Troy spoils ‘McGee Mania’ Trojans down Blazers at home, 39-29
Posted on Sep 04, 2012 in News
Garrick McGee leads his Blazers onto the field on Sept. 1. McGee and his blazers fell to Troy, 39-29 on a soggy Saturday afternoon.
Commentary Birmingham Blazers: For holiday ease or political qualm
Is there anything better than a preverbal cheap shot?
Daniel Twieg/Photo Editor
The answer to the previous question is based on any given individual perception.
But perception is a powerful thing.
As Blazer fans made their way onto Legion Field on Saturday to watch the Blazers square off against Troy, they may have noticed the end-zone paint.
Stretching the 50-plus yards across the end-zone was Birmingham with Blazers in script right underneath.
Not UAB blazers, but rather Birmingham Blazers.
If turning a new page in UAB football was not enough on Saturday, the “shot” at the Alabama system Board of Trustees just made it that much sweeter.
Though the blue and white painted end zones were not truly the outcome of intricate planning of the Blazers, they were merely an advertisement of the Magic City and Legion Field, which played host to three games over the weekend.
As the crowd of over 20,000 watched the Blazers fall to the men of Troy, my frustration along with many others lived through the paint that filled the end zones.
The tabled football stadium, the constant refusals by UAT to challenge UAB in major sports, the methodical derailing of coaching searches, the unexplained recent departure of President Carol Garrison, the fight over the medical school (name, colors, and alumni situation).
Must I go on?
But on a day when Garrick McGee boldly stated that this was a new day for UAB and “moral victories” would no longer cut it; I sat back and for once enjoyed my city and my team.
No longer did “Clueless Callaway” stand 30 yards from the action looking dumbfounded at the outcome of the game.
No longer did the Blazers look like a team without a direction.
No longer did hope disappear with the opening kick of the season.
The end zones had a Birmingham flare Saturday at Legion Field. Daniel Twieg/Photo Editor
I would apologize for my optimism but no rich “Bear” with his banking and law buddies will spoil my new found hope.
The Blazers may have missed opportunities, but no one missed the “Birmingham Blazers.”
Regardless if the statement was intentional or not, I choose in my recent optimism to believe that the football “gods” were smiling upon the Blazers faithfully on Saturday.
On a day like Saturday, I hope the sight I saw was not mere coincidence.
I pray that it was a quick gaze into the crystal ball of the breaking of the chains of the system.
Eric Roberts
News Editor
news@insideuab.com
“preverbal cheap shot? ” Did the editor read this? Also, why must UAT be brought up? This was UAB’s time with nothing to do with tuscaloosa. I’m speaking for many when i say I’m tired of hearing about UAT from a Birmingham source, especially a UAB newspaper.
“Must I go on?”
Oh God, please, no. Unless it’s back to remedial English.
Sorry, couldn’t resist a preverbal cheat shot (does that mean I think something nasty before I say it?).
This is an awesome article, Eric. Loved it.