The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Go In Full Pads During Wednesday's Practice
9/17/2008 12:00:00β―AM | Football
Sept. 17, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - With just three days remaining before the second home game of the season, the UAB football team changed things up from its normal Wednesday routine. Instead of going in just shoulder pads like they normally do, the Blazers practiced in full pads for a second consecutive day, going for over two hours on Wednesday afternoon.
The move was done because UAB head coach Neil Callaway was not pleased with how Tuesday's practice went, especially on defense. He said he wanted and expected to see more and he felt like he got that during Wednesday's 20-period session.
"We had a bad day defensively on Tuesday," Callaway said. "We wanted to get it corrected. We did not feel good about that practice heading into this weekend's game, and they responded well and had a good day today."
This was the first time during Callaway's tenure that he has switched the Wednesday routine.
"This is the first time this has happened," Callaway said. "All fall I have been very pleased. I thought the work and tempo of practice has been real good. I think it's just a matter of not giving effort and not being in the right frame of mind ready to work."
Callaway did feel like his message got through and his squad came out more prepared for this afternoon's practice.
"Defensively we picked it up today and had a good day."
The Blazers (0-3) are preparing for just their second home game of the season, and first since an Aug. 30 loss to C-USA rival Tulsa.
The Blazers and Hornets are scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday at Legion Field.
The game will be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network, WWMM 100.5 FM radio. David Crane and Dan Burks will be on the air beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT with pre-game coverage.
