The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Football Team Practices At Legion Field On Wednesday
9/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 21, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team practiced in helmets and shorts on Wednesday at Legion Field, marking the second consecutive day the Blazers moved their practice facility due to wet field conditions.
With the poor weather having moved out of the Birmingham area, UAB head coach Neil Callaway felt his team got a lot more out of Wednesday's two-hour session compared to Tuesday's practice, which took place in a heavy downpour. Overall, he was pleased with the work his team put in during the morning practice.
"This was our second day getting ready for East Carolina, so I think we had a lot better recognition," Callaway said. "I thought our scout team had a good day as well and that will always help our preparation."
East Carolina comes into Saturday's contest against UAB with a similar 0-2 record on the year, having dropped contests to a pair of ranked teams in South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Saturday marks the Pirates first Conference USA contest and second home contest at Dowdy Ficklin Stadium.
ECU racked up 345 yards of offense in a 56-37 defeat against the then-No. 12 Gamecocks (9/3) and is averaging 23.5 points per game this season. Despite not having a win, Callaway feels that the Pirates' offense is dangerous and it is something his team has to be ready for on Saturday.
"They have a very explosive offense," Callaway said. "They are not fast-paced all the time but there's a good bit of speed and hurry-up, so we have to be ready for that. They hurt us last year with a couple gadget plays, so our defense has to be aware at all times."
According to Callaway, the key to being ready for a fast-paced offense comes during the week in preparation.
"Practice is a big part of it," Callaway said. "You have to make sure to get good reps and our scout team has done a good job with that. You can't get lulled to sleep. Whatever happens on the previous play you have to put behind you and get ready for the next one."
Saturday's contest at East Carolina will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT). The game will be carried live on the Blazer IMG Sports Network, airing locally on 107.7 WUHT-FM. David Crane and John Whitcomb will call the action with Sam Miller on the sidelines. The pregame show begins 90 minutes before kickoff.
