JONESBORO, Ark. (1/3/2012) — Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe addressed the Arkansas State football team prior to its final bowl game workout in Jonesboro Tuesday afternoon at ASU Stadium.  Beebe was on hand to observe practice as the Red Wolves went through their final drills before departing Wednesday morning for Mobile, Ala., where they will take on Northern Illinois in the Jan. 8 GoDaddy.com Bowl.

“Governor Beebe is a big fan of Arkansas State football, and for a man of his stature and responsibility to take time out of his schedule to come and speak to our team was a great compliment for our program,” said ASU interim head coach David Gunn.  “He really helped summarize the magnitude of this game for Arkansas State football.  Not just winning, but what this means for our future and for laying a solid foundation.  There is nothing that is keeping Arkansas State football from being synonymous with the top 25, and having him share that message with our kids really reinforced that.”

The practice session was just one part of a full day for the Red Wolves.  The team also went through an early-morning walk-through, held position meetings and spent time in the film room preparing to take on the Huskies, who have won eight straight games in building a 10-3 record heading into the bowl game.  Northern Illinois won the Mid-American Conference championship and is receiving votes in both the USA Today coaches poll and the Associated Press poll.

‘We really had a good practice today,” said Gunn.  “The kids are very excited about getting to Mobile and the practice was the best one we have had thus far.  The game plan is in and when we get to Mobile, it will be just polishing and recognition.  It’s time to play.  After waiting for five weeks, these guys are certainly excited to have the opportunity to play a game.”

Red Wolves fans are invited to line Stadium Boulevard Wednesday morning to send off the team as it departs for Mobile.  The Red Wolves will leave ASU Stadium at 7:30 a.m. and travel down Stadium Boulevard and onto Highway 63. 

Members of the ASU band and cheerleading squad will also be on hand, and KFIN 107.9 FM will be doing a live remote, hosted by the Voice of the Red Wolves Matt Stolz, starting at 6 a.m. from the ASU Football Facility.  The Red Wolves will make a stop in Jackson, Miss. to practice and will arrive in Mobile at approximately 4:00 p.m. to take part in the GoDaddy.com Bowl’s Team Welcome Reception later that night at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

The Red Wolves will hold their first practice in Mobile at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, working out for approximately two hours at the University of South Alabama.

Tickets for the GoDaddy.com Bowl are priced at $45 and are available by clicking on the "Bowl Central" advertisement at the top of the ASU Athletics Web site, AStateRedWolves.com, or by calling the ASU Ticket Office at 870-972-2781 or 888-ASU-FANS.