Postgame Notes From The Southern Miss Game

Sept. 29, 2001

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.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics

Postgame Notes From The Southern Miss Game

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