Aug. 26, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- After nearly a month of preseason practice, the UAB football team has finally reached game week. With wet conditions at the practice fields on campus, the Blazers moved Tuesday's workout to the artificial surface at Legion Field.

For the players, it was a good opportunity to see action on the same field where they will open the season in four days. The Blazers will host preseason Conference USA West Division favorite Tulsa on Saturday at Legion Field with kickoff set for 3 p.m. CT.

Though UAB practiced much of the afternoon in the rain, UAB head coach Neil Callaway viewed the move to Legion Field in a positive light.

"It's a great advantage any time we get a chance to get over here, to be on the turf and be in this environment," Callaway said. "Obviously, the field dimensions are the same everywhere, but it's always good to practice where you play."

As the season opener nears, UAB continues to work on the game plan for Tulsa and against the scout team running the Golden Hurricane's scheme. Callaway was pleased with Tuesday's practice and said his team is continuing to improve as kickoff approaches.

"It was a really good practice," Callaway said. "We did some good things and had some good competition. I thought both sides competed really well, and I thought the scout team did a really good job of putting on Tulsa's offense, helping us to prepare for some of the things they do."

Saturday's contest with Tulsa marks the first time since 2004 UAB has started the season at home and the first time in program history the Blazers have opened against a Conference USA opponent.

"I think we're ready," Callaway said. "We'll continue to work over the next few days and dial down the contact the rest of the week. We've still got some work to do, but you can see the guys are focused and excited about playing Tulsa."