The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Continue Preparations For UCF
11/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 25, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team practiced for nearly two hours on Wednesday in helmets and shoulder pads. The Blazers are continuing preparations for Saturday's crucial matchup against UCF.
"It was a good practice today," UAB head coach Neil Callaway said. "We had some competition stuff today and I thought that went well. We are still trying to hone in on what Central Florida does. We have a lot of work left to do there, but we still have Thursday and Friday to get everything down."
Prior to the contest, the Blazers will honor the 17 seniors in the class of 2009. Along with that, UAB is also hoping to get bowl eligible with a win against the Knights. Should the Blazers get the win, it will mark the first time since 2004 that UAB has been bowl eligible.
"We just have to work hard and worry about what we can control," Callaway said. "We do want to honor the seniors, which is a big deal for us. We have to stay focused and stay the course."
The team selected permanent captains this week, which were voted on by the players. Quarterback Joe Webb was named the offensive captain, Anthony Barnes is the defensive captain and Jim Mitchell and Caleb Dyck were voted as co-captains for special teams by their peers.
As far as Thanksgiving plans for the football team go, Callaway plans to have a Thursday morning practice session which will end early. While it is a crucial time for game preparation, the third-year head coach understands the importance of being around loved ones for the holiday season.
"We are going to have a short, early morning practice on Thursday," Callaway said. "After that, everyone who lives close enough to go home will be allowed to go home. For the ones who are too far from home, they will eat at their coach's place."
Saturday's game will be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network and can be heard in the Birmingham area on flagship station WUHT-FM 107.7 with David Crane (play-by-play) and Jake Arians (color) on the call. The pregame show will begin 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
