This Saturday, the (5-5) UAB Blazers will travel to Baton Rouge, LA to take on the (8-2) #7 LSU Tigers. Kickoff will be at 9:00 PM EST inside Tiger Stadium (LA). Both of these teams were able to pick up a win in their last game, and they will attempt to carry that momentum into this game.
The UAB Blazers are coming into this matchup after defeating North Texas, 41-21. They looked great on both sides of the ball, as they recorded 505 total yards of offense and only gave up 264. They will need to replicate that performance in this one if they want to challenge the Tigers on the road.
The LSU Tigers are entering this one after escaping from the Arkansas Razorbacks, 13-10. LSU's offense struggled, but their defense played lights out. They held Arkansas to 249 yards, as they continued to make stop after stop. LSU will need to play with that same grit if they want to take care of business at home.
The UAB Blazers snapped their three-game losing streak against North Texas last week, as they dominated on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Blazers are scoring 32 points per game and averaging 455.1 total yards. This is the 40th most points scored in the country and the 26th most total yards. They have consistently moved the ball down the field this season, as they have been able to lean on their rushing attack. UAB is running for 246.6 rushing yards per game, which is the sixth most in the country. Dewayne Mcbride is UAB's lead back, as he has recorded 1,407 yards this season and 17 touchdowns. The Blazers are also throwing for 208.7 yards per game, which is the 97th most in the nation. Dylan Hopkins will start at quarterback, as he looked solid last week. He threw for 234 yards and one touchdown. He will look to get the ball to Trea Shropshire, as he is the Blazers' leading receiver. He has recorded 612 yards and four touch downs this season and he is averaging 20.4 yards per catch, as he is a downfield threat.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Blazers have also held their own. They are currently surrendering 21.3 points per game and 338.4 total yards. This is the 32nd least amount of points given up per game and the 29th least amount of yards. Their secondary continues to dominate, as they have not allowed their opponents to consistently pass against them. They are only allowing 181.6 yards per game, which is the 17th least in the country. The Blazers have held their own against the run, as well. They are surrendering 156.8 rushing yards per game, which is the 81st least. Noah Wilder continues to lead this defense, as the senior linebacker has recorded 94 total tackles this season and he has forced a fumble.
Injury Report: Ryan Davis WR (Hip) is out for the season.