MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Mississippi State practiced for just over two hours Tuesday morning on the Rhodes College game field, the team’s final workout in shells (shoulder pads and head gear only) prior to the Bulldogs’ AutoZone Liberty Bowl date with UCF here Saturday.

For State, Tuesday’s practice was a carbon copy of its initial Memphis practice Monday, right down to the weather.  Greeted by cool temperatures under a bright cloudless sky, MSU again worked its game plan against the Knights during a mid-morning session.

“I thought we had some more good work,”  MState head coach Sylvester Croom said afterward.  “We still need to tighten down some things, but we’re finished with our contact work and will gear back until game day.”

The Bulldogs will work the remainder of the week in shorts and head gear only, beginning with a morning practice at Rhodes Wednesday.

State spent the rest of Christmas Day at a team meal at The Peabody Memphis, the team’s hotel headquarters.  The players and coaches were joined by staff members and their families for the special meal.

Tuesday also marks the team’s first curfew of the bowl trip.  Players are required to be in their rooms by 1 a.m.