The details:
WHAT: South Alabama at UAB
WHEN: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Legion Field
SERIES: First meeting
TV: NFL Network
LINE: UAB at -10.5
THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE
What areas the Blazers improved on during the bye week in trying to match their best start since 1992 – UAB’s second full season as a program – when they were a Division III independent. A win over South Alabama would also give the Blazers a winning record in nonconference play for the first time in school history.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Big-play scoring. Outside of Tyler Johnston’s 1-yard rushing score to open the season, all of UAB’s touchdown have been at least 23 yards or more. A 98-yard kickoff return by Myron Mitchell stands as the longest play of the season so far and Johnston has displayed his power and accuracy in touchdown throws of 23, 28, 40, 49 and 76 yards to all three starting receivers – Kendall Parham, Austin Watkins and Mitchell – who have a combined 13 receptions for 355 yards in two games.
2. Brown in the record books. Junior running back Spencer Brown has consecutive 1,200-yard seasons under his belt and looks to cement his legacy this year as the greatest running back in program history. Brown is 150 yards shy of owning the Blazers’ career rushing record and, in doing so, would break his tie with Joe Webb for most 100-yard rushing games. Despite a slow start to the season, the time is ripe with South Alabama giving up more than 300 yards on the ground in a loss to Memphis last week.
3. Madman Marino. It’s hard to argue with senior defensive lineman Garrett Marino when he says he’s not satisfied with his performance to date, however, the numbers speak for themselves relative to his tenacious play for the Blazers this season. Marino set a career-high with nine tackles in the season-opener – including consecutive tackles in goal-to-go situation – and found more success against Akron with four tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a pass deflection and two quarterback hurries. It’s safe to just assume Marino is going to have an impact in every game this season.
KEY MATCHUP
UAB’s passing attack vs. South Alabama’s secondary: The Blazers have developed into an efficient passing team with Johnston at the helm but face their toughest challenge so far this season with a Jaguars unit that allows a 173 ypg average while recording an interception in every game this season.
Let’s block ads! (Why?)