Not many probably expected UAB to have a better record than Army at this point, but here we are.
After head coach Trent Dilfer entered the season on the hot seat, the Blazers are 2-2 overall. They have wins over Alabama State and Akron at home, and they’ve dropped both of their road games thus far against Navy and Tennessee, both by double digits.
Meanwhile, Army is just 1-3 after winning the American Conference last season. And the Black Knights’ one win was a Power Four upset over Kansas State on the road.
But the Black Knights have also lost against FCS Tarleton State. They’re 0-2 in conference play after going up against North Texas, a 45-38 decision, and East Carolina, a 28-6 loss.
Both teams still have hopes of bowl-eligibility at this point, and a win this week would go a long way toward getting there.
Army vs. UAB Betting Odds
UAB is a +6.5 college football betting odds underdog against Army, with the Over/Under being 57.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Army is -250, while it’s +200 for UAB.
Army vs. UAB On TV
The matchup between Army and UAB will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Oct. 4. The contest is taking place at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
Army vs. UAB Prediction
I predict UAB will win and cover the 6.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 57.5 total points.
Now, if Army were at home, I would probably be making a different selection. But considering the Blazers are undefeated at home so far, I think they can get the win here as well.
Jalen Kitna has been pretty impressive at quarterback for UAB. He’s thrown for 1,256 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions on a 72% completion rate. And he has a pretty solid set of weapons to rely on as four UAB players have at least 150 yards receiving.
Corri Milliner (268 yards and three touchdowns on 17 catches), Iverson Hooks (267 yards and two touchdowns on 21 catches), and Brandon Hawkins Jr. (189 yards and one TD on 17 catches) are the leaders for the Blazers.
Solomon Beebe has caught 14 passes for 159 yards while rushing for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Jevon Jackson leads UAB on the ground with 280 yards and three TDs while Isaiah Jacobs has rushed for 114 yards and two scores.
The thing that worries me is UAB’s rushing defense. The Blazers are allowing 222.8 yards per game on the ground, which is the worst in the American. Army, of course, has one of the top rushing attacks in the country and is second in the American behind only Navy with 286.3 rushing yards per game.
But I think UAB’s passing offense provides some challenges for Army. I expect the Blazers will put up enough points early and will force Army to try and catch up, and I believe UAB’s defense will do just enough to help the Blazers go above .500.
