Baby, it's hot outside: Southern doing its best to prepare for likelihood of hot weather at season opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- It was another scorcher, and Southern coach Dawson Odums had already had his fill.

Last week, wearing his usual practice attire — wide-brimmed hat, sweatshirt and athletic shorts — Odums beckoned reporters to meet him for interviews in the gym, rather than the usual area behind the goalposts at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

“It’s too hot out there,” Odums said once everyone was in the climate-controlled environment.



Southern, like just about every south Louisiana football team this time of year, is feeling the heat. But there’s an added layer to it this season, considering what awaits the Jaguars when they officially kick off 2017.

By taking part in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Southern will get a rare shot to occupy a spot on the national marquee. Southern will host South Carolina State in a game broadcast on ESPN2 and played on Sunday, Sept. 3. It is unquestionably great exposure.

Now, the downside: The game — which, again, Southern is hosting — will kick off at 1:30 p.m. Exposure to the elements is the kind of exposure Southern is not particularly looking forward to.

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