Birmingham takes the early lead
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Birmingham’s offensive line is showing how much it’s improving. The Patriots put together a 15-play, 88-yard drive, with Milton Knox scoring from the one-yard line to go on top, 7-0, with 2:03 left in the first quarter. Knox had 10 carries on the drive. There were no Birmingham penalties, either, and quarterback Morey Croson was calmly making the right calls and quick passes.
Meanwhile, the strength of Birmingham’s team -- defense -- is causing the Knights problems. Notre Dame had a second-and-one from its 40 and couldn’t get a first down. The Jackson twins, Marquis and Malik, are defensive ends who have to be controlled, and they’re putting pressure on N.D. QB Dayne Crist, forcing him out of the pocket.
The field is the brightest it’s been in Birmingham history, helped by the fact ESPN2 brought in extra lights for its national broadcast.
UCLA strong safety Dennis Keyes, a Birmingham grad, is on the sideline. His brother plays for the Patriots.
- Eric Sondheimer