PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPTIONS

All credentialed media should have received full transcriptions from today's press conferences via email. If you did not receive, please contact the Chick-fil-A Bowl Communications Team. Full transcriptions of tomorrow's joint head coaches press conference will be available shortly following the conclusion of the press conference.

VIRGINIA PRACTICE QUOTES

Head Coach Mike London 

On impact Matt Snyder may have in Chick-fil-A bowl:
“It’s good to see Matt come back from his injury.  He has a level of experience and is a playmaker for us.  He’s been running well in practice and we will use his leadership as one of our captains.  He catches the ball and scores touchdowns for us.  He’s played in big games before and is one of our hardest workers.  It remains to see how effective that he will be for us but its great for him to be able to come out here and get on the field for his final game.”

On having practices at Georgia Tech’s indoor facility:
“It provided a visual for the type of structure we’re trying to build.  Our administration has done a great job of making adjustments to our plans throughout the process.  It was neat to see the outlay.  The Georgia Tech facilities also allowed us to separate the offense and defense units onto the two practice fields they have available.  The Georgia Dome is great but you have to separate the two units on only one field during the practice.”

On overall preparations for the Chick-fil-A Bowl:
“I saw the increase in intensity yesterday.  I think we realized that tomorrow is Friday and the game is here.  The team realizes that this will be a big game for the program and the stadium will be packed.  Everybody will be watching us on TV because of the time slot so there’s a level of excitement that has risen beyond what this game is and now the guys are ready to play and I’m sure Auburn is ready to play as well.”

On improvements in offense this season:
“We’ve been able to run the ball with Perry Jones has provided us with a tool to have multiple formations and shifts that allows us to be successful.  The offense has done a good job this season along with the defense.  Hopefully on Saturday, our offense, defense and special teams can come together to a high level to execute and hopefully lead to success.”

On playing in an indoor facility for the first time this season:
“I don’t anticipate any challenges because we’ve been able to practice several times here.  You do have to take note of tracking the ball in the air during kickoffs and passes but we’re preparing for that.  The excitement of playing in a sold-out atmosphere is something that we will have to concentrate on and get rid of the awe of playing in the Georgia Dome.”

On finally facing an opponent after layoff:
“The players are ready to play an opponent.  They’re tired of beating each other up in practice.  Now we get to lace them up and play the game.”

TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Joint Head Coaches Press Conference
When: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome – Gate E
Media Info: Auburn head coach Gene Chizik and Virginia head coach Mike London will be available in the final press conference prior to the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Game credentials will be available for pick up. Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.)

Georgia Power Chalk Talk & Football Feud Presented by The AJC – Battle For Bowl Week
When: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Atrium Ballroom, Marriott Marquis 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Team members will square off in a football version of the game show “The Family Feud”. Each team will attempt to give the top answers to questions asked of both ACC and SEC teams. The team with the highest score at the end of the two rounds (or a tie-breaker) will receive one “Battle for Bowl Week” point. Limited media tickets are available. Please RSVP with the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Photo and Video Opportunity. Player Availability.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Fan Night
When: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m
Where: Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker Street. NW, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Arrangements to cover Fan Night must be made with the Georgia Aquarium.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Media Party
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Philips Arena
Media Info: Media must pick up a ticket in advance from the Chick-fil-A Bowl Communications Team.

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL BATTLE FOR BOWL WEEK

Current standings: Virginia 2, Auburn 1
Throughout the week, the teams have participated in off-the-field challenges, including Nothin But Net Basketball, meat eating at Sal Grosso's Brazilian Steakhouse, and the Chick-fil-A Milkshake Combine. Tonight, the players will race at Andretti and tomorrow, face off the Football Feud. Learn more about the competitions and keep track of the score at Chick-fil-ABowl.com.

