Aug. 19, 2010

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MEMPHIS, TENN. - The Tigers had their 13th practice of fall training camp on Thursday morning at the Murphy Athletic Complex. The temperature was back up and by the end of practice, which concluded around 12:30, the heat index had reached 105 degrees.

Coach Larry Porter appeared pleased with the way his team has grown, particularly through the last three practices.

"I think the last two days the bulk of this team has come to life," said Porter. "They have grown as a team. They are fighting through adversity and overcoming the elements and truly understanding what it takes to be a team as well as to be successful."

The team has continue to work through high temperatures and various injuries that have sidelined players throughout camp, but Porter has felt that the Tigers have battled through the entire time.

"They are battered, they are bruised, they are banged up and it is hot," said Porter. "They are frustrated and there are a lot of reasons to give in. But as opposed to giving in, they rose up and fought through both practices yesterday and this morning we got off to a slow start but I think they finished strong."

The Tigers will practice twice on Friday and are expected to have their second full-scale scrimmage on Saturday. The squad will have a break from practice on Sunday and will have the chance to meet their fans for the annual FanFest event from 3-5 p.m. Inflatable games, cold drinks, merchandise, free posters, schedule cards, and other promotional items will be available on Memorial Field and the surrounding track area adjacent to the Elma Roane Fieldhouse beginning at 3 pm. The football team will arrive at approximately 3:30 p.m., and fans may meet the players and coaching staff inside the Fieldhouse main gym for autographs and photos.

Season tickets, as well as individual away game tickets, are on sale now for the 2010 season. Season tickets for the six home contests are $200 in the prime seats and $100 in the fun zone. Away ticket prices are as follows: Mississippi State ($40), East Carolina ($40), UTEP ($25), Louisville ($47), Marshall ($32) and UAB ($30).

See below for post-practice interviews with Coach Porter, running back Gregory Ray and linebacker DeRon Furr.