The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
'Bones' Rivalry Game Next Up For Blazers
11/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 7, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- It's a rivalry week for the UAB football team as the Blazers work toward Saturday's "Battle for the Bones" game at Memphis.
On Monday, UAB head coach Neil Callaway met with the media at his weekly press conference. Senior center Darion Smith, sophomore defensive end Connor Boyett and sophomore tight end Nolen Smith were also in attendance.
The Blazers (1-8, 1-5 Conference USA) are coming off a 56-13 loss to No. 14 Houston last Saturday, while Memphis (2-7, 1-4 C-USA) had an open date. The Tigers lost to UCF, 41-0, in their most recent action.
UAB has won the rivalry game with Memphis in each of the past two seasons and owns a 9-4 edge in the all-time series with the Tigers. The "Battle for the Bones" trophy was established in 2006, and the Blazers have since won three of the past five meetings.
Saturday's kickoff is slated for 3:15 p.m. CT at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis with the game to be televised regionally by CSS.
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.
Here are some highlights from Monday's press conference:
UAB Head Coach Neil Callaway
On last week's loss to No. 14 Houston
"I thought that defensively we did well early, even though they took the first drive and drove it down the field. We were able to get the turnover, and then, offensively, we were able to go down and score. I don't think we did a good enough job on the kicking game. I think we put our defense in a bind early.
"The defense had a great goal line stand and we moved the ball on offense pretty well. After the first part of the second half, it got away from us a little bit. I think our guys played extremely hard. I think we played a very good team in Houston. The pace of their offense is extremely fast, and I thought our defense did a nice job of keeping up. It makes you do things a little different, but we did a good job overall."
On this week's opponent, Memphis
"It's a rivalry game, and it's been a good series since I've been here. 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.
"Looking at them defensively, I'm very impressed with their defensive front. 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.
"Offensively, they've started off uncertain with what they had at quarterback and they've settled in with a freshman, who has gotten better and better every week. They have a big, strong offensive line and they have a punter that does an extremely good job. All in all, it's a game that we are looking forward to playing. Hopefully we'll have a good week of preparation and we can go up there and play well."
On improvements Memphis has made under second-year coach Larry Porter
"I think they have improved particularly on defense. They have gone through some growing pains on offense with the quarterback, but I do think they are an improved football team."
On what went well for UAB against Houston
"I thought the goal line stand was very good. I think our offensive line has continued to play fairly well. I thought the running backs Greg Franklin and Darrin Reaves did a nice job. Those would be the things I would point to."
Senior C Darion Smith
On the Houston game
"For the offense, it's kind of like we lost momentum. I can't really put a finger on it; it's kind of puzzling. Missing certain assignments on the field, it kind of catches up with you. It has caught up with us a lot this year, and I think the first half we came out and proved that we could go toe to toe with these guys, but somewhere along the line I think something happened to the team."
On the importance of finding a rhythm offensively
"I think we just get the play in and execute our job. We do like when the ball is moving. I think that really helps our quarterback out. I mean he is a sophomore and I think as the game goes on, if he does well, his confidence builds and that's the same for our running backs and receivers."
On the progress of young running backs Darrin Reaves and Greg Franklin
"We love those guys. Darrin is a hit-you-in-the-mouth kind of guy, and there is a lot of potential for both of those guys. If you get Greg Franklin in the open space, I doubt you could tackle him. We have another running back in Bashr Coles I think you guys will be hearing from soon. He's redshirted, but all of those guys are extremely talented and I think the sky is the limit for them."
On the rivalry game with Memphis and the "Battle for the Bones" trophy
"It's a rivalry; it's the `Battle for the Bones.' Both teams really want to win right now. I think it's going to be extremely competitive. We want to keep the bones with us. That's where they have been the last two years."
Sophomore DE Connor Boyett
On the first half of the Houston game defensively
"It felt good to go against such a high ranking team and playing that well. We came out of that first half feeling really good about ourselves and hoping to continue that in the second half, but it just didn't work out."
On the first-half goal line stand by the UAB defense against Houston
"It was definitely a confidence-booster. I think it helped us finish the first half as well as we did. I think (defensive coordinator) Coach (Tommy) West just made a really good call, and we all executed it perfectly."
On playing against Memphis, defensive coordinator Tommy West's old team
"I don't know Coach West's feelings towards Memphis right now, but obviously he's with UAB now and we definitely want to win every game that we can. Maybe he will appreciate it even more if we beat his old school."
Sophomore TE Nolen Smith
On his increase in production over the past few games
"If the quarterback trusts you enough to throw it up there, you have to go make a play wherever it is. I've always been in the playbook. I think in the last few weeks we've started to open up and throw the ball around. I've been able to make a few plays, which has given them the trust to throw me the ball a little more."
On the rivalry game with Memphis
"It means a lot. The past two years we've come out the victor in this game. The `Battle for the Bones' is a good thing to play for, and hopefully we'll get a victory over Memphis this week."
On his early impressions of the Memphis defense
"We haven't seen a lot of film so far, but we've seen enough to know that they've made improvements in all areas of their defense. They have potential to make plays in all aspects."