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL BACKSTAGE

The Chick-fil-A Bowl takes you behind the scenes with Chick-fil-A Bowl Backstage, a collection of videos giving fans all the inside scoop on the Chick-fil-A Bowl, including hospital visits, milkshake parties, and more! Check out Chick-fil-A Bowl Backstage.

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL FAN APP

NEW THIS YEAR! Virginia and Auburn fans can now download a free mobile application for their IOS or Android smart phones that will help them get the most out of their Bowl Week experience. With the release, the Chick-fil-A Bowl became the first in the bowl business to launch a fan app for IOS and Droid users! Learn more at Chick-fil-ABowl.com and download it today!

CREDENTIAL PICK UP

Tomorrow is the final day for pregame credential pickup. Credentials are available at Gate E in the Georgia Dome from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. tomorrow, credentials will only be available for pickup at Media Will Call, which opens at 3:30 p.m on gameday, also in the Gate E area.

MEDIA HOSPITALITY SUITE & WORK ROOM

The Media Hospitality Suite (Marriott Marquis Room 3814) is open for business and includes an open bar, snacks, Chick-fil-A food, TVs, XBOX 360 with KINECT, arcade games, a foosball table, games and massage chairs. We hope to see you there!

Just across the hall from the Media Hospitality Suite is the Media Work Room (Marriott Marquis Room 3829) is also open. The room includes phone and internet lines, as well as media information.

Both rooms are available:
Dec. 29: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 30: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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THURSDAY'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Auburn Practice
When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome
Media Info: Auburn’s fourth practice of the week in the Georgia Dome will be closed to the media.

Virginia Hospital Visit
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Egleston Hospital – 1405 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Virginia players will be visiting with children at Egleston Hospital. Players will be making room-to-room visits, distributing team gear and signing autographs. Photo and Video Opportunity. Brief Player Availability.

Virginia Media Availability
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Media Workroom (Room 3829), Marriott Marquis -- 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: DE Jake Snyder, DT Matt Conrath, SS Rodney McLeod, RB Perry Jones, OT Oday Aboushi and OT Morgan Moses will be available for 30 minutes in the Media Workroom. Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Auburn Press Conference
When: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome – Gate E
Media Info: Offensive and Defensive Coordinators, WR Emory Blake and DT Jeffrey Whitaker will be available. Game credentials will also be available for pick up. Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.) Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Virginia Press Conference
When: 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome – Gate E
Media Info: Defensive Coordinator Jim Reid, Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor, QB Michael Rocco and CB Chase Minnifield will be available. Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.) Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Auburn Hospital Visit
When: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Scottish Rite Hospital – 1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Auburn players will be visiting with children at Scottish Rite Hospital. Players will be making room-to-room visits, distributing team gear and signing autographs.Photo and Video Opportunity. Brief Player Availability.

Virginia Practice
When: 2:15 – 3:45 p.m
Where: Georgia Dome
Media Info: Virginia’s third practice of the week will be open to the media for the first 15 minutes of the team’s on-field work starting at 2:15. Coach Mike London will be available for 10 minutes prior to the Cavaliers’ on-field session, beginning at 2:05.Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.)

Andretti Karting – Battle For Bowl Week
When: Auburn: 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Virginia: 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Andretti Karting, 11000 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, GA.
Media Info: Both teams will test their driving skills at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. The average lap time for each team will be totaled at the end of each team’s visit. The team with the quickest average time will receive one “Battle for Bowl Week “point. Photo and Video Opportunity. Player Availability.

REMINDERS

Credential Pick Up

Credentials are still available for pick up: Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Georgia Dome, Gate E. Parking is available in the Gold Deck.

Photos & Videos

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will be capturing photos and videos at events throughout the week, available for viewing at Chick-fil-ABowl.com. Contact our team if you'd like to use any of our files for publication.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Battle for Bowl Week

Throughout the week, the teams will be participating in off-the-field challenges, including Nothin But Net Basketball, meat eating at Sal Grosso's Brazilian Steakhouse, the Chick-fil-A Milkshake Combine, and the Football Feud. Learn more about the competitions and keep track of the score at Chick-fil-ABowl.com.

