University of Minnesota Athletics

Minnesota Begins Preparations in Nashville for Music City Bowl

12/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football

begin The University of Minnesota football team took to the practice field today in Nashville, Tenn., to begin preparations for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, held Monday, Dec. 30, at 1 p.m. at the Coliseum. On a sunny day in the mid-30s, the Golden Gophers held a two-hour, full-pad practice at Goodpasture High School in suburban Nashville to prepare to battle the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Music City Bowl is Minnesota's third bowl in the past four years. The Golden Gophers played in the 1999 Sun Bowl and the 2000 Micronpc.com Bowl.

"We are excited about getting back to work and preparing for our game against a very good Arkansas team," Head Coach Glen Mason said. "I thought we had a good practice today considering that we are coming out of the holiday break. Hopefully, after knocking some of the rust off today, we will be sharper tomorrow in practice."

Minnesota will next attend the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Welcome Dinner tonight at the Opryland Hotel. The Golden Gophers hold their second practice in Nashville tomorrow afternoon at Good Pasture High School.

"This is an opportunity for us to close out the season on a good note," linebacker Charlton Keith said. "We are looking forward to facing Arkansas' running game. We know our work is cut out for us, but we're up for the challenge."

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