2014 St. Petersburg Bowl Daily Update Dec. 24
Weather Today
St. Petersburg: Hi 77ºF, Lo: 63ºF, Sun in the AM, Evening rain
Today’s Headlines
- UCF Practice
- NC State Practice
- Beach Bash
UCF PRACTICE
Quotes:
Head Coach George O’Leary
On the match-up with NC State
“I think they are a solid football team. Obviously the quarterback on offense is doing a lot more with his feet than he had in the beginning of the year. We’ll have to work and make sure we execute what we’re supposed to do, I worry more about our team then anybody else.”
Rannell Hall, UCF Sr., WR
On today’s practice
“It’s nice to get some of the jitters out. You always want to get some practice in. As you can see we got our kick returners and punt returners out early today. We actually practice in our indoor facilities so it’s not really a new feeling to us but you always want to get adapted to it. This turf is different than what we have on ours, so you always want to get the feeling up under your feet running around (and) see where the nifty spots are out on the field.”
On balancing the Bowl activities
“It’s important to stay focused amongst one another. It’s really a business trip so you want to enjoy the experience as well but know in the back of your head it’s a business trip. We just want to come out Friday and get the W.”
On first Bowl game for starting quarterback Justin Holman
“Composure. He takes a lot from the coaches. Just to be a young player and have such a big role on the team, his composure has been sticking out to me the most and staying calm under pressure.”
Torrian Wilson, UCF Sr., OL
On game importance
“This is just another opportunity to go out there and prove to everyone that UCF is on the map. We are a great team that works hard and fights hard. We always want to leave an impression on people and this is just another opportunity to do that.”
NC STATE PRACTICE
Quotes:
Rob Crisp, NC State Sr., OT
On playing UCF
“I think it’s very important to come out strong and get our eighth win. This would be big for our program. Our program is on the rise.”
On practicing at Tropicana Field
“In terms of the field, I think it will be fine, it won’t be much trouble at all. We practice on turf at our place on campus, but it’s not an inside facility. Our indoor facility is getting built. We love the environment (at Tropicana Field). We know it’s going to be pretty much a home game for those guys.”
BEACH BASH
Hosted by the City of Madeira Beach
The two teams had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. Rain cut short many of the Beach Bash activities.
MEDIA SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, DEC 25
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*Final media opportunity*
UCF Head Coach George O’Leary
NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren
The Vinoy Park – Located east of The Vinoy Renaissance Hotel
PLEASE NOTE: Team walk-throughs for UCF and NC State at Tropicana Field are closed to media.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Battle of the Bands
Sirata Beach Resort
5300 Gulf Boulevard St. Pete Beach, FL
5:00 p.m.
Bowl Block Party
Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill
1320 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL