The UAB Blazers have enjoyed the comforts of home their last two games, but now they must head out on the road. UAB and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles will face off in a Conference USA battle at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The Blazers should still be feeling good after a win, while Southern Miss will be looking to get back in the win column.
UAB decided to play defense against itself last week, but the squad still came out ahead despite their 88 penalty yards. They strolled past the Florida Atlantic Owls with points to spare, taking the game 31-14. The team accrued 24 points in the first half and coasted on those for the victory. UAB QB Dylan Hopkins was slinging it as he passed for two TDs and 173 yards on 24 attempts in addition to rushing for one TD and 32 yards. Hopkins' performance made up for a slower matchup against the Liberty Flames two weeks ago.
UAB's defense was a presence as well, as it embarrassed Florida Atlantic's offensive line to sack the quarterback eight times for a total loss of 36 yards. The heavy lifting was done by LB Alex Wright and DL Fish McWilliams, who each racked up two sacks.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eagles came up short against the UTEP Miners last week, falling 26-13. One thing holding Southern Miss back was the mediocre play of QB Jake Lange, who did not have his best game: despite two touchdowns, he threw one interception and fumbled the ball once.
The Blazers are the favorite in this one, with an expected 16-point margin of victory. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (3-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.
UAB is now 4-2 while Southern Miss sits at 1-5. Two defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: UAB is 228th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 13 on the season. The Golden Eagles have had an even harder time: they are stumbling into the contest with the 219th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 12 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.