Nov. 13, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.----- The UAB football team (4-5, 3-3) took to the practice field on Wednesday in preparation for its Conference USA battle with East Carolina (3-5, 3-1) this Saturday in Birmingham. The Blazers suffered a disappointing loss last Saturday versus Southern Miss, while the Pirates pulled out a three-overtime win at Houston. This game is critical for the Blazers' bowl game hopes.

"Today was a good day," said UAB head coach Watson Brown. "The injured guys looked a little better to me. Darrell and Thurman both looked better. Hopefully, we'll be okay by Saturday. We're going to catch their best, but I hope they catch our best. One of us will leave this game on life support, while the other will have taken another step to securing a bowl spot."

Saturday's game will be the last home game for 22 Blazer seniors. It will also be the fourth meeting between UAB and East Carolina. The Blazers have won the last two contests, including a 16-13 victory at Greenville in 2000. ECU's lone victory in the series was a 26-7 win at Greenville in 1998.

UAB's kickoff with the Pirates is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Legion Field.