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Wednesday October 1st, 2014

SAFE AT HOME!
BLAZERS LOOKING FOR HOME CROWD SPARK WHEN THEY FACE No.5 AUBURN THIS WEEKEND

BIRMINGHAM, ALA - When Auburn comes to town it will be a SEC showdown as both teams bring in identical 4-0 records. But this time around the game will be played on UAB's Legion Field. This will be the most anticipated game played there since the 2012 Conference USA Championship game that saw UAB beat Houston with a last second field goal 38-35.
"No Doubt this is a big game." Free Safety Carl Holycross said. "Whats even better is we're at home, so we get to feed off the energy of the crowd."
As soon as Auburn beat Oklahoma State last weekend the students portion of the tickets were sold out within 30 minutes. One Blazer student had this to say of the newly formed rivalry. " Oh its definitely a rivalry. I text my friends who go to Auburn and rub it in that we won the last two years. They text back telling me its their year, so we as students understand to not like each others schools."
Official expect a full capacity with standing room only options, with game day in town expect even more in the parking.
"We already have extra security on hand, we dont want to take away from the experience of a big SEC football game but we want every one to be safe." Campus Police stated. The buzz is already in the air and the students are rady to come loud and proud.

STANDINGS	CONFERENCE	OVERALL
SEC - East	W-L	W-L
#23 UAB	2-0	4-0
Florida	2-0	4-0
#12 Georgia	2-0	3-1
South Carolina	1-2	2-2
Vanderbilt	0-2	1-3
Kentucky	0-2	1-4
Tennessee	0-1	0-3

BATTLE IN BIRMINGHAM

Matchup Preview | October 4, 2014
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#5 Auburn Tigers (4-0, Away)		#23 UAB Blazers (4-0, Home)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB football team shifted its Wednesday morning practice to Legion Field because of wet conditions on campus and practiced for approximately an hour and a half in rainy weather.
Fresh off Saturday's drubbing vs Ole Miss, they know they cant take any time off with Auburn coming despite the weather.

"The weather didn't bother us much," UAB head coach Travis Rhatigan said. "Obviously, it was raining, but we came over here and got everything done. It's been a great work week so far the players are really zoned in."
UAB (4-0, 2-0 SEC) is preparing to face the nation's 5th-ranked team and one of the most complete teams in the SEC. Auburn (4-0, 1-0) ranks first in the league in both rushing offense and take aways on defense.
"They're playing fast, playing physical," Rhatigan said. "Their defensive line is very good. They're the best defensive team we'll play against so far this season."

UAB is no slouch either as they bring in the No.1 ranked offense and defense in the SEC.
With a plethora of receivers Adam Dyks hopes to continue his air assualt on opposing defenses. Six different receivers have caught touchdowns passes this season for the Blazers who average a nation best 57.1 yards per game. Auburn will try to counter that as they bring in a SEC leading 9 interceptions. will be interesting to see if the Blazers pick on corner Jason Hill who leads Auburn with 3 interceptions.
Auburn's Junior tailback Eddie White is back and is no stranger to a Travis Rhatigan coached defense as he rushed for 135 yards in last seasons match up that saw UAB squeak out a 24-17 win at Auburn. http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2042961647
In Fact Auburn has done a good job running the football against the Blazers the past few years. http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2042698481
But this year UAB's defense has really shut down the opposition. Led by Linebacker Timi McCollum, the Junior played in this first match-up of this newly formed rivalry two seasons again and was apart of one of the best memories as he helped UAB with a goal line stand stop on the one yard line. A lot's at stake for both of these teams, who will come ready to play.

Saturday's game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. CT, despite Gameday being there the game will still air on CBS because of the time slot.

The Blazer IMG Sports Network radio broadcast will air locally on WUHT-FM 107.7 in Birmingham. David Crane and John Whitcomb have the call with Sam Miller on the sidelines. The pregame show begins 90 minutes before kickoff.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR ON UAB:

• UAB's Quarterback Adam Dyks, he has thrown a lot of TD's (19) but through four games has already thrown (7) interceptions. If he can be smart today the tide will favor the Blazers
• UAB's defensive front, the last two years Auburn has put up huge numbers on the ground. UAB only gives up 27 yards a game on the ground.
• Will UAB be able to handle the pressure, last week Dyks got sacked (2) for the first time all year. Auburn brings in a fast and physical defensive line.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR ON AUBURN:

• Eddie White leads the SEC in rushing, with the Blazers gearing for the run, will he still be able to get loose
• Auburn has already played 3 games on the road this year including a win at #13 Mississippi State 42-14. How will they react to UAB's home crowd, the Blazers havent lost there in 3 seasons
• Auburn's passing game. Darby isn't much of a passer but if Auburn is forced into second and third and longs it will be interesting if he cant get the ball to his playmakers