Aug. 20, 2010

MEMPHIS, TENN. -

Today's Practice Photo Gallery

The Tiger football team worked through their fourth two-a-day session of fall training camp on Friday at the Murphy Athletic Complex, though it was not like the previous three double sessions. The Tigers utilized 21 periods during the morning in full pads and came out in shorts and shells later in the afternoon and were treated to a shorter practice.

Coach Larry Porter has commended the defense the last couple of days, but has been disappointed in the lack of consistency in the offense. Today, he spoke of how he felt the offense stepped up and showed signs of growth.

"It was a productive day," said Porter. "I thought the offense put together a solid practice. We threw and caught the ball exceptionally well. Our running game is starting to become solid for us. That is where we are. You always like to see your defense stand tall because we want them to be the backbone of our team, and they will. It was time for the offense to do what they did this morning."

Cannon Smith and Ryan Williams continue to take a majority of snaps and are vying for the starting job on Sept. 4 when the Tigers open at Mississippi State. Porter has continued to state that he will not name a starting QB until the Monday prior to the MSU game.

As far as the running game is going, there are several capable backs who will power the ground attack. Lance Smith is coming off an ankle injury from the spring but is making good decisions and is working hard to get back on the field. Gregory Ray is looking like a senior back and is working on being a leader on the squad. In addition, there are young talented backs Jerrell Rhodes and Marcus Hightower, who will add to the depth. Defensive back Randy Powell moved to the offense this week and has been gaining confidence as a back.

"It is all about taking advantage of opportunities you have out there," said Porter. "It was more situational today but we are starting to truly be more consistent in our third-down passing, which is critical."

Porter gave the players a welcome surprise this afternoon, shortening practice after just under an hour. After working a few situational periods, Porter called the team up and sent them inside for meetings.

"We wanted to come out and work a few situations to make sure that we got everything prepped for tomorrow's scrimmage," said Porter. "Now we will get back in and have some extra meeting time as well as an opportunity to stretch and get their legs back underneath them so we will have a productive scrimmage tomorrow."

The Tigers 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 highlights from today's practice and an interview with Coach Larry Porter.