No doubt Troy players have bitter memories from the last time they faced UAB in Legion Field. The Blazers scored on a Hail Mary in 2010 on the final play of the game to hand the Trojans a 34-33 loss.

Troy players and fans still contest that the ball never crossed the goal line on the controversial play that stood after an official review.

“It’s one of the toughest losses I’ve ever been through,” said head coach Larry Blakeney. “It was a tough, tough ordeal to go through for me, the players, our coaches, and our people.”

No matter, Troy is concentrating on not only redeeming themselves from that loss but starting 2012 on the right foot.

“It was a long season last season and we’re eager to get back on the field,” said quarterback Corey Robinson. “We’ve got a bunch of guys who know where to go and know where to look. I think this going to be one the faster offenses I’ve been a part of here.”

Robinson is set to break several Troy career passing records this season. Already the school’s all-time leader in pass completions, Robinson is in striking distance of setting the high-water marks in passing yards (550 needed), pass attempts (24) and passing touchdowns (30).

“I’ve got to get there first,” Robinson meekly said about the possibility of breaking the records.

“A lot of things can happen between now and then.”

The junior said he’s worked hard over the offseason to improve his game.

“I thank Coach (Sean) Reagan,” Robinson said of Troy’s quarterbacks coach. “We looked at some little things Drew Brees does and I’m just trying learn and learn from the best.”

Robinson said the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of Legion Field is the 1-yard line.

Receiver Eric Thomas says the team is aware of the importance of not only winning the first game of the season but beating their in-state rival.

“It’s real big. We want to just go out and win,” Thomas said.

UAB comes in under the leadership of a new head coach in Garrick McGee, who served as offensive coordinator at Arkansas last season.

The Blazers finished 2011 finished 3-9, same as Troy but Blakeney feels UAB could be dangerous especially with an early kickoff.

“I think depth could be an issue at 11 o’clock in the morning,” he said. “We’ve got a high number on both sides of the ball that we can put out there. Depth, I think, will be important.”

The game will broadcast by Fox College Sports.