The details:
WHAT: 2019 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: UAB (9-4, 6-2 C-USA) vs No. 20 Appalachian State (12-1, 7-1 Sun Belt)
WHEN: Saturday at 8 p.m. CT
WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
SERIES: First Meeting
TV: ESPN
LINE: UAB at +17
THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE…
How UAB stacks up against a ranked opponent after suffering the worst loss of the Bill Clark era. Additionally, with only 14 seniors on roster, it’ll be a good chance to see the potential of the 2020 team.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Superunkown. The UAB offense went from a high-flying passing scheme to multiple O-line sets and a power running game this season. With that in mind, it’s time to open up the playbook and see what the offense can accomplish with only three starters graduating from the unit.
2. Treetop Flyer. Although the idea of forcing App State to abandon its rushing game seems like a good idea, Mountaineer quarterback Zac Thomas has the passing skills and escapability to do enough damage on his own.
3. I Fought the Law. Some of the largest negative plays for UAB this season have not occurred between the whistles but rather after them. With an aggressive mentality, the Blazers have let their emotions spill over at times and that cannot happen against an Appalachian State team that thrives on taking advantage of silly mistakes that can be prevented.
KEY MATCHUP
UAB’s front seven vs. Appalachian State’s offensive line: The Mountaineers rely heavily on the run so controlling the line of scrimmage will be paramount for the Blazers. As one of the best run defenses in the nation, UAB has a chance to make Appalachian State one-dimensional if it can stop the run early and force the Mountaineers to pass more than they’ve planned.
Let’s block ads! (Why?)