Sept. 16, 2007

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB's Swayze Waters kicked a record five field goals and Neil Callaway picked up his first win as a head coach as the Blazers defeated visiting Alcorn State, 22-0, Saturday night at Legion Field.

UAB (1-2), which had opened with tough road contests at Michigan State and Florida State, played on its home field for the first time this season. The Blazers capitalized on the right foot of Waters who was a perfect 5-of-5 on field goals to break a 13-year old UAB record for most three-pointers in a game.

Waters also tied the Conference USA mark for field goals, becoming the sixth C-USA kicker to boot five in a game. The Jackson, Miss. native, now 9-of-10 this season, also tied the Blazer mark for longest field goal as he made a 52-yarder early in the second quarter.

"It was great because he made them all," said Callaway, who is in his first season at the helm of the UAB program. "But on the other hand, we wish we would have scored a few more touchdowns. But we are happy with Swayze and happy with this win.

"Offensively, we were a little inconsistent, we shot ourselves in the foot a good bit. We have to clean up some things and get more consistent."

The UAB win also snapped an eight-game Blazer losing streak that started with six defeats to finish the 2006 season.

In limiting the Braves (0-3) to just 11 first downs and 233 total yards, UAB recorded its first shutout in 91 games, dating back to the 1999 season.

"I thought they (the defense) came out and played hard," said Callaway, "other than the big plays. We still have some mental mistakes and are not doing the little things we need to, but I they played hard and played with a lot of energy. We came up with a couple turnovers and didn't let them score. Whenever you hold anyone to zero points, that's a good day."

Running back Brandon Thornton made his UAB debut after missing the first two games due to injury. The transfer from Mississippi State who starred in the high school ranks at nearby Homewood High, rushed for 89 yards. Despite his solid effort, Thornton is looking forward to better performances down the road.

"It felt really good to get back on the field," said Thornton. "I felt like I was a little rusty but in a couple weeks, I hope to do a lot better.

UAB's first three scores came on Waters field goals as the Blazers took a 9-0 lead with 13:12 to play in the second period. Their only touchdown of the game came on a four-yard pass just before halftime as quarterback Sam Hunt found David Sigler open for the score. The touchdown was the first of Sigler's career.

Waters added two more field goals in the third period to close out the scoring, connecting from 22 and 38 yards out.

UAB finished with 211 yards on the ground as Jim Mitchell added to the total of Thornton with his own 76-yard performance on only 12 carries.

Defensively, safety Will Dunbar again turned in an impressive game. He recorded another double-digit tackle game with 11 stops and also registered his second interception in as many weeks, returning the second quarter pick 35 yards.. Linebacker Joe Henderson also had an interception for the Blazers.

Alcorn State was led on the ground by Antoine Young who ran for 57 yards. Quarterback Chris Walker threw for 133 yards as he hit 13-of-25 passes with two interceptions.

UAB will have an open date next weekend before opening Conference USA play on Saturday, Sept. 29 with a road game at Tulsa.