Currently, Virginia holds a 2-0 lead over Auburn, with wins in Nothin' but Net Basketball and meat eating at Sal Grosso's Brazilian Steakhouse! 

Stay Connected with the Chick-fil-A Bowl

Don't forget to get the latest Chick-fil-A Bowl news by following us on Twitter @ChickfilABowl) and becoming a fan on Facebook (facebook.com/ChickfilABowl).

This year, the Chick-fil-A Bowl also launched its Fan App, available for download on Droid and IOS devices. Learn more at Chick-fil-ABowl.com.

Gameday Parking

For those of you who will not be arriving in Atlanta until game day, and cannot pick up your credentials at one of our scheduled times, please remember to email jlumsden@cfabowl.com. For those of you who already contacted us regarding gameday pickup, you should have received special instructions via email.

Media Party

We hope to see you all at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Media Party, Friday, Dec. 30 at Philips Arena, as the Atlanta Hawks take on the New Jersey Nets. If you plan on attending and haven't RSVP'd, please remember to email pmoree@cfabowl.com and pick up your tickets from a member of our staff. We have also secured free parking the Georgia Dome Gold Deck, which is just a short walk from Philips Arena.

Event Tickets

The Chick-fil-A Bowl has a limited number of tickets available for the media to Friday's Chalk Talk & Football Feud, as well as to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.If you are interested in tickets to these events or attractions, please email jlumsden@cfabowl.com.

Media Hospitality Suite & Work Room

The Media Hospitality Suite (Marriott Marquis Room 3814) is open for business and includes an open bar, snacks, Chick-fil-A food, TVs, XBOX 360 with KINECT, arcade games, a foosball table, games and massage chairs. We hope to see you there!

Just across the hall from the Media Hospitality Suite is the Media Work Room (Marriott Marquis Room 3829) is also open. The room includes phone and internet lines, as well as media information.

Both rooms are available:
Dec. 28: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 29: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 30: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Virginia Quotes

HEAD COACH MIKE LONDON

On the start of Bowl Week:
“It’s great to be in Atlanta as a participant in this great bowl. Our players have been very excited about the preparations. Until you get to this point, you talk about practice and show pictures, but now we have only a week left to prepare and get a chance to be in the venue. We’re anxious, but thank goodness we still have some a couple more days to get practice going. After last year, you realize you never want to spend another holiday season at home.”

On what this Bowl appearance means for the school and team:
“It means a lot to finish our season on a positive note for our seniors. This is one of the best seasons Virginia has had in a long time and has opened the eyes of a lot of young men. When you play well on national television, players sitting in their living rooms with their parents can see the excitement, see the schemes, see the staff, it helps. TV games are an infomercial for your school, and it’s been positive for us. Blending playing well athletically with our school’s academic reputation shows Virginia as having the best of both worlds. Our ‘Olympic sports’ have done well recently, and you see coaches walking around the grounds and wish you could have that kind of success. We can add to the reputation of our athletic program by being competitive and representing the school in a big game like this.”
 
On first impressions of Auburn:
“Until someone else is crowned national champions, they are the champs. They are a long, athletic team and can run. Last year, they had the number one recruiting class in the country. Coach Chizik has done great things over the years to build that program for speed.  They are young, as we are, but you can see the talent they have all over the field. With a month off, they can easily work in some double and triple reverses, throwbacks and some of these kinds of plays they have. Their defense matches (coach Chizik’s) personality - they are aggressive and will get in your face.”

On representing the ACC:
“You want to represent the conference well because of who we are and our affiliation with such a great conference. The only way you can forge both your school and conference reputations nationally is to play other quality teams and conferences. As the Bowl season gets going, people are going to start keeping count on which conferences are doing well. Hopefully we can do our part to help the ACC be successful.”

