BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team was back on the field Tuesday morning, working toward its first road contest of the season Saturday at SMU.
Head coach Neil Callaway said his team got better as the two-hour, full-pad practice went along.
"I was disappointed with the way we started but pleased with the way we finished up," Callaway said. "We have to make sure we come out here tomorrow and start the way we finished today."
Saturday's game will mark the Conference USA opener for both teams. The Blazers opened with a 32-31 loss to Florida Atlantic last Thursday, while SMU lost a 35-27 game at Texas Tech on Sunday. By kickoff, UAB will have had eight full days in between games.
The Blazers are using that time to prepare for a much different look than they saw against Florida Atlantic. SMU is known for spreading the field and throwing the ball to a variety of receivers.
"It is a totally different scheme, offensively and defensively, but we went at it Sunday, so we should be a day ahead," Callaway said. "That's the way it is. Every week is going to be different. We're going do a few things differently, we're going to see different opponents, and we have to adjust and be ready to go."
UAB witnessed some of that SMU firepower last year, falling behind the Mustangs in Birmingham by three touchdowns at halftime before rallying and nearly tying the game in the final minute. SMU held on for a 35-33 win.
Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The game will be carried live on the Blazers ISP Sports Network and can be heard in Birmingham on 107.7 WUHT-FM. David Crane, John Whitcomb and Otis Leverette will call the action with the pregame show beginning at 5:30 p.m.
