The Senior Bowl: Live Coverage, Courtesy of Bleacher Report

Larry Burton (Mobile, Al.) Thanks to Bleacher Report , I am writing this live from the press box of Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama on an overcast and cold day. I got here early to do some interviews and get questions I thought you may like answers for, to help you get ready to watch the Senior Bowl at 3:00 PM CT.

Getting here early, I got to see the Jackson State University "Sonic Boom" band work on their half-time show. They are the JSU in Jackson, Mississippi, and they are a real show band.

Also entertaining today will the very leggy and pretty cheerleaders from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Could that be Tim Tebow's next team? I noticed one run over to meet him, but he was too busy to notice.

Speaking of Tim Tebow, he was one of the first players to come out and warm up. He came out almost 30 minutes before the rest of the team, and the strep throat certainly doesn't seem to be bothering him at this point.

Coaching for the North is the staff of the Detroit Lions. For the South, it is the coaching staff of the Miami Dolphins.

I had a chance to question Mr. Kevin McDermond, Public Relations Chairman of the Senior Bowl, about some questions I had. He and his staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. The questions I wanted to know most were:

How Are the Players Selected?

Answer: Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale makes the picks by watching the players throughout their careers and by taking input from various coaches, scouts, and others. Truly, to be selected is quite an honor.

Who Determines the Playing Time of Each Player?

Answer: The coaches are advised to try and work all the players into the game, but they make that decision and try to give all players some meaningful playing time.

Why Not Just Play by Standard Rules?

Answer: Because they don't have enough time to work as a unit to pick up blitzes or trick offensive plays.

So what are the rule differences?

Defense:

1. Both teams must play a 4-3 defense

2. No press coverage except inside the five yard line

3. No blitzing

4. No more than four defensive backs on the field at one time. (in other words, no nickle back)

Offense:

1. No motion or shifting allowed

2. No three receivers on one side

3. Intentional grounding penalties are more liberal, allowing QB's to simply throw the ball forward to save a sack

4. Must have a tight end on every play

Kicking

1. Kickers can't be rushed

2. Kickoffs are from the 30 (like in the pro's)

The crowds started filing in a good two hours before the game, and there is lots of tailgating going on, despite the chilly weather. It's almost like being at any college game except here, Gators, Tigers, and Bama fans are all partying together and having a great time.

Despite the rain yesterday and all last night, the field is in fantastic shape and everything is looking good.

The $8.1 million refurb on this stadium has it in great shape and the press box facilities rival anything I've seen in the SEC. Just like at Alabama, they fed us a fine pregame meal and are very accommodating to the press.

Clearly, this is a first-class organization and everything runs like clockwork so far.

I'm finishing my really good chocolate brownie and watching Tebow arc bombs into the end zone (though it's still just in warm-up), so it sure feels like Saturday in the South.

Now go get your popcorn ready and get prepared for kickoff and a great game. It's on the NFL channel at 2:00 PM EST, 3:00 PM CT.