OFFENSIVE GUARD LUKE BOWANKO

On head coach Mike London:
“Some of the older guys had played for him when he was the defensive coordinator and had already built a good relationship. Hearing them tell what he’s about and how serious he is about football. He’s exactly how people see him on TV. He’s personable, passionate and cares about us and what he does 100 percent. He’ll tell us how he feels, and if he’s worried about us, he’ll bring us into his office and sit us down. He’ll fight until the end for us. It’s been a pleasure to play for him.”

WIDE RECEIVER TIM SMITH

On playing in the Chick-fil-A Bowl:
“It’s a great feeling. Our goal every year is to win the ACC Championship, and while we came up a bit short, this is a great game to be playing in.”

On first impressions of Auburn:
“Auburn is a very good team. They’re the defending national champs, so you know you can’t take them lightly. Playing in the SEC, their losses have come to some great teams. But we also know that we are not a team to be taken lightly either.”

On the “orange and blue” atmosphere for the Chick-fil-A Bowl:
“We know all our fans will be wearing orange and their will wear blue. It will be hard not to look up and have it feel like a home game.”

CORNERBACK DEMETRIOUS NICHOLSON

On playing for head coach Mike London:
“Sometimes when coaches come in for recruiting, there can be awkward silences. Coach (London) was very easy to communicate with from the start. It seemed like we had a lot in common, and I knew then that I could see him being not only my coach, but someone I could come talk to if I needed anything.”

On building Virginia’s football reputation:
“I knew when I first came here that Virginia wasn’t respected much as an athletic football team. Being around the guys, we understand our reputation is being the underdog every week. We know we’re just as athletic as anyone else, and it was great to come out this year and compete with the best of the best and beat some good teams. In the years to come, we’re only going to get better. This year was a big step to take, and we’ve set high standards for next year.”

On the ACC-SEC rivalry:
“This would be a great win to build respect for our team and our conference. All SEC teams are very athletic and can compete. We’re looking forward to going out there with the defending national champs and getting at it.”

TAILBACK KEVIN PARKS

On playing for head coach Mike London:
“Coach has been a great father figure to us. He’s more a friend than a coach. As long as you take care of your part, he’ll take care of his. He’s a man of his word. So far, he’s been everything you could ask for in a coach.”

On enhancing Virginia’s football reputation:
“This season was a great start to changing the culture. We still want Virginia to be seen as a great academic school, but we want to make a name for ourselves on the field as well.”

On first impressions of Auburn:
“They are a great team that is very physical. What stands out for me is their team speed. We know both teams will give their all, and it should be a great battle.”

On the long layoff before the Bowl:
“We’ve gone hard, but have taken our time to progress day-by-day. We’ve done two-a-days for the last few weeks to get ready. We want to make sure the guys that don’t get to play as much can come up to speed.”

WEDNESDAYS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FCA Breakfast

When: 7:45 - 9:15am
Where: Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
Media Info: This year's FCA Breakfast features 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and former NBA guard Charlie Ward as the keynote speaker. TNT's Ernie Johnson is the emcee. Limited media tickets available (contact Bowl staff). Photo and Video Opportunity. Brief Player Availability.

Virginia Media Availability

When: 9:30 - 10am
Where: Media Workroom (Room 3829), Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
Media Info: DT Nick Jenkins, OLB Aaron Taliaferro, FS Corey Mosley, C Anthony Mihota, FB Max Millen and OG Austin Pasztor will be available for 30 minutes in the Media Workroom. Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Auburn Press Conference

When: 11:30am - 12pm
Where: Georgia Dome, Gate E
Media Info: Head Coach Gene Chizik, TE Philip Lutzenkirchen and DE Nosa Eguae will be available. Media can park in the Gold Deck (Access from Northside Dr.). Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Auburn Practice

When: 12 - 2pm
Where: Georgia Dome
Media Dome: Auburn's third practice of the week in the Georgia Dome is closed to the media.

