The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Discuss Memphis Game With Media
10/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 27, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB head football coach Watson Brown and several members of the Blazers met with the media on Thursday afternoon in Bartow Arena's Green and Gold Room as the Blazers look ahead to their nationally-televised game at Memphis on Tues., Nov. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at the Liberty Bowl.
UAB (3-4, 1-3 C-USA) looks to get back on track after three-consecutive losses to SMU, Marshall and Southern Miss. The Tigers (4-3, 3-2 C-USA) have won three of their last four contests, including a 27-24 victory over East Carolina last Saturday in Memphis. UAB has defeated the Tigers five-straight times and holds a 5-2 all-time series advantage. Tuesday's game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Head coach Watson Brown
On the Memphis game:
"We're looking forward to this game. Its been a great rivalry for us. We've had good success against Memphis, but they're a very good team this year."
On UAB quarterback Darrell Hackney and Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams:
"I'm excited to see two of the best players in Conference USA history playing against each other for the last time. They've gotten to know each other and that's an extra piece of this. They get to line up against each other for the last time on national television."
On the Memphis offense:
"They've had some quarterback issues, but with DeAngelo [Williams], it hasn't really mattered. They're doing a lot of gun and run things and we've been preparing for that."
On what UAB must do to win:
"I feel optimistic that if we play hard, we can win. We just haven't won the close games. There's a few little things we need to do better, and that's all it takes in those close games."
Quarterback Darrell Hackney
On UAB's approach to the Memphis game:
"We approach every game the same way. Coach Brown lays out the gameplan and the players just have to go out and execute."
On the importance and significance of Tuesday's game:
"I'm approaching this as a must-win game. If we lose this game, our final goal is not attainable."
On the Memphis game:
"The game is going to be exciting. We're going to go out and play to win. Its my last game against Memphis so hopefully we can go out with a bang. Its also my mother's birthday, so hopefully I can get her a birthday win.
Defensive Lineman Sam Williamson
On the defense:
"The difference in right now and at the beginning of the year is that we only have a couple of guys around the ball. At the first of the year, you would see five or six green jerseys, but now its one or maybe two guys making the tackle. We have to get more people to the ball and get more turnovers."
On his toughest match this season:
"Last week, I played against George Batiste from Southern Miss, who is the toughest guy that I've gone up against. We have the biggest battle in my eyes. As far as person-to-person, he has to be my biggest rival. Memphis will be tough up front but I feel like we will be ready to play Tuesday."
On the Blazers' goals for the remaining season:
"Our goals have changed since the first of the year. Our second goal is still reachable, but we need to get a win. We could end up having the same record as last year, but we feel like this has been a tough season. We have to continue to win each week and hopefully get to a bowl game."
Running Back Corey White
On handling the majority of the running duties:
"I've got to step in and work hard. It is key that I keep myself in shape and keep my wind up. It's a tough situation to lose a running back that you have a good relationship with and have been sharing time with all season. I have to go in and play hard."
On the running game heading into Memphis:
"They run a spread-out defense, so I feel we will be able to get the ball between the gaps. The defense they run is all about stopping the pass and sometimes they come out with two linemen. I truly feel like we can run the ball against Memphis."
