Sept. 18, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB football team went through a short practice here Thursday finalizing plans for Saturday's contest against Alabama State at Legion Field.

The Blazers will kick off against the Hornets at 3:00 p.m. in their first home game since opening the season Aug. 30 versus Conference USA foe Tulsa.

The week started slowly for UAB on the practice field as head coach Neil Callaway was not pleased with his team's effort in Tuesday's practice, especially on the defensive side. The workouts have improved as the week has progressed, according to Callaway.

"Today went well, just your typical Thursday practice," Callaway said after his team's light workout Thursday in shorts and helmets. "We just rehearsed situations for Alabama State.

"Tuesday, we didn't have a very good day from a defensive standpoint, but yesterday was a good day on both sides of the ball."

Callaway also announced that the three captains for Saturday's game will be sophomore Frantrell Forrest on offense, senior Joe Henderson on defense and senior Jeff Hamby on special teams.

UAB and Alabama State will be meeting for the third time but for the first occasion since 1995.

The game will be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network with flagship station WWMM 100.5 FM radio airing the broadcast. David Crane will call the action with programming to begin at 1:30 p.m. CT.