DALLAS - The final day of practice for the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl at Highland Park High School was full of surprises for the Louisiana Tech football team.

As the Bulldogs wrapped up Wednesday's practice, Tech's coaching staff took to the field to showcase their skills. Offensive and defensive coaches squared off in a close contest, but it was the offense with a score late in the game that sealed the win.

"It's a little tradition we have at the bowl games," said head coach Skip Holtz. "It was a heck of a football game. This was always something fun, the players hoot and howl and the coaches get the opportunity to get out there and compete a little bit. But it is a fun day and it makes it a great day for these players."

Holtz isn't the only one who believes in the importance of fun for the Bulldogs this week as they prepare to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday. A surprise visitor, former Tech running back Ryan Moats, addressed the team at the end of practice.

"Have fun, number one, but also with football, use this sport to do whatever you want to do in life," Moats encouraged. "I think that's the main part - make sure you have a good time and make sure you dream about what the possibilities hold. And that's kind of what my message was today - you don't have to stop here, just keep dreaming."

Moats' dreams carried him to the NFL where he was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005 following an outstanding career at Louisiana Tech.

"He is known as one of the best players to play here," Holtz said. "He's a great man, and I'm glad he was able to share with our team a little bit here in Dallas. For what he's been through and to have him come and give back to these players, I think it will be invaluable for them."

Moats rewrote the Louisiana Tech record book en route to earning the 2004 Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. Moats set Tech single season records for rushing attempts (288), rushing yards (1,774) and rushing touchdowns (18), although the latter has since been broken twice by current Tech running back Kenneth Dixon.

"He's a vicious runner," Moats said of Dixon. "It's exciting to see him grow and to see him doing the things he's doing. I look forward to seeing him next year and to see his total package come together."

Moats also credits much of his success after college to his time spent in Ruston and hopes current players understand the importance of the opportunities they have at Louisiana Tech.

"A lot of the people I've met in Louisiana, a lot of the men I've met in Louisiana, have really touched me as a person," Moats said. "I've seen them in action with their own families, which has helped me become the person that I am today. That's one of the special qualities of Ruston that I don't think is talked about a lot - some of the people there are really, really good people, and they are great examples for our young men and young women to do great things in life and be great people."

The Bulldogs and Illini are scheduled for a Noon kickoff at the Cotton Bowl. For complete coverage of bowl week, fans can log onto LATechSports.com. Fans can also follow through social media avenues, including Twitter (@LATechSports, @LATechFB), Facebook (/LATechAthletics, /LATechFB) and Instagram (@LATechSports).

Tickets are still available to the game and can be purchased online at LATechSports.com 24 hours a day. A ticket Will Call table will also be open in the lobby of the Omni Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For complete coverage of bowl week, fans can log onto LATechSports.com. Fans can also follow through social media avenues, including Twitter (@LATechSports, @LATechFB), Facebook (/LATechAthletics, /LATechFB) and Instagram (@LATechSports).