The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

https://athlonsports.com/college-footbal...-rise-2018

"Bill Clark deserved consideration for national coach of the year honors after guiding UAB to an 8-5 record in its return to the gridiron following a two-year absence. Making Clark’s job even more remarkable was a roster built from scratch with transfers, junior college recruits and freshmen. Considering the team’s transition back to the gridiron and the rebuilt roster, an 8-5 record – the program’s best at the FBS level – and a trip to the Bahamas Bowl certainly wasn’t anticipated in the preseason. But the outlook for UAB’s program is clearly trending up. A new stadium could be in the works, and the program’s on-campus facilities are improving. And in 2018, the Blazers should enter the year among the favorites to win Conference USA’s West Division. Bryant Vincent is reportedly set to rejoin the staff as offensive coordinator and should build the gameplan around running back Spencer Brown (1,329 yards) and the steady play of quarterback A.J. Erdely. Helping Vincent’s transition back into the program is an offensive line that returns four full-time starters and the team’s top four statistical receivers from last fall. Clark’s defense limited opponents to 25.6 points a game in 2017 and should be near the top of Conference USA despite the losses of Shaq Jones and Tevin Crews in the front seven. The schedule also breaks in UAB’s favor. Southern Miss, UTSA and North Texas visit Birmingham and a non-conference game against Tulane also takes place at Legion Field."