The University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers (2-2, 0-1 CUSA), the Conference USA’s top rushing offense, host the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders (3-2, 0-1 CUSA), one of the conference’s softest ground defenses, at Protective Stadium on Saturday. The Blazers are 9.5-point favorites, and the total is 52.5. Middle Tennessee is coming off a 45-30 loss against UTSA at Johnny (Red) Floyd Stadium last Friday. Chase Cunningham threw for 368 yards and a touchdown. Darius Bracy ran three times for 53 yards and a touchdown. Jaylin Lane caught 10 passes for 179 yards. UAB lost 28-24 to Rice at Rice Stadium last Saturday. Dylan Hopkins was 15 of 21 for 238 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. DeWayne McBride carried 27 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. Tejhaun Palmer had two receptions for 82 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The teams are meeting in the regular season for the first time since November 2018, a 27-3 win for the Blue Raiders.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Blue Raiders are averaging 33.0 points per game for the season, fourth in the CUSA, and they are facing a Blazers defense that has surrendered 17.5 PPG (1st). Meanwhile, UAB has scored 33.0 points a game this season, fourth in the conference, and Middle Tennessee is allowing 29.0 PPG (4th).The Blue Raiders rank as one of the country’s worst teams in rushing yards per game (106.4, 114th), while they are 41st in passing yards (272.2). The Blazers are 13th in passing yards allowed per game (161.8) and 80th against the run (151.3).UAB has been one of the nation’s top rushing teams, averaging 220.5 yards per game (15th), while ranking 111th in passing yards (181.0). The Blue Raiders are allowing 284.4 passing yards (121st) and 107.8 rushing yards per game (30th).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through five games, Chase Cunningham has thrown for eight touchdowns (3 INT) and 273.6 yards per game to lead Middle Tennessee in passing. In three away games this season, he has five TDs (2 INT) and an average of 261.3 yards passing. Frank Peasant leads the team in rushing with an average of 60.4 yards a game over five games. He has six touchdowns on the ground. Jaylin Lane is the Blue Raiders’ leading receiver with 102.5 yards a game and one TD. Dylan Hopkins has four passing touchdowns (1 INT) with 165.2 yards per game through four games to lead UAB. In two home games this season, he has thrown for two TDs and an average of 158.0 yards. DeWayne McBride has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 173.7 yards a game through three games. He has six touchdowns. Tejhaun Palmer has been the primary target in the Blazers’ passing game, averaging 48.0 yards per game through four appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
UAB (-350)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
