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MARSHALL SPORTS
MU Notebook: UAB coach admits team in fragile state
So often Marshall University football's team psyche is analyzed in this column space.
How's the mood in the locker room? Is there a swagger after exiting Hattiesburg, Miss., with an impressive victory at Southern Miss? Has confidence staggered following consecutive losses leading into an off week?
There are storylines involving Marshall football beyond Marshall football, however. On Monday, UAB's locker room pulse was gauged during an interview with Blazers head coach Neil Callaway. His team has lost three straight, including last week's 45-20 setback to Houston after leading 20-3.
Callaway, to his credit, sidestepped coach-speak for frank evaluation.
"I think we're probably kind of a fragile team right now," Callaway said. "We've played hard at times and I think we've improved, but we obviously don't have the wins to show for it.
"We lost a close one to Memphis (33-30) and, then, we were ahead 20-3 at Houston and lost. We are kind of struggling."
Callaway and the Blazers (1-6, 0-3 Conference USA) look to translate gradual improvement into a needed win Saturday against Marshall (3-3, 2-0). Kickoff at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., is 4 p.m. The game will not be televised.
UAB, whose 45-10 victory over Alabama State stands alone in 2008, isn't lacking weapons. Joe Webb fits the mold of dual-threat quarterback who traditionally confounds Marshall defenses, Frantrell Forrest is a wide receiver and kickoff return threat and tailback Rashaud Slaughter has emerged as a needed complement.
Senior Swayze Waters ranks among the nation's elite kickers.
"I think we know what we've got," Callaway said when asked if the team had identified its own identity. "We need to be more consistent offensively and defensively and in the kicking game. We've done OK in each phase, but we've been inconsistent."
Inconsistency even trickles to Waters, who has connected on 10 of 13 field goals, including a 50-yarder, and averages 44.9 yards per punt.
"He does a good job and he's got a very strong leg," Callaway said. "He has tremendous ability, but again, there's been inconsistency. He's missed a couple of extra-point kicks (15 of 17).
"But Swayze is extremely talented."
After surrendering 45 and 49 points to Tulsa and Florida Atlantic, respectively, to open '08, UAB's defense has managed baby steps. Still, a glance over the season's stat sheet suggests this unit must improve for a late season turnaround. The Blazers allow 34.7 points and 473.9 total yards a game.
"Defensively, we've gotten better," the second-year coach said. "The first two games we were just God awful to be honest, but we have gotten better. We're doing some good things."
Seven true freshmen dot Callaway's defensive two-deep roster, offering perspective on season-long struggles.
There you go Herd fans -- the mood and look from the opposing team's locker room.
QB CLUB: For the second straight week, today's Huntington Quarterback Club meeting will be eventful. Along with Marshall football head coach Mark Snyder, equipment manager Rich Worner and audio staff support members Charlie Tate, Bill Taylor and Pepper Wineberger will serve as guest speakers.
Pullman Plaza Hotel doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event begins at noon.
Anthony Hanshew covers Marshall football for The Herald-Dispatch. He can be reached at 526-2766. His e-mail address is hanshew@herald-dispatch.com.
