Nov. 26, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team practiced for two hours Wednesday afternoon on campus. The Blazers worked out in helmets and shoulder pads until near darkness as they continued to prepare for this weekend's game at UCF.

The Blazers and Knights will square off at 1 p.m. ET at UCF's Bright House Networks Stadium in the final game of the year for both teams.

UAB head coach Neil Callaway acknowledged the challenge of preparing a team during Thanksgiving week but also said he is determined to make sure the Blazers are ready to play Saturday.

"We have to stay focused," Callaway said. "Like we talked about before practice today and yesterday, we're playing a game, and we want to win, so it's an important week."

After Wednesday's practice, Callaway continued to stress that UCF will provide a strong challenge for the Blazer offense.

"I think they're a very good defensive football team," Callaway said. "They're very athletic in the back end and at linebacker, and they've got some physical guys up front, so I think they're very good defensively."

UAB has also named its permanent captains, as voted on by the team. Quarterback Joe Webb has been selected as the offensive captain, while cornerback Kevin Sanders and linebacker Joe Henderson have been named co-captains of the defense. The special teams captain is Antoine Powers.

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.