The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Football Has Final Tune-Up Before Memphis
11/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 10, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team made the final tune-ups to its game plan for just over an hour on Thursday morning as the Blazers prepare to take on the Memphis Tigers in the "Battle for the Bones" game this Saturday.
Head coach Neil Callaway acknowledges the challenges they will face in the rivalry game, such as the Tigers' improved defense.
"I think they have improved particularly on defense," Callaway said. "I think they are about as good of a defensive front that we'll play against. The defensive lineman Dontari Poe is one of the more talented guys we will play against in this league."
Callaway points out that the UAB offense is one of the team's stronger components, but the task of containing Dontari Poe will still be tough.
"It will be a challenge for our offensive line," Callaway said. "Our offensive line is one of the strengths of our football team, but it will be a big challenge."
In addition, Memphis has had an extra week to prepare for the "Battle for the Bones". Still it's a game the team looks forward to playing every year.
""It's a rivalry game, and it's been a good series since I've been here," Callaway said. "There's not only a lot in common with our football teams this year, but there is a lot in common with the universities and cities."
The captain's for Saturday's contest will be offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, cornerback Marquis Coleman and linebacker Greg Irvin on special teams.
Saturday's contest will kick off at 3:15 p.m. CT and be televised regionally by CSS at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.
The Blazer IMG Sports Network radio broadcast will air locally on WUHT-FM 107.7 in Birmingham. David Crane and John Whitcomb have the call with Sam Miller on the sidelines. The pregame show begins 90 minutes before kickoff.
