The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Sets Sights On Arkansas
10/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The UAB football team took to the practice field Monday to prepare for its non-conference matchup at Arkansas on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT in Fayetteville, Ark.
“I think we have to change gears just a little,” said head coach Bill Clark. “Obviously the next game is the one that is important to us, but being on the road again and against an SEC team can be daunting.”
Saturday’s contest against the Razorbacks will test the Blazers’ defense in a way they have not yet seen this season. Arkansas is the only team in the nation with two running backs to gain 600-plus yards rushing. Junior Jonathan Williams ranks third in the Southeastern Conference with 677 yards, while sophomore Alex Collins ranks fourth with 665 rushing yards.
“It is different to play a team that huddles up,” Clark said. “It is harder to see what personnel and formations they are running. They give you tons of formations and pop those runs off when you can’t get lined up right.”
Not only will UAB have a challenging offensive scheme to prepare for, but will have to match up against a physical Razorback defense.
“I think they have a good linebacker corps and a really good secondary. They sure look the part, and both safeties are big and they have good looking corners. I also think that defensive line really stands out,” said Clark.
The Blazers have had offensive success this season against the SEC, piling up 548 yards against now-No. 1 Mississippi State on Sept. 6.
This weekend’s game will be the first-ever meeting between UAB and Arkansas.
The game will be carried on the SEC Network with Dave Neal (play-by-play), Andre Ware (analyst) and Laura Rutledge (sideline) on the call. Fans can also listen to the game on the Blazer IMG Sports Network locally on WUHT-FM 107.7 with David Crane (play-by-play), Steve Irvine (analyst) and Sam Miller (sideline) calling the action.
For more information on the UAB football team, follow the Blazers on Twitter @UAB_Football. For more on all Blazer sports teams, follow @UABAthletics.
