Sept. 29, 2001
Recap?|?
Final Stats
UAB was shut out for the first time in 29 games (last vs. Virginia Tech at
Legion Field, 10/24/98).
With three sacks in tonight's game, senior defensive end Bryan Thomas now
has 26 for his career, he ranks first at UAB in the Division I-A era and is
now three behind all-time UAB leader Rodney Foster (29, 1991-94)
Southern Miss now leads the all-time series 2-0, both games have been
decided by three points (last season: USM 33, UAB 30 in two overtimes at
Legion Field, Nov. 11, 2000).
UAB has not allowed a touchdown in nine quarters, dating back to Florida
State game on Sept. 8, and has not allowed a touchdown by a C-USA opponent
(Army and USM both scored 3 points).
Four UAB starters in tonight's game have Mississippi ties, primarily from
junior college. They include:
QB Jeff Aaron (attended Itawamba, Miss CC)
LB Rod Taylor (attended East Mississippi CC)
DB Torrey Hale (attended East Mississippi CC)
OT Brad Spencer (attended Hinds CC)
Other Blazers with Mississippi ties include:
DB Patrick Burchfield (native of Maben, Miss, attended East Mississippi CC)
DE Ryan Meeks (attended Hinds CC)
DE Tanner Allen (native of New Albany, Miss.)
DE Marvin Nickson (attended East Mississippi CC)
LB John Humphries (attended East Mississippi CC)
DB Derrick Bush (native of Indianola, Miss., attended Miss. Delta CC)
Four penalties for 30 yards stifled the Blazer offense in the second
quarter, thwarting two possessions.
Another controversial penalty took points off the board for UAB in the
third quarter, an apparent touchdown pass from Jeff Aaron to T.J. Simmons
was called back after the Blazers were flagged for having an ineligible
receiver downfield. The ensuing field goal attempt by Rhett Gallego was
blocked -- the fiirst ever for Gallego and the first UAB field goal blocked
since a game at Arkansas State in 1997 -- and the score remained 3-0 in
favor of Southern Miss.
UAB made a huge defensive stand early in the fourth quarter, as nose guard
Rodney Jones fell on a fumbled snap by Golden Eagle quarterback Jeff Kelly
on fourth-and-goal at the UAB one yardline.
