The UAB football team worked out for nearly two hours in shoulder pads and shorts here Wednesday as the Blazers continued their preparations for Saturday's home game against Memphis.

UAB will kick off against the Tigers at 1:00 p.m. at Legion Field in the final home game of the season.

The Blazers have won their last two games, defeating Southern Miss (27-19) and Marshall (38-31) and will be eyeing a third straight when they suit up Saturday.

One of the reasons for UAB's two recent victories is the Blazers' improved play on defense. After allowing an average of 461 yards and 38 points through the first eight games of the season, UAB has yielded just 316 yards and 25 points on average in the past two outings.

"The players have been working hard," defensive coordinator Reggie Johnson said when asked what's different the past two weeks. "I think the light's come on for whatever reason. A lot of young kids have played a lot of snaps and they've matured."

"It's a great testament to how they've been working and those guys trusting what we're teaching."

Linebacker Marvin Burdette, who will be one of 15 seniors recognized Saturday in pregame Senior Day ceremonies, is tied for the national lead in tackles per game at 13.2 per contest. He became the Blazers' all-time tackles leader last week against Marshall and now has 381 career stops.