Key matchups, things to watch for in UAB's game vs. UNT

Harry · October 11, 2014

UAB (3-2, 1-1 in Conference USA) vs. North Texas (2-3, 0-1)

When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Central

Where: Legion Field, Birmingham, Ala.

TV: American Sports Network (ASN)

Radio: WUHT-FM 107.7

Line: UAB is a 6.5 favorite

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

It's a league game. So, it's crucial for both squads. UAB is a game behind Florida International, Marshall and Middle Tennessee in the conference's league standings. So, to fall behind any further would be extremely detrimental to the Blazers hopes at a conference crown. A loss for UNT, could knock the Mean Green out of contention for second place in the western division.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. UNT quarterback Dajon Harris: The 6-foot-3, 202-pounder will the most athletic quarterback the Blazers have faced since Mississippi State's Dak Prescott. He's coming off his best performance as a passer, having thrown for 205 yards and three touchdowns 18-for-passing while being picked off in a 49-24 loss at Indiana. He's also had runs of 55 and 19 yards this season.

Read more: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/10/blazer_buzz_key_matchups_thing_4.html

Stix · October 11, 2014

Dajon who?

Mean Green 93-98 · October 11, 2014

Dajon who?

Shhh . . . hopefully UAB's prepping for this guy:

Dajon Harris

greenminer · October 11, 2014

Carlos Williams?

mad dog · October 11, 2014

I think this is a goldilocks game for the mean green. The teams we have played so far are either a full tier above us or a full tier below. UAB seems pretty evenly matched.

For all of DJWs talents, I think this one comes down to the oline and backs. Can the line get a push and will the runners get going north and south? If we get caught trying to be too fancy and string plays out wide, we are going to see a lot of three and outs. UAB is too fast. All DJW needs to do is be patient, avoid costly turnovers and attack the seams. Marcus Smith could have a big day.

I'm not convinced we can win games with our defense like we did last year. The best bet is going to keep them fresh and get ahead early to force the other guys to be one dimensional. We are at our best when playing the pass and letting our small, active D line to pin their ears back and Rush the passer.

Definitely a winnable game. Definitely not a lock. I think the mean green do just enough to edge them out, but I would hardly be surprised to see it go the other way.