Dec. 19, 2014
By Brady Johnson
Assistant Director, Athletic Communications
NEW ORLEANS - Nevada coaches and players formed a tunnel on the Superdome turf Friday morning, allowing the Wolf Pack seniors to rush past them following the final practices of their careers. The Pack had its last practice of the season with now just mere hours until kickoff of the 2014 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Friday's practice lasted a little over an hour as head coach Brian Polian took the team through its routine walkthrough the day before a game. The team then departed for a player's luncheon with fans, cheerleaders and bands from both schools present. ESPN analyst Merril Hoge was the guest speaker.
Many players had family arrive today and greet them at the team hotel after practice. Nevada will have a team dinner tonight and snacks later before getting a good night's rest.
2014 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Countdown - 1 day
After the regular season consisted of 10 night games, the Wolf Pack and Ragin' Cajuns will kick off the bowl season at 10 a.m. local time and 8 a.m. Pacific Time. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with Bob Wischusen and Mack Brown on the call.
For additional coverage, fans can listen to Ryan Radtke and Chris Vargas' call of the game on the Wolf Pack Radio Network (94.5 FM/930 AM). Live mobile stats are available at NevadaStats.com and live results will be posted on Twitter @NevadaWolfPack.
Wolf Pack in The Big Easy
The player's luncheon was hosted by R+L Carriers and The New Orleans Bowl at the downtown Marriot. Both Polian and Louisiana head coach Mark Hudspeth gave speeches before Merril Hoge's featured speech.
"Our guys have had a great experience here in New Orleans and we give thanks to R+L Carriers and the bowl committee," coach Polian told the crowd. "I've been to some big bowl games at my previous schools and I was curious how the student-athlete experience would rank at this bowl. Well, this bowl has treated us wonderfully and we're thankful for that."
On the streets of New Orleans, an influx of red and blue has arrived ahead of the first game of the bowl season. Despite a rainy day in The Crescent City, the spirits and pre-game atmosphere has reached a high.
Viewing Party
The Little Wal' will host a viewing party for the 2014 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The Nevada Alumni Association will host the Wolf Pack viewing part at 8 a.m. (PT) Saturday and will deliver free Big Easy breakfast burritos to the first 100 fans.
Game Predictions
Brady Johnson, Nevada athletic communications: Nevada 30, Louisiana 23
Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette Journal: Nevada 27, Lousiana 21
Sports Illustrated panel: 5 picks for Louisiana, 3 for Nevada
Mark Schlabach, ESPN: Nevada 35, Louisiana 31
Neil Greenberg, Washington Post: Nevada by 4
Scott Polacek, Bleacher Report: Nevada
Additional Coverage
Sports Illustarted game capsule
ESPN viewer's guide
RGJ Gameday guide
