UAB head coach Trent Dilfer addressed the media Monday as the Blazers return home to Protective Stadium for the renewal of the “Battle for the Bones” rivalry with Memphis. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2.

See the full press conference video above.

Here is what Dilfer had to say in his weekly press conference:

— Dilfer remains undeterred despite UAB’s fifth loss of the season and says he is the “most enthusiastic 2-5 coach in America” and emphasizes his personal theme of “we get to do this” to the team and coaching staff.

— There are few to no individuals within the UAB football program that have experienced the UAB-Memphis rivalry since it was last played more than a decade ago in the 2012 season. Dilfer said everyone in the program is “educating each other” on the rivalry. He also says that Memphis “holds the trophy” and it’s UAB’s “job to get it back.”

— The Blazers are dealing with a number of injuries, most notable to running Isaiah JAcobs and defensive linemen Tyrique Howard and Joker Gill, but would not comment on their status until after practice on Tuesday.

— Senior running back Jermaine Brown Jr. is producing on a high level after recovering from a spring injury early in the season. Brown has 588 total yards and eight rushing touchdowns this season and is 405 yards shy of setting the program record for career all-purpose yards, of which he currently ranks third with 4,265 yards. Dilfer says Brown came to him with a practice plan and that he agreed to it due to the senior’s professional approach and the rest his body receives.

— The UAB defense has “played well below the standard” this season but Dilfer also says the unit has shown “tremendous growth” despite it feeling like “watching paint dry.” The Blazers currently rank 113th in total defense (428.4 ypg) and 124th in rushing defense (202.3 ypg). Dilfer said the next step in the defensive evolution is actual production on the field.

— UAB’s offensive line has given up 19 sacks in seven games (2.71/game) and allowed six sacks last week at UTSA, three of which came on third down. Dilfer says the offense has done a good job of limiting third downs because of their ability to covert on first and second down, but has created situations where Zeno is holding onto the ball too long on third down. Regardless of four linemen performing their duty on a single play, one lineman beaten can result in disaster for the group. Dilfer said the offensive line is “taking turns” and “sharing in the breakdowns.”

— Dilfer is impressed with the Memphis program, citing its “talent, recruiting and managing the athletes on the roster.”

— The biggest surprise for Dilfer in his first season on the college level has been the leadership displayed by the team. Dilfer says the team has handled disappointment well and has not taken for granted the opportunity to grow. As for the challenge his first season has presented, Dilfer says he’s “loving it.”

— Dilfer was asked his opinion of Memphis “dry-rub” ribs and was bullish on the subject at first before admitting his preference for Alabama-based BBQ. He also said, during his time at Lipscomb Academy, that they played many Memphis area teams, beat up on them and then ate their ribs. He also said he “loved” the rivalry trophy and counted his attempt at lifting it as a workout.