Senior running back Anthony Alridge returned to the practice field after sitting out of practice last week, and faithful Cougar fans were there to cheer him on at Tuesday’s open practice.
"I didn’t practice last week, but I’m out of the (ankle) boot now, so I’m ready this week," Alridge said. "It was good. I was a little tired, but I’m definitely looking forward to the game."
Head coach Art Briles said that it was a good practice for both Alridge and the entire team.
"(Alridge) is fine, he’s ready. I don’t worry about him," Briles said.
The Cougars started the final week of preparation for Saturday’s game, where they will face their first Conference USA opponent of the season.
"Opening… at Tulane is a good opportunity for us to defend our conference championship," Briles said. "We’re going to go in there with all we got and try to get a big win."
Alridge fully participated in practice and said he was encouraged by the presence of the fans.
"It makes me want to practice harder, just to give the fans something to look at," Alridge said.
Offensive lineman Jeff Akeroyd also benefited from having an audience to play for.
"It makes practice more exciting, and we just love when the students are involved, period," he said. "When they come out to the games in full force and they’re loud and they’re having fun it makes a better atmosphere and gives us a tremendous advantage over the visiting team."
Despite the downpour that started during the final minutes of practice, fans stayed to hear encouraging words from the team when Briles and his players came over to the bleachers to thank their supporters.
"I like open practices because you can see how the team performs when their fans are watching them," kinesiology senior Erin Liu said. "I liked hearing the players talk to us because I know how ready they are to bring a win."
Briles said he is grateful for the effect students have on the football team.
"I’m happy that our students are able to come out and watch practice, and I’m tickled that they want to do it," Briles said.
