Birmingham Gears Up for a College Football Showdown
This Saturday, September 28, 2024, Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, is set to become the battlefield for an exciting college football clash between the UAB Blazers and the Navy Midshipmen. With both teams eyeing a crucial win, the atmosphere is sure to be electric as the players take to the field!
Navy Midshipmen: The Team on Fire
The Navy Midshipmen are stepping into this game with an impressive record of 3-0 this season. Their latest victory against the Memphis Tigers was a nail-biter, finishing at a high-scoring 56-44. This win showcased their potent offense, which is averaging a staggering 47.7 points per game—a testament to their offensive strategies that keep changing defenses on their toes.
Navy’s rushing game stands out remarkably, racking up 361 yards on the ground against Memphis alone, which translates to an average of 9.3 yards per carry. They’ve solidified their position as the 4th best rushing team in the nation this year, accumulating 1,412 total yards. With 13 rushing touchdowns and 6 passing touchdowns under their belt, the Midshipmen are a formidable opponent running a unique style of option football that’s hard to defend against.
However, the Midshipmen aren’t without their own issues. Their defense has allowed an average of 25.3 points per game, creeping into the 80th position for team defense. They’ve struggled particularly against the pass, surrendering 868 passing yards this season, which ranks them 85th in college football.
UAB Blazers: A Team Looking to Turn Things Around
On the flip side, the UAB Blazers are facing a bit of a rocky season with a 1-2 record. In their last outing, they suffered a setback against the Arkansas Razorbacks, losing 37-27. The Blazers’ defense struggled significantly, allowing Arkansas to pile on 266 rushing yards on just 38 carries. This has been a trend for UAB, as they’ve allowed 197.3 rushing yards per game throughout the season, which has raised some concerns.
Offensively, UAB has shown some sparks, averaging 376.7 yards per outing, primarily relying on their passing game, which has accumulated 617 yards. However, they need to be mindful of their discipline as they’ve been penalized 28 times, resulting in 242 yards lost to penalties, which puts them in the 46th spot for infractions in college football.
A Matchup to Watch
As we count down the hours to the game, the odds come into play with the Blazers set as 3.5-point underdogs. The over/under for the game is an enticing 56 points. It’s clear that the Midshipmen will aim to leverage their strong ground game against a Blazer defense struggling against the run.
In contrast, if UAB can manage to establish their passing game and minimize their rushing vulnerabilities, they could very well pull off a surprise victory. Fans can expect a thrilling game as both teams battle for supremacy on the field.
Remember, folks, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this NCAA matchup promises to deliver excitement, strategy, and perhaps we might see some free wheeling surprises along the way!
Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
TV: ESPN+
Point Spread: UAB (+3.5)
Total/Over-Under: 56
As this Saturday approaches, who will reign supreme in this exciting contest? Will the Midshipmen continue their winning streak, or will the Blazers make a triumphant comeback? Be sure to tune in and catch all the action!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
