The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Continue Preparations For East Carolina
11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 18, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team practiced for nearly two hours on Wednesday in helmets and shoulder pads. The Blazers are continuing preparations for Saturday's crucial matchup at East Carolina.
The contest will pit two teams who are separated by one game in the Conference USA East Division. The Pirates (6-4) have a 5-1 record in league play and hold a one-game lead over three teams that are 4-2, including the Blazers (5-5).
"It was a good practice today," UAB head coach Neil Callaway said. "We were able to get a lot more work in on the East Carolina game plan. We did the competition against ourselves which helped set the tempo. It was a lot better."
One thing that has helped the player's focus according to Callaway has been the cooler temperatures. The team practiced under cloudy skies with the temperature hovering around 50 degrees on Wednesday morning.
"The cool weather does help us a little bit," Callaway said. "It probably gives us a little more energy. We have a big day tomorrow and Friday so we still have a lot more work to do."
Saturday's game could go a long way toward determining the C-USA East Division champion as both teams control their own destiny to reach the league's championship game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) Saturday, and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network broadcast of the game will be televised in Birmingham on ABC 33/40.
The game will also be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network and can be heard in the Birmingham area on flagship station WUHT-FM 107.7 with David Crane (play-by-play) and Jake Arians (color) on the call. The pregame show will begin 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
