The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Spend Tuesday Morning Preparing For Rice
9/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 1, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team took to the practice fields on Tuesday morning in preparation for its 2009 season-opening game versus Rice on Saturday. With just five days until kickoff, the Blazers spent two hours in full pads focusing on the game plan for the Owls.
UAB head coach Neil Callaway, now in his third season at the helm of the Blazers, thought the team had a productive morning, but knows there is still work to be done.
"Today was good, we had a good work day," said Callaway. "I thought they got after it well.
"We're still a little sloppy on some things for Rice. We have to get those things worked out. But, the effort and attitude was good. Now it's just getting everything together for Rice."
Callaway points to the defensive side of the ball as one of Rice's strengths and feels the Blazers can be successful with proper execution.
"Their defensive staff has been intact since they've been there and they do a very good job defensively," said Callaway. "They do a good job scheme-wise and they have good players. I think they have an outstanding defensive football team.
"We have to be consistent. When we want to run the ball, we have to create some seams for the backs. When we throw the ball, we have to make sure we provide protection. I think our O-Line is going to be a big key for us."
UAB and Conference USA foe Rice will kick off the 2009 campaign on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT at Legion Field. The game will be televised regionally by CSS (Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast).
UAB vs. Rice 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. The pregame show will begin at 1:30 p.m.
