The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Ready For Conference USA Rival Rice
10/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 12, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team concluded its preparations for Conference USA rival Rice on Thursday afternoon, going for a little over two hours without pads at the UAB practice field. The Blazers are looking to use the momentum from their 35-29 victory over Memphis last Saturday, to remain unbeaten in league play (2-0).
Rice enters Saturday's game against UAB ranked last among Conference USA schools in rushing defense, giving up an average of 212.9 yards per game. That is something which bodes well for the Blazers, especially after a running attack that netted a combined 277 yards of rushing offense in the win over Memphis on Oct. 7.
In that contest, both Corey White (130 yards) and Marculus Elliot (111 yards) each rushed for over 100 yards, becoming the first duo since former players Thomas Cox (133 yards) and Jegil Dugger (116 yards) accomplished the feat against Houston on Nov. 17, 2001. UAB head coach Watson Brown feels that is going to be an important area in order for the Blazers to have success at Rice.
"The running game is always important for us," Brown said. "We need to establish the run when we go in there because that is what we are built on first. I don't know if we will rush for 277 yards again, but we need to definitely establish the run this Saturday."
Another obstacle into getting the running game going against Rice will be the health of the offensive line. Brown is concerned about it, but feels he has had the injury bug on the offensive line throughout the season, and each week, someone steps up to fill a hole.
"I am concerned about the health of the offensive line," Brown said. "But at the same time it seems like we have always managed to step up every time. Again, this week we are going to have a couple of starters out, but it seems like this team, especially over the last couple of weeks, have covered for that and we have to see if they can keep doing that."
Fans can watch the live television broadcast of the UAB/Rice contest on CSTV. The game can be heard on the Blazers ISP Sports Network, beginning at 6:00 p.m. CST. Birmingham listeners can follow all the action on WYDE 101.1 FM, as well as WIQR 1410 AM in Montgomery.
