Sept. 30, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- With the practice schedule altered to accommodate Thursday night's game, the UAB football team went through a typical Thursday routine on Tuesday afternoon. The Blazers practiced for about 90 minutes in shorts and helmets as they prepare for Thursday night's contest against Memphis.

"I thought it was really a very good practice," UAB head coach Neil Callaway said. "The guys were very attentive, worked hard and seemed to execute everything pretty well."

UAB and Memphis will meet at 7 p.m. CT Thursday at Legion Field in the third annual "Battle for the Bones." The rivalry game started in 2006 with the winner taking home a 100-pound bronzed rack of ribs.

The Blazers held the trophy for a year after winning the inaugural game in 2006, but the Tigers currently hold it after a 25-9 win last year in Memphis. Overall, UAB has won seven of the 10 games in the all-time series between the teams, including seven straight before last year's loss.

Thursday night's game is the first of back-to-back Thursday games for UAB, which also travels to Houston next Thursday. The Blazers have only one traditional Saturday game in the month of October, an Oct. 18 homecoming matchup with Marshall.

By the time kickoff comes Thursday, the Blazers will have had just four days to prepare for Memphis following Saturday's 26-13 loss at South Carolina.

"Obviously, it's a fast turnaround," Callaway said. "Yesterday was a little different, but I think we're pretty much on schedule, so we're looking forward to the game."

Thursday's game will be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network. It can be heard locally on WWMM 100.5 FM radio in Birmingham. The contest will also be televised on CBS College Sports.

Fans are encouraged to come early to witness the "Battle for the Bones" BBQ competition, featuring more than 30 teams. Cooking starts in the early afternoon with teams required to turn in their ribs at 5 p.m. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m., and the winner will be announced at halftime.