The UAB Blazers (5-6, 3-4 Conference-USA) are on the road Saturday visiting Ruston, Louisiana and Joe Aillet Stadium to play the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-8, 2-5 Conference-USA). UAB lost to the LSU Tigers 41-10 last Saturday for their fourth loss in the last five games. The Blazers gained only 259 yards of total offense and allowed LSU 565 yards of total offense. Louisiana Tech lost its second straight win falling to Charlotte 26-21 last Saturday. The Bulldogs gained 350 yards of total offense but committed a pair of costly turnovers. Wide receiver Ryan Davis is out for UAB. Quarterback Matthew Downing is out for Louisiana Tech.
UAB is allowing an average of 23.1 points per game which is 42nd in the nation. The Blazers are allowing an average of 359.0 yards per game which is 45th and consists of 166.7 yards rushing and 192.3 yards passing. UAB's defense against the pass is the 25th best in the nation. Linebacker Noah Wilder is the leading tackler for UAB with 100, while lineman Drew Tuazama is the leader in quarterback sacks with 3.5. The leader in interceptions with 3 is safety Grayson Cash. UAB as a team has 18 quarterback sacks and 9 pickoffs.
The UAB offense is scoring an average of 30.0 points per game which is 54th in the country. UAB’s running game is very strong, averaging 228.4 yards per game which is 10th best in the nation while the passing attack is averaging 208.9 yards per game which is 99th. Overall UAB averages 437.3 y ards of total offense which is 35th. UAB quarterback Dylan Hopkins has 1625 yards passing with eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. Duane McBride has 1441 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, while Jermaine Brown Jr has rushed for 713 yards and four touchdowns. Trea Shropshire has 34 receptions for 666 yards and four touchdowns to lead all receivers for UAB.