The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Meets With Media Regarding Game With TCU
10/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 11, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- UAB head football coach Watson Brown, along with several of the Blazer football players, met with the local media here Monday to discuss UAB's upcoming game against TCU at 7:00 p.m. at Legion Field this Friday. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
This marks the third time the Blazers and the Horned Frogs will have squared off, with the series tied 1-1. TCU defeated UAB, 27-24, rallying from a 24-16 third quarter deficit in last October's game.
The Blazers are coming off a 27-13 win over SEC opponent Mississippi State last Saturday. UAB is 4-1 overall and 2-0 against Conference USA opponents.
The Horned Frogs are coming off a bye week, after a 21-17 victory over Army on October 2. TCU is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA.
The quick turnaround from Saturday's game at Mississippi State to Friday's game against the Horned Frogs has the Blazers focusing on strategy and giving the players an opportunity to rest this.
"TCU had a week off so they are rested and we've got to get our legs back," said Brown. "I think that's our number one priority, but we've still got to get a game plan. We've got to shorten practice a little bit. We won't do as much physical work this week as we normally do with a short week. We'll try to get a little more meeting time, less time on the field and try to prepare that way. If we go on the field Friday night and we aren't well rested, we will make a big mistake against TCU."
The Horned Frogs have scored 192 points this season, averaging 38.4 points per game and are the 10th-ranked scoring team in the nation.
"Mississippi State played the game like I thought they would: they were more conservative, they didn't turn the ball over and they ran right at us," said Brown. "That hurt us because they kept the ball for long periods of time during the game. TCU can do the same thing and they can mix the option in. Anytime you've got to worry about a quarterback taking off and running with it like their's can, that's an extra guy you have to defend. I am worried about the TCU offense, they are very technically sound and very skilled. I think they are right up there with Memphis in skill and talent on the offensive side of the ball. "
UAB is seeking its fourth-consecutive victory, something the Blazers haven't done since the 2001 season.
"It's important to keep the team focused and we have an older team, which helps because they are more experienced," said Brown. "So far we've done a good job of that. These kids have gone week to week and have not looked past any opponent. Each game gets a little bigger when you win and when you lose it becomes bigger because you have to win the next one."
Mississippi State was UAB's last non-conference opponent, with TCU being the first of six C-USA games the Blazers have remaining on their schedule.
"They've just got to go week to week. I think we've played a tough schedule up until now. We're battle tested, we've been in a lot of close games and we'll be ready to play. TCU is very good. I think the rest of the season, with the six teams we have left it's a toss up. If we play well we will win, and if we don't play well we can lose."
PLAYER QUOTES
DEFENSIVE BACK Brandon Register
On the quick turnaround from Saturday's game at Mississippi State to Friday's game versus TCU
"No, we do not have much time, but we have to start today and get ready. We have a lot to do. Coach Bolt and the other coaches are telling us that as far as the defensive side of the ball, we have a lot to do. We have to get ready for TCU because they do a lot of stuff on offense, so we have to prepare for that."
On TCU's running backs, especially junior Lonta Hobbs
"He is a real good running back. We watched some film on him yesterday and he is a good player."
On the magnitude of this game
"It is real big. If we win this game we will stay near the top of the conference, if not tied for the lead. It is just a real big game. We are very confident right now. We came out a little slow against Mississippi State on Saturday in the first half of the game but we came out on top in the end."
QUARTERBACK Darrell Hackney
On the big block he had in the game on Saturday which led to a big gain by Norris Drinkard
"It was pretty fun to do that, but I just try to do what I can do to help the team out. If it is blocking downfield than that is what it is. Norris (Drinkard) got an extra 10 yards after the block, so I think I helped out the team with that block. The offensive line gets really excited after seeing something like that and they just like the things that I can do back there, and I get excited about how well they have been protecting me all season."
On TCU and if there is any revenge factor because it was the team which knocked Hackney out for the season with an injury
"I do not feel like I owe them anything. I am just trying to go into the game and come out with a win and be 5-1. That will increase our chances of going to a bowl and winning a conference championship."
On the short break between games
"It should not be a problem because we do not have too many players sore or injured. We are just going to practice today and get some work, because we do not normally practice on Monday, so today is going to be a good fundamental day."
On the significance of the win over Mississippi State
"Many people do not feel like it was significant because Mississippi State only has won one game this year but I feel like it is good anytime you can beat an SEC team. To go in and beat a strong team like Mississippi State, it shows the talent that we."
On the balance on offense right now
"We figure that we need to have balance on offense and keep other team off-balance and if we do that, then we will be successful. Coach Brown did a great job of play calling and I never forced the ball and we did not have any turnovers. If we can run the ball well, then Roddy White can try to beat his defender deep. He showed he can do that and he has become a better receiver."
WIDE RECEIVER Roddy White
On the win versus Mississippi State
"It was a big win because we are a Conference USA team and we beat an SEC team, so that is a real big win for our entire university. I felt like it was just a great win for us."
On the possibility of seeing some double-coverage on Friday
"I am getting a lot of double-coverage already, and especially when I am on the outside. We expect to see a lot of that so myself, Reggie (Lindsey) and Bradly Chavez are going to have to make a lot of big plays this week."
On the quick turnaround between games
"It is not really that big of a deal. We are pretty jacked up after beating Mississippi State. We were in the locker room after that game on Saturday already talking about TCU. Yesterday we went and watched film on TCU, so we are getting a head start on them. They do some of the same things like Baylor did, so we have some preparation already."
