UAB vs. North Texas Preview

Coach Andy Mac · September 16, 2021

UAB (1-1) at North Texas (1-1)

When: 6:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Apogee Stadium, Denton, Texas

TV: Stadium

Series: UAB leads 4-1.

Spread: UAB by 14.5.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: It was mostly bad news and worse for the Blazers against Georgia, but UAB did rush for 127 yards against the Bulldogs. It’s the most a Group of 5 offense has gained on the ground against UAB since MTSU in 2018.

Joe says: The Blazers open their new downtown stadium on Oct. 2, but making it there with a winning record will be a miracle. This is UAB’s third road game in three weeks, so matching UNT’s intensity will be a challenge. The loss to Georgia was ugly, but UAB is the team everyone wants to beat in CUSA. I’m trusting this senior-laden team has the ability to refocus quickly, but I also thought the defense would put up a fight against Georgia. Mystery Blazers don’t feel like a two touchdown road favorite, and turnovers hurt UNT last week against SMU.

Joe’s pick: UAB 24, North Texas 21

Pro says: UAB is going to have to develop a more prolific passing game if they want to juice up the offense and have a more balanced attack. They looked stuck in the mud last week against Georgia. North Texas decided they can’t keep winning shootouts so they made the offseason hire of respected defensive coordinator Phil Bennett. Bennett is smart enough to realize Tyler Johnston III isn’t going to hurt his pass defense and will play at least seven or eight defenders in the box almost every first and second down. This spread is way too high with a punchless Blazers offense.

Pro’s pick: UAB 31, North Texas 27

Hero says: The Blazers were licking their wounds after a beat down by Georgia last week, but Coach Clark will need to get his team refocused for a conference game at North Texas this week. The Blazers may struggle to regain their footing against North Texas, but they should be able to win the line of scrimmage and earn a tough conference road win.

Hero’s pick: UAB 28, North Texas 20

LINK: https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2021/09/florida-quarterbacks-pose-problem-for-alabama.html