The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Game Week Preparations Begin With Tuesday's Football Practice
8/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 29, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- With only two practices remaining before its season-opening contest, the UAB football team went for approximately two hours in warm and muggy conditions Tuesday afternoon. Head coach Watson Brown was fairly pleased with the first game week practice, but concedes there is much more left to do in a short amount of time.
"We were ok today," Brown said. "I wouldn't say we are ready to play Oklahoma just yet, but there are two more practice left this week before we leave for Norman. We are getting more consistent, but there are some inconsistent things you want to see get better as a coach. Hopefully, Wednesday it will get better."
The Blazers went in full pads during Tuesday afternoon's session, focusing on offensive and defensive game plans. With the installment of the game plans and after an off day on Monday, Brown expected practice to be a little more physical and that is exactly what he saw.
"I hope they are getting their legs and spirit back a little," Brown said. "It is early in the year and I thought it was a little more physical (Tuesday). As the season goes on, you have to be a little more careful, but early in the year you can still have some pretty physical Tuesday practices."
Despite a few injuries during the preseason camp, the Blazers came out of it relatively unscathed. Especially, according to Brown, considering how physical the team played throughout the preseason. That is something Brown thinks will help UAB not only Saturday, but throughout the entire season.
"We lost one really good football player, but I don't think we can complain about injuries," Brown said. "I would like to think we were as physical as anyone in the country as far as camp is concerned."
The Blazers will open the 2006 campaign in Norman, Okla., where they will do battle with the fifth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Sept. 2. It will mark the second consecutive season and third time over the last four years that UAB will square-off against a top-five opponent. Game time is set for 6 p.m. and will be televised nationally on TBS.
The radio coverage can be heard on the Blazers ISP Sports Network, beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST. Birmingham listeners can follow all the action on WYDE 101.1 FM, as well as WIQR 1410 AM in Montgomery and WTRB-FM 98.3 FM in Ashland/Talladega.