Virginia Press Conference

When: 12:30 - 1pm
Where: Georgia Dome, Gate E
Media Info: Head Coach Mike London, WR Kris Burd and LB Steve Greer will be available.
Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.). Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Virginia Practice

When: 2:15 - 4:20pm
Where: Brock Indoor Football Practice Facility, located on the corner of Ferst and Fowler Streets on Georgia Tech campus.
Media Info: Virginia's second practice of the week will be open to the media for the first 15 minutes of the team's on-field work starting at 2:15pm.

Team Milkshake Parties - Battle for Bowl Week

When: Auburn, 4:30 - 6pm, Virginia, 5:30 - 7pm
Where: Auburn, Hilton Players' Suite, 255 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, GA / Virginia, Marriott Marquis Players' Suite, 265 Peachtree Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
Media Info: Both teams will be treated to a milkshake party in the hospitality suite at their respective hotels. Each team's offensive line will attempt to make the entire family of Chick-fil-A Milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies & cream and peppermint) in the quickest time. The line with the quickest time will receive one "Battle for Bowl Week" point. Media coverage must be arranged in advance with the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

REMINDERS

Credential Pick Up

Wednesday, Dec. 28 - Friday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Georgia Dome, Gate E. Parking is available in the Gold Deck.

Photos & Videos

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will be capturing photos and videos at events throughout the week, available for viewing at Chick-fil-ABowl.com. Contact our team if you'd like to use any of our files for publication.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Battle for Bowl Week

Throughout the week, the teams will be participating in off-the-field challenges, including Nothin But Net Basketball, meat eating at Sal Grosso's Brazilian Steakhouse, the Chick-fil-A Milkshake Combine, and the Football Feud. Learn more about the competitions and keep track of the score at Chick-fil-ABowl.com.

Stay Connected with the Chick-fil-A Bowl

Don't forget to get the latest Chick-fil-A Bowl news by following us on Twitter @ChickfilABowl) and becoming a fan on Facebook (facebook.com/ChickfilABowl).

This year, the Chick-fil-A Bowl also launched its Fan App, available for download on Droid and IOS devices. Learn more at Chick-fil-ABowl.com.

Gameday Parking

For those of you who will not be arriving in Atlanta until game day, and cannot pick up your credentials at one of our scheduled times, please remember to email jlumsden@cfabowl.com. For those of you who already contacted us regarding gameday pickup, you should have received special instructions via email.

Media Party

We hope to see you all at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Media Party, Friday, Dec. 30 at Philips Arena, as the Atlanta Hawks take on the New Jersey Nets. If you plan on attending and haven't RSVP'd, please remember to email pmoree@cfabowl.com. We have also secured free parking the Georgia Dome Gold Deck, which is just a short walk from Philips Arena.

Event Tickets

The Chick-fil-A Bowl has a limited number of tickets available for the media to Wednesday's FCA Breakfast and Friday's Chalk Talk & Football Feud, as well as to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.If you are interested in tickets to these events or attractions, please email jlumsden@cfabowl.com.

Media Hospitality Suite & Work Room

The Media Hospitality Suite (Marriott Marquis Room 3814) opens this evening and includes an open bar, snacks, Chick-fil-A food, TVs, XBOX 360 with KINECT, arcade games, a foosball table, games and massage chairs. We hope to see you there!

Just across the hall from the Media Hospitality Suite is the Media Work Room (Marriott Marquis Room 3829), which also opens this evening. The room includes phone and internet lines, as well as media information.

Both rooms are available:
Dec. 27: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 28: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 29: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 30: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Satellite Feed Information

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will provide two (2) satellite feeds (High Definition) of b-roll footage to help broadcast outlets cover Virginia and Auburn and their Bowl Week activities.

