The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Discuss East Carolina Game With Media
11/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 21, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB head football coach Watson Brown and several members of the Blazers met with the media on Monday afternoon in Bartow Arena's Green and Gold Room as the team looks ahead to its final regular-season game at East Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 26. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. CT at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
UAB (5-5, 3-4 C-USA) knocked off 24th-ranked UTEP, 35-23 last Saturday in El Paso, snapping the Miners' five-game winning streak and nine-game home winning streak. Blazer quarterback Darrell Hackney threw for four touchdowns, including three to Reggie Lindsey who tallied 146 receiving yards in the contest. Corey White and Marculus Elliot also combined for 177 rushing yards for UAB. The Blazers also forced four turnovers, three on interceptions.
East Carolina (4-6, 3-4 C-USA) came back for a 34-29 victory last Saturday at Marshall. The Pirates racked up 245 rushing yards in the game and 464 yards of total offense. This Saturday's game will be the first meeting between UAB and ECU since the 2002 season and the Blazers' first trip to Greenville, N.C. since 2000.
Head coach Watson Brown
On the win at UTEP:
"I'm proud of our guys. That was a good win that gets us back in the mix."
On this Saturday's game at East Carolina:
"It is going to be a tough game. We've made it to the last one with a lot left to play for. We have to play well and find a way to win this game."
On playing at the Sun Bowl:
"We kept our poise in a very tough place to play. That offense can come back on you in a heartbeat. Our kids carried out the gameplan well."
On the East Carolina game:
"There's nothing for us to think about now but winning another game. East Carolina is just like the rest of us and it'll be another close, tough game. If we don't play well, we'll lose. If we play well, we have a chance to win."
On the Blazers' senior class:
"Its been a great group since they've been here. They have had a lot to do with many of the big wins in this football program's history."
Wide Receiver Reggie Lindsey
On the victory at UTEP
"Saturday was a big win for us. It helped us build confidence in ourselves and know that we can win in tough situations. They were ranked and it gives us a chance to become bowl-eligible this week against East Carolina."
On senior Darrell Hackney:
"Darrell and I have been on the same page this year. We both have worked hard this season and it has shown. Its all about playing well and playing together."
On the East Carolina game:
"We are very focused on this game because it can make us or break us. Its going to determine if we get bowl eligible and get a bowl bid. UAB made a bowl last year and all the guys want to go to another. Its my senior year and the other 16 seniors want to go out with another bowl appearance."
Quarterback Darrell Hackney
On the UAB wide receivers:
"Reggie has had his opportunities and he has made the best of it. A guy like Jhun Cook takes a lot of pressure off of Reggie. Cook has emerged this season and has allowed Reggie to make plays. The offensive line did a great job and Reggie was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week."
On the UTEP game:
"We went into the game knowing what we had to do. We went into the game not flat but ready to play. We have been playing great on the road and hopefully we can continue that at East Carolina."
On play calling:
"It feels great to only throw the ball 17 times and win. Corey White and Marculus Elliott added a two-back dimension that took a lot of pressure of me. The offensive line did a great job."
Cornerback Carlos Hendricks
On the UAB defense:
"The UAB offense deserves a lot of credit but the defense came up with some big plays. You really have to give credit to the entire defense and the coaching staff for doing a great job. Turnovers have been big for us and were a big momentum switcher."
On the win at UTEP:
"We felt confident heading into the game against UTEP. As soon as we got off the bus, we knew UTEP was in trouble. We don't have a great record but we have a lot of talent."
On the East Carolina game:
"We've got to have a win against ECU. We are a desperate team and in a must-win situation. East Carolina is a good team, so I expect it to be another tough game. I feel like we are going to battle hard and pull out the win."
