous concrete hall in the Mobile Convention Center, with the players showing up in shorts and normal workout gear. Instead of getting one final full practice it was essentially a glorified walk-through.

   The North spent the entire session going through their playbook, never really breaking into anything more than a jog. That was probably for the best though as water was leaking from the ceiling, making the cement floor even slipperier. That last thing anyone wanted to see is one of these athletes get hurt! Afterwards Boise St. RB Doug Martin talked about how even though this wasn’t an ideal situation the players approached it from the standpoint that it was all about mental reps. Also, Hall of Famer Mike Singletary said Shea McClellin of Boise St. and Demario Davis of Arkansas St. are the linebackers who improved the most throughout the week. Because there was little or nothing to glean from this practice it meant the players had one less opportunity to shine, although in all fairness the vast majority of scouts and league personnel had already left town. Unfortunately the actual game on Saturday is now the only significant on-field event remaining.

   When everything wrapped up we headed back across the skywalk to the media work room and realized just how dicey the weather was. Not only was it absolutely pouring, with the rain coming down sideways, but the tornado siren was blaring as well! Needless to say the decision to move practice indoors was the right one.