The details:
WHAT: Louisiana Tech (8-2, 5-1 CUSA) @ UAB (7-3, 4-2 CUSA)
WHEN: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama
SERIES: Louisiana Tech leads, 5-2
TV: ESPN+
LINE: UAB at -6.5
THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE…
Whether UAB can take one step closer to consecutive division titles. A win over Louisiana Tech and a Southern Miss loss would create a three-way tie for first place with one week remaining in the regular season.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Two to Tango. The Blazers retooled the offense to highlight Dylan Hopkins’ running ability last week but Tyler Johnston is set to return this week against Louisiana Tech. Coming off an impressive rushing performance, UAB head coach Bill Clark implied that the Blazers may use both quarterbacks this week in an effort to keep the Bulldogs’ defense honest.
2. Bring balance to the Force. Louisiana Tech has the best secondary UAB has faced this season and it’s imperative that the Blazers find early success in the running game or the Bulldog’s defensive backs will be ready to sit on routes and take advantage of Johnston’s proclivity for turnovers. The Blazers proved last week that it can still impose its will with the rushing attack and it’ll be all the more important in facing one of the better defenses in the league.
3. Moll on the Prowl. The race for CUSA Defensive Player of the Year is heating up and Saturday’s game features two players with eyes on the prize. Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson is arguably the best defensive back in the league, but UAB’s Kris Moll has the numbers to take home the hardware this season. Moll currently leads the team with 75 total tackles (11.5 for loss) despite missing the season opener and also has six sacks, six quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and recovery, a pass breakup and an interception.
KEY MATCHUP
UAB’s passing game vs. Louisiana Tech’s secondary: The Blazer’s high-flying passing game was scrapped last week with Hopkins getting his second start but it’s back to business as usual with Johnston returning from a two-game absence. UAB may allowed the least amount of passing yards in the conference, but the Bulldogs have 12 interceptions for the season with four returned for scores.
INJURY REPORT
Lee Dufour – Cleared to play the past two weeks
Tyler Johnston – Cleared to play after missing two straight games.
Lucious Stanley – Did not play against UTEP but was available
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