Sat. Feed #1:  Wed., Dec. 28 – 4:00 – 4:15 pm ET
B-roll: Team Welcome Parties, Brazilian Buffet Meal, Martin Luther King Center Visit, Press Conference #1 Highlights

Sat. Feed #2:  Thur., Dec. 29 – 4:00 – 4:15 pm ET
B-roll: Team Milkshake Parties, FCA Breakfast, Press Conference #2 Highlights

SATELLITE SERVICE DETAILS:
Atlanta Dish: Dish 2 C-Band   
Transponder: Galaxy 3C-21   
Confirm.: 464004SC
Orbital Pos.: 95 degrees
Carrier: Intelsat
Bandwidth: 36 MHz
Uplink: 6345 MHz (V)
Downlink: 4120 MHz (H)
Parameters:DVBs QPSK   29.27 symbol rate & 3/4 FEC at 1080i  4:2:0, Audio Pid is 256.2 channels.
Access Phone: Intelsat at 800-321-3959
Goodnight: Vyvx at 800-648-3333

Package #3:  Digital File Download ONLY
B-roll:    Team Hospital Visits, Team trips to Andretti Karting (Go-Karts)

OPTIONAL FILE DOWNLOADS:
Sat Feed #1: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122811/CFAB-VNR-122811.zip
Sat Feed #2: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122911/CFAB-VNR-122911-early.zip
Package #3: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122911/CFAB-VNR-122911-late.zip

File Download Format:           
Size (Resolution): 853 x 480 (16x9)
Video Codec: H.264
Audio Codec: AAC
Video Bitrate: 1500 kBps
Container: mov

Welcome to Chick-fil-A Bowl Week 2011! Both teams have arrived and Bowl Week is underway. Today, Auburn held its first practice in the Georgia Dome, and both teams kicked off their time in Atlanta at their Team Welcome Parties, hosted by Dave & Buster's.

We'll be providing daily updates throughout the week, so check back daily for more information.

QUOTES - AUBURN TEAM PRACTICE

 

HEAD COACH GENE CHIZIK
On the team’s first bowl week practice:
“I thought we had a good practice today. I was worried a little bit about being rusty after being away for a bit, but the energy was high. They were very focused in meetings today. We need all the days of practice we can get to prepare for a very good football team (in Virginia). We’re glad that we’re here in this bowl game and glad that we’ll be playing again at the end of the week.”

On returning to the Georgia Dome:
“It does bring back fond memories walking through here. Last time we were here (2010’s SEC Championship) was a great day for Auburn.  We don’t play on this surface much, so it’s good for us to be able to practice here and get used to this surface. We have it back home, but we don’t practice on it a lot unless the weather dictates it. It’s good for the returners to get used to the lights, and for everyone to get a feel for where we are. Tomorrow we’ll switch it so we can practice on both sides of the field. ”
 
On Virginia’s running game:
“Both backs (Perry Jones and Kevin Parks) can carry the football well and are very physical. Their scheme can get a defense discombobulated from where everyone is supposed to be against the run.  They execute their overall run game well, including how they shift their fullbacks and tight ends, and that helps their guys be able to find and hit some cracks and seams. Their backs can outrun you, but are also smart and have great vision to make quick cuts.”

RUNNING BACK ONTERIO McCALEBB
On playing in a bowl close to the Auburn campus:
“We know the Auburn fans are going to be here. The closer we get to Saturday, the more of them you’ll see rolling in here.”

On playing on the turf at the Georgia Dome:
“Playing on the surface (at the Dome) is great because it makes me faster than I really am. Sometimes you just have to watch how you fall, because you can get skinned up easily.”

On the Bowl Week experience:
“Like Coach has told us all week, we’re coming here for one reason - to win the game. It’s great to have fun too, but when it’s time for football, it’s time for football, and we know we have to go out there and do what we do.”

On the team’s freshmen making their first bowl trip:
“We’ve had a lot of young guys step up this season. They’ve matured a lot since the first game. We know they’ll go out there on Saturday and play to the best of their ability.”

