Nov. 19, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Three days away from its final home game of the season, the UAB football team was back on the practice field Wednesday.

The Blazers continued to prepare for Saturday's Conference USA matchup with East Carolina at Legion Field. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised by Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS).

With temperatures in the mid-40s for the second day in a row, UAB went through a normal midweek practice routine. Head coach Neil Callaway said it was business as usual for the Blazers.

"It was a typical Wednesday practice," Callaway said. "We've scaled back on a lot of our 11-on-11 stuff. It's getting late in the year, and we can't afford to get anybody else hurt. Everything we did today was in preparation for East Carolina."

UAB (3-7, 2-4 C-USA) has had success against East Carolina since the teams first played in 1998. The Blazers hold a 4-3 lead in the all-time series, including a perfect 3-0 record against the Pirates in Birmingham.

UAB is looking to keep that streak alive against an East Carolina team that followed a 3-0 start with three straight losses before rebounding to win three of its last four entering Saturday's game. The Pirates are 6-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play.

"East Carolina has a very good football team, especially defensively, and we're going to have a big challenge," Callaway said. "Defensively, they're big, strong and physical up front. They also have an excellent secondary. Offensively, they're well-balanced and have a lot of good skill people."

As the final home game of the season, Saturday's contest will also serve as Senior Day. The Blazers will honor 14 senior members who will be playing their final game at Legion Field.

Saturday's game will be carried on the Blazers ISP Sports Network. It can be heard locally on WWMM 100.5 FM radio in Birmingham.