Houston Bowl next week

(Hattiesburg, Mississippi-AP) -- Southern Miss will be back on the practice field today to prepare for Oklahoma State in the Houston Bowl. <br><br>The Golden Eagles will practice again Friday and Sunday.

Friday, December 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Hattiesburg, Mississippi-AP) -- Southern Miss will be back on the practice field today to prepare for Oklahoma State in the Houston Bowl.

The Golden Eagles will practice again Friday and Sunday. The teams play December 27th at Reliant Stadium.

Meanwhile, Southern Miss hopes to know by the end of the week whether senior running back David Nix will be ready to play.

Nix hasn't practiced because of elevated protein levels in his blood caused by a kidney ailment.

Nix says he's waiting for his medication to kick in. He needs 12 yards to become USM's career rushing leader.

If Nix doesn't play, sophomore James Walley would step into the role.