Sept. 3, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team practiced for just over two hours on Wednesday afternoon, continuing preparations for Saturday afternoon's game at Florida Atlantic. During the 20-period session, the Blazers concentrated on the Owls' game plan, while also going over details for Saturday's contest.

UAB head coach Neil Callaway felt good about Wednesday's practice and likes where his team is entering this weekend's contest.

"Practice went good today," Callaway said. "I thought we got a lot of good work done. We spent a lot more time on Florida Atlantic today than (Tuesday), so I was pleased in that regard."

Besides Florida Atlantic, the Blazers are also keeping a close eye on the weather reports, as Hurricane Hanna is approaching the United States east coast. However, Callaway knows that is not something that they can worry about right now.

"We're not going to really know about the weather until (Thursday)," Callaway said. "If the hurricane continues on the same track it's on now, from what I hear then I think we'll be fine. But if it takes a western turn, then we're going to have some trouble. We just have to keep focused and let things play out."

Florida Atlantic (0-1) is coming off a 52-10 defeat at No. 11 Texas last Saturday. The defending Sun Belt champion were led by last season's Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Rusty Smith. The junior quarterback threw for 253 yards, 226 coming in the opening half, and a touchdown before being pulled in the third quarter.

Like the Owls, UAB's weapon is quarterback Joe Webb, who went 17-of-31 for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while also collecting 18 rushes for a team-leading 138 yards. The number of carries is something that worries Callaway, but also feels confident in his running game as a whole.

"Joe is the guy who makes us go offensively, so there are some concerns," Callaway said. "I watched him during the Tulsa game and talked to him afterwards and he was obviously tired, but never got to the point where he couldn't function.

"I feel we did some good things at running back. Our yards per carry was a decent average, but we still need to continue to work hard and get better."

Saturday's contest with Florida Atlantic will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The game will be carried live on the Blazer ISP Sports Network WWMM 100.5 FM radio locally in Birmingham. The pregame show begins at 1:30 p.m. CT, with kickoff coming at 3 p.m. CT (4 p.m. ET).