07-13-2014, 08:00 AM
The next three games to be discussed in this Kickoff Discussion series are, in my view, three of the most important C-USA games for us to win. They are all against other G5 opponents, with all three of those opponent predicted to finish in the upper levels of their conference.
The first of those, Troy @ UAB is the sentimental favorite for me. I REALLY want the Blazers to beat Troy, but I do understand that this is going to be a tough, inter-conference, intra-state, game for UAB, even though at home. (UAB fans really need to come out for this game.)
UAB has a new coach who knows Alabama football and I get a sense that excitement is building in Birmingham for the first time in a while. Jordan Howard is a stud on offense and should produce great numbers, and there is a strong offensive line that can open some holes. QB is clearly an issue, but hopefully someone can step up. The defense, Bill Clark's specialty, needs a lot of work, and Troy will absolutely produce some challenges.
To an extent, Troy is a slightly more talented mirror image of UAB: strong running game, inexperienced QBs, weak -- but improved --defense, but their receiving corp is a bit more talented. That could be the difference in the game.
I think there is every possibility that home field advantage, plus a real need for UAB to get off on the right foot under Bill Clark, CAN result in a much needed Blazers' win. I think all of C-USA should get behind this effort, and root on UAB to an important OOC win. UAB lost in overtime to the Trojans last year in Troy. Let's hope we can return the favor in B-ham.
The first of those, Troy @ UAB is the sentimental favorite for me. I REALLY want the Blazers to beat Troy, but I do understand that this is going to be a tough, inter-conference, intra-state, game for UAB, even though at home. (UAB fans really need to come out for this game.)
UAB has a new coach who knows Alabama football and I get a sense that excitement is building in Birmingham for the first time in a while. Jordan Howard is a stud on offense and should produce great numbers, and there is a strong offensive line that can open some holes. QB is clearly an issue, but hopefully someone can step up. The defense, Bill Clark's specialty, needs a lot of work, and Troy will absolutely produce some challenges.
To an extent, Troy is a slightly more talented mirror image of UAB: strong running game, inexperienced QBs, weak -- but improved --defense, but their receiving corp is a bit more talented. That could be the difference in the game.
I think there is every possibility that home field advantage, plus a real need for UAB to get off on the right foot under Bill Clark, CAN result in a much needed Blazers' win. I think all of C-USA should get behind this effort, and root on UAB to an important OOC win. UAB lost in overtime to the Trojans last year in Troy. Let's hope we can return the favor in B-ham.