RUSTON, La. -- Louisiana Tech head coach Jack Bicknell used Thursday's 90-minute practice as a dress rehearsal for Saturday's season opener against Mississippi Valley State.
The Bulldogs, who have been practicing since Aug. 5, will initiate over 20 first-timers Saturday along with eight new coaches.
"Basically, we just went over what we will do during pre-game," Bicknell said. "You want to make sure everyone is on the same page, plus the newcomers have never gone through (our pre-game routine) before."
Bicknell, who enters his second year as the Bulldogs' boss, said he didn't feel like there was much difference between this year's season opener as compared to last year's.
"As far as I'm concerned, there isn't a big difference," Bicknell said. "I will be anxious as the game approaches just like last year (against No. 1 ranked Florida State). Plus it's the first game so you know anything could happen. We just have to play hard and give 110 percent every play."
Tech, which returns 11 starters from last season's 8-3 team, will conduct a walk-through Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium, while Mississippi Valley State will conduct its practice session earlier in the afternoon.
"I feel like we have done everything we can to prepare this football team," Bicknell said. "It's up to the players to go out and show what they are made of. I won't play a single down ... it's all up to them."
Tickets can still be purchased by calling Flo Miskelley at the Tech Ticket Office at 257-3631. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. and the gates will open at 4:30 p.m.
