New Mexico Bowl press conference, luncheon and pep rally on Day 3

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – The final day of preparation and activities for BYU at the New Mexico Bowl featured the pregame press conference, kickoff luncheon, one final walk-through practice and pep rally on Friday. 

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BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, defensive lineman Tyler Batty and running back Chris Brooks answered questions from the media at the Isleta Resort in a formal press conference to start the day.

"It has been so much fun for our families, our players and out entire program," Sitake said. "I want to express our gratitude to the entire bowl committee. I know it is a lot of hard work. We've enjoyed the festivities and the fun, We know there is a game tomorrow, but it is good for the guys to get a break and be rewarded for being bowl eligible. It's an honor to be in this game against a great team like SMU."

Following the press event, both BYU and SMU attended the official New Mexico Bowl kickoff luncheon, along with other VIPs from the Albuquerque area. The luncheon included both school's bands providing some entertainment, highlighted the ABC television crew and brief speeches by both head coaches and a keynote speaker. 

The Cougars returned to the practice field in the afternoon for one last walk-through of prep before tomorrow's game at University Stadium on New Mexico's campus. 

One more event capped off Friday's official activities, the bowl's pep rally featuring both teams, bands and fans to build the excitement for game day on Saturday. 

BYU and SMU face off in tomorrow's 17th annual New Mexico Bowl at 5:30 p.m. MT on ABC at University Stadium.