ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State, Tuesday, returned to the practice field after a day off and started its preparation for Georgia Tech, whom the Bulldogs face in their season opener Sept. 4 in Atlanta (1:30 p.m.).

“Hey, it's crunch time,” Pough said after Tuesday's workout. “We got in our first day of preps for Georgia Tech and we are working hard to identify enough people that are ready to go. Any time you have the face a team of their caliber, you face an uphill battle.

“We have our work cut out for us, no less,” he continued. “Georgia Tech will present a drastic style of play that makes things tough on any opponent. “It's like preparing for some of those great Bethune-Cookman teams, souped up several times. We will face a well-oiled machine.

“It will be important that our offense go out and play well, do a little something to keep the ball away from the Georgia Tech offense. Otherwise, it could be a long day for us.”

Pough said he liked the progress his Bulldogs were making, but acknowledged that his team still had a good bit of work left in order to fare well against the Yellow Jackets, the defending Atlantic Coast Conference Champions.

“Not a bad day to start our preparation,” he mused. “But we have to pick up the intensity. Our scout teams are going have to bring it on and make us better.”

SC State will be on the field at approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, however, there may be limited access from the media. All media wishing to attend workouts should contact the Sports Information Office at 803-536-7060.

NOTE: Coach Pough will begin his weekly news conferences Monday, Aug. 30, at 9 a.m. at the Rowe Hall Conference Room on the campus. Requested players may also be available, dependent upon class schedules.

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