LINEBACKER ELTORO FREEMAN
On playing his final game in an Auburn uniform:
“I’ve got one more to go. I want to dedicate this game to every Auburn fan that’s supported me along the way. I want them to know I’ve been working hard in every practice, every meeting and film session for them and for my teammates. I’ve loved every minute of my Auburn career. I know I won’t leave with the goals I set out for - being an All-American and a Butkus winner - but I what I have gone through has helped me strengthen my relationship with God. That will help me throughout the rest of my life.”

On the team’s first Bowl Week practice:
“Coach Chizik has the linebackers going at full speed. I was gone for a minute, but he let us catch our breath for a little bit and we were right back at it. It was good to set a fast-paced and physical tone for the week with the drills and hitting we did today. How well you come out of individual drills lets you know early how practice is going to go. You don’t want to have Coach Chizik tell you the same thing twice, because if you do, you know you’re in trouble.”

On the significance of a Chick-fil-A Bowl victory:
“It would not only be great for me to go out with a bang, but it’s important to set the tone for next year’s group. I want to go out there and help them get a good start going into next season.”

QUARTERBACK CLINT MOSELEY
On the team’s first Bowl Week practice:
“It felt great to be back out here and in the swing of things today. Being in the Dome created some good energy and made it more fun. Today helped us refocus on why we’re really here. Getting a win in this game would be great for us to carry into the offseason, and give us some extra momentum.”

On working with departing offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn:
“It doesn’t even seem like he’s leaving, because he’s still the same as he was before he took the (Arkansas State head coach) job. It hasn’t sunk in yet and doesn’t feel real that he’s leaving. I know Coach Chizik and Mr. Jacobs will make a great choice and bring in someone that suits us well.”

On playing in the Georgia Dome:
“It’s helpful to practice here, but it’s great to be in the Dome this many times. That’s something we can tell our kids about. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fans here - they travel well wherever we go, much less somewhere this close. I’d imagine there will be some way to separate the fans - maybe we’ll wear blue and they’ll wear orange. You’ll be able to tell where our fans are. I’ve never heard their fans, but if they are louder than ours, I’ll have to see it to believe it.”

TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Auburn Practice
When: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome
Media Info: Auburn’s second practice of the week in the Georgia Dome will be open to the media from 10:10 – 10:30 a.m. Coach Chizik and selected players will be available following practice. Media can park in the Gold Deck (access from Northside Dr.) Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Virginia Media Availability
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Media Workroom (Room 3829), Marriott Marquis -- 265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: OLB LaRoy Reynolds, DE Cam Johnson, CB Demetrious Nicholson,TE Paul Freedman, TB Kevin Parks, WR Tim Smith and OG Luke Bowanko will be available for 30 minutes in the Media Workroom. Specific player availability and times subject to change.

Virginia Practice
When: 2:15 – 4:20 p.m.
Where: Georgia Dome (NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE IN LOCATION)
Media Info: Virginia’s first practice of the week will be open to the media for the first 15 minutes of the team’s on-field work starting at 2:15. Coach Mike London will be available for 10 minutes prior to the Cavaliers’ on-field session, beginning at 2:05.

Sal Grosso’s Brazilian Buffet – Battle for Bowl Week (Auburn)
When: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Sal Grosso’s, 1927 Powers Ferry Road SE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Both teams will have dinner at the Sal Grosso Brazilian Steak House. The total amount of protein consumed and the average amount of protein consumed per player will be tracked. The team that consumes the highest average amount of protein per player consumed will receive one “Battle for Bowl Week” point. Photo and Video Opportunity. Player Availability.

Virginia/Auburn Combined Visit to Martin Luther King, Jr. Center
When: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: King Center, 449 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Congressman John Lewis will address both teams at the historic memorial dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo and Video Opportunity. Brief Player Availability.

