The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
View from the Booth - David Crane
9/20/2010 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 20, 2010
Blazer fans, I assume your voice, like mine, is still weary from the celebrating on Saturday. I've been on hand for walk-off home runs and buzzer-beaters in basketball, but there's just something extra special about a "Hail Mary," especially when your team has the prayer answered! The win over Troy will be talked about for a long, long time and for good reason. The Blazers recorded the largest come-from-behind victory in school history after trailing 23-0 in the first half. The Green and Gold also tied the school record for biggest 4th-quarter comeback after being down 33-20 with 8:34 to go.
All too often (including earlier this year) the shoe has been on the other foot for Blazer fans. It was nice to see the Green and Gold make the final plays of a game and have some good fortune land on the correct sideline for a change. Credit the players and coaches for persevering and continuing to fight for the entire 60 minutes. Their hard work was rewarded after the 99-yard drive with 1:09 to play. There were some heroic efforts throughout the game, but it truly was a team win. The defense gave up yards and points but found a way to slow down the Troy fast-break offense, especially in the second half. The offense found a rhythm with Bryan Ellis at quarterback, and I'm betting an extra point never felt better to a kicker more than the game-winner did to Josh Zahn.
Bryan Ellis was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 360 yards and three scores in relief of David Isabelle. He'll get the starting nod this Saturday in Knoxville, but rest assured, David Isabelle is still very much a part of this offense. Both quarterbacks have had remarkable performances this season, and both will continue to help lead the offense.
It was great to see other guys on offense step up in the clutch. The offensive line...Pat Shed...Jackie Williams...there were plenty of big plays turned in throughout the game, and not just on the final drive. But that nine-play march, without a timeout, will always be remembered for the final 44 yards. Bryan Ellis threw it as far as he could...it got tipped around the two...batted again around the one...and when Jackie Williams finally got control of it, he was laying just across the goal line...in plain view of an official. No overrule by the replay booth...no time on the clock...Josh Zahn provided the last big play of the day, and the celebration was on.
It was quite a way to pick up the first win of the season, and let's hope there are more victories to come, starting this weekend in Knoxville. The Tennessee Volunteers, like the Blazers, are 1-2 on the year. Derek Dooley's team has lost two straight, and with the schedule that lies ahead for the Big Orange, you know the Vols will be focused squarely on UAB. They are an SEC team, so they will be big, strong and fast. The Green and Gold will have their hands full, but the confidence gained from the win over Troy could do wonders. The players finally have something to show for their hard work in the off season, pre-season and first three weeks of the regular season.
It'll be an early start on Rocky Top this Saturday. Our pre-game will begin at 10 AM central time from Neyland Stadium. The game will kick at 11:21 AM and will be televised by the SEC Network. I hope you're making your plans to join us up in the Tennessee hills. Why wouldn't you? While the corn doesn't grow all that well, they claim there's no smoggy smoke or telephone bills. Whatcha think about that?
All kidding aside, Knoxville is a great venue, one every true football fan should experience once. "Football time in Tennessee" is quite a spectacle, and I look forward to being a part of it again.
Have a great week! One of the positives about being a fan as opposed to being a player is the ability to enjoy a win for more than 24 hours. I give you permission to revel in the win over Troy for as long as you like.
See you in Knoxville...GO BLAZERS!!!
DC
