Dec. 29, 2006

PHOTO GALLERY

ORLANDO, Fla. - Jermaine Guynn is one of the most popular players on the Purdue football team. The former walkon defensive tackle from Indianapolis, who earned a scholarship is admired for his work ethic on the field and fun-loving personality off it.

Guynn stole the show at the Champs Sports Bowl Kickoff Brunch on Thursday afternoon at Hard Rock Live. Called up on stage by a duo performing as the Blues Brothers, Guynn had the crowd hooting and hollering while singing "Sweet Home Chicago."

The two-hour brunch also featured ESPN sideline reporter Bonnie Bernstein interviewing head coaches Joe Tiller of Purdue and Ralph Friedgen of Maryland, who earlier took part in a press conference in the Beatles Room of Hard Rock Live.

Purdue subsequently held its normal day-before walk-thru at Freedom High School and then attended a pep rally at Dr. Phillips High School. Two-time Purdue All-American Leroy Keyes served as the master of ceremonies and solicited comments from senior co-captains Mike Otto and Anthony Spencer. Tiller got the crowd revved up for the Boilermakers' ninth bowl game in his 10 seasons.

The Boilermakers then returned to the Rosen Plaza Hotel to eat dinner and watch the movie "Invincible."

On Wednesday, a dozen or so Boilermakers awoke early to attend a 7 a.m. Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast. Beginning at noon, Tiller, Spencer and quarterback Curtis Painter were interviewed by ESPN to be shown during the network's live broadcast of the Champs Sports Bowl. Painter and Spencer, along with co-offensive coordinator Bill Legg and defensive coordinator Brock Spack, later took part in a press conference at the Orlando Marriott Downtown.

Purdue practiced from 3:30 to 5:10 p.m. Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, Tiller, Legg and Spack took turns meeting with the ESPN announce team of Brad Nessler, former Purdue All-America quarterback Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Bernstein.

With Friday's game not starting until 8 p.m., the Boilermakers will have meetings in the morning and a walk-thru at 1 p.m. They are scheduled to depart for the Florida Citrus Bowl around 5:15 p.m.

Purdue enters the game with an 8-5 record, while Maryland is 8-4.

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