Sal Grosso’s Brazilian Buffet – Battle for Bowl Week (Virginia)
When: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Sal Grosso’s, 1927 Powers Ferry Road SE, Atlanta, GA.
Media Info: Both teams will have dinner at the Sal Grosso Brazilian Steak House. The total amount of protein consumed and the average amount of protein consumed per player will be tracked. The team that consumes the highest average amount of protein per player consumed will receive one “Battle for Bowl Week” point. Photo and Video Opportunity. Player Availability.

CREDENTIAL PICK UP

Tuesday, Dec. 27 - Friday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Georgia Dome, Gate E. Parking is available in the Gold Deck.
See a map of the Georgia Dome.

GAMEDAY PARKING

For those of you who will not be arriving in Atlanta until game day, and cannot pick up your credentials at one of our scheduled times, please remember to email jlumsden@cfabowl.com. For those of you who already contacted us regarding gameday pickup, you should have received special instructions via email.

MEDIA PARTY

We hope to see you all at the Chick-fil-A Bowl Media Party, Friday, Dec. 30 at Philips Arena, as the Atlanta Hawks take on the New Jersey Nets. If you are attending, please see a member of the Chick-fil-A Bowl Communications Team during Bowl Week to pick up your ticket to our suite. We have also secured free parking the Georgia Dome Gold Deck, which is just a short walk from Philips Arena.

EVENT TICKETS

The Chick-fil-A Bowl has a limited number of tickets available for the media to Wednesday's FCA Breakfast and Friday's Chalk Talk & Football Feud, as well as to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

If you are interested in tickets to these events or attractions, please email jlumsden@cfabowl.com.

MEDIA HOSPITALITY SUITE & WORK ROOM

The Media Hospitality Suite (Marriott Marquis Room 3814) will be open starting tomorrow, and includes an open bar, snacks, Chick-fil-A food, TVs, XBOX 360 with KINECT, arcade games, a foosball table, and other games and entertainment. We hope to see you there!

Just across the hall from the Media Hospitality Suite is the Media Work Room (Marriott Marquis Room 3829), which also opens tomorrow. The room includes phone and internet lines, as well as media information.

Both rooms will be available:
Dec. 27: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 28: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 29: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 30: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Dec. 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

SATELLITE FEED INFORMATION

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will provide two (2) satellite feeds (High Definition) of b-roll footage to help broadcast outlets cover Virginia and Auburn and their Bowl Week activities. 

Sat. Feed #1:  Wed., Dec. 28 – 4:00 – 4:15 pm ET
B-roll: Team Welcome Parties, Brazilian Buffet Meal, Martin Luther King Center Visit, Press Conference #1 Highlights

Sat. Feed #2:  Thur., Dec. 29 – 4:00 – 4:15 pm ET
B-roll: Team Milkshake Parties, FCA Breakfast, Press Conference #2 Highlights

SATELLITE SERVICE DETAILS:
Atlanta Dish: Dish 2 C-Band    
Transponder: Galaxy 3C-21    
Confirm.: 464004SC
Orbital Pos.: 95 degrees
Carrier: Intelsat
Bandwidth: 36 MHz
Uplink: 6345 MHz (V)
Downlink: 4120 MHz (H)
Parameters:DVBs QPSK   29.27 symbol rate & 3/4 FEC at 1080i  4:2:0, Audio Pid is 256.2 channels.
Access Phone: Intelsat at 800-321-3959
Goodnight: Vyvx at 800-648-3333 

Package #3:  Digital File Download ONLY
B-roll:    Team Hospital Visits, Team trips to Andretti Karting (Go-Karts)

OPTIONAL FILE DOWNLOADS:
Sat Feed #1: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122811/CFAB-VNR-122811.zip
Sat Feed #2: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122911/CFAB-VNR-122911-early.zip
Package #3: http://cdn.chick-fil-abowl.com/cds/2011/bowl/vnr/122911/CFAB-VNR-122911-late.zip

File Download Format:            
Size (Resolution): 853 x 480 (16x9)
Video Codec: H.264
Audio Codec: AAC
Video Bitrate: 1500 kBps
Container: mov