The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Turn Focus To Road Game At Middle Tennessee
10/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- In search of its third consecutive victory this season, the UAB football team turns its attention to a road Conference USA game at Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
On Monday, head coach Bill Clark and selected players met with media at the team's weekly media luncheon in the Green and Gold Room of Bartow Arena.
The Blazers and Middle Tennessee kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT in a game that will be televised on FOX College Sports. Mike Morgan (play-by-play), JC Pearson (analyst) and Steffi Sorensen (sideline) will be on the call at MT's Floyd Stadium.
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Head Coach Bill Clark
Opening comments
"In conference play and it being homecoming, Saturday was a huge day for us. It started defensively with something that we have been preaching a lot, takeaways. We got the ball back. Any time you can put that with three defensive scores, it doesn't get much better than that. I thought we had a solid defensive day but we still have some things to correct. We played very well.
"Offensively, it starts with protecting the football. Going against a really good defense, we were able to run the ball. We threw our control passes then we were able to take our deep shots and connect on those. We had great pass protection all day. The offensive line, tight ends, and running backs blocked well all day. Cody (Clements) was very efficient, as he has been the last few weeks. He's doing a really good job of protecting the football and getting the ball to the right receivers. The receivers are not only catching the ball but they are doing a good job blocking on the perimeter.
"Our special teams were solid against a good special teams unit, which is what we expect out of them. It was a complete win, great to have it at home in front of our home crowd for homecoming. It made it that much more special."
On putting together a complete effort vs. North Texas
"We really wanted to be aggressive and score on defense. We are not there defensively, but it's that mentality to be aggressive and make things happen. We say great defense doesn't hurt our offense. They go together. It was overall a great effort."
On UAB's offense
"We have determined who we need to be. A couple weeks ago, we had to do some self-analysis of who we are. We had played some really good offense, but we went and studied ourselves. The FIU game really made us take a hard look at ourselves. We want to be a tempo team, we have to run the ball, and we want to get the ball out of Cody's hand with quick, effective throws. We are also going to take our deep shots, and we have to be able to hit those."
On defensive adjustments in the second half against North Texas
"When you can have a plan on Monday, you can practice it all week and can play really fast. They were who we thought they were. They started throwing the ball early. We had played really well defensively in the first half, but they ran some plays that we had not seen. We made some adjustments to those at halftime. That is the nature of offense, they are going to do things that you have never seen."
On Middle Tennessee's offense
"I know offensively they are something else. If you want to think of a great offense, you are thinking of them. First you have the quarterback (Austin Grammer), who is unbelievably dynamic. If you thought the North Texas quarterback ran well last week, this guy is faster. He truly has sprinter speed. He can stay alive in the pocket and has a huge arm. Their offensive line has some physical, nasty guys. Their running backs run the ball extremely well. They are a little bit different from Western Kentucky in that their quarterback was not a runner. It starts with their offense, but if we look at defensive personnel, they are as good as anybody."
On stopping Middle Tennessee in the red zone
"Number one, we are going to try to keep them out of the red zone. But when you have a quarterback that runs the ball, it is like playing against 12 guys. If we don't cover down on the receivers, they will throw it to them. They have good running backs and multiple formations, and the quarterback can take off and beat you with his legs. I don't know why teams are good in the red zone, but anybody that has a quarterback that can truly run, that is the element that is so hard to defend."
On the team handling success
"I am constantly talking to our seniors to explain to the rest of the team, `I don't have another year.' That is what a senior does. It is our job to help them understand the 24-hour rule of, `hey, that was great,' or, `that was bad.' We have to move on. Our guys are starting to get that. We saw that Saturday. We did the best about eliminating distractions and honing in. Every week I try to say, `this is something we have had an issue with, how do we fix it?' It is so much about focus. We have to stay super hungry. As we have said before, it's all about this game. It's all about this week. It's nothing about anybody else. If we do that, we have a chance."
#1 J.J. Nelson | Senior | Wide Receiver
On the offense's momentum
"We are coming out to practice to get better each day. We thrive on coming out and being tough and physical. By Saturday, everything will be ready."
On biggest difference in quarterback Cody Clements over the last few games
"We are really just getting comfortable with him. He started at a junior college then came here, and he's getting a good feel of the game. He has a great completion percentage, so I feel like he's doing a great job."
On the offense adapting to Clements
"In the spring, we felt like Cody would be the guy. He came in and is a great leader. It's all about timing and getting the ball out at the right moment. We all knew it would take time, and it couldn't have come at a better part of the season."
#77 Victor Salako | Sophomore | Offensive line
On Quarterback Cody Clements' performance against North Texas
"He is playing smart football and playing with more confidence. He has more passion and loves the game of football. He demonstrates leadership in practice and wants to be the best quarterback in the nation. He clearly doesn't want to be mediocre."
On the offensive line playing a key part in winning on the road
"When we have the offensive line dominating, it makes the game really easy for the rest of the team."
#26 Rolan Milligan | Junior | Linebacker
On the North Texas victory
"It was a lot of fun. The defense getting turnovers and scoring brought a lot of energy and the sideline was hyped. It was nice."
On UAB's defense repeating its performance from this past Saturday
"I think so. I think a lot of guys are buying into what coaches provide scheme wise. If we continue to do what we are suppose to and eliminate the big plays and deep balls at end of the game, I think we can. We need stay alert for the whole game because that is what it is, a full football game. We need to go out every week and go hard in practice like coach wants and play with physicality and energy."
On UAB's defense scoring three touchdowns vs. North Texas
"Three defensive touchdowns was a first time thing for me to be a part of. I liked it and thought it was exciting. I want it every week from our defense."
