An interesting non-Power five matchup gets week four started on Thursday, September 24, 2020, when the UAB Blazers (1-1) visit the South Alabama Jaguars (1-1). There should be a lot of points scored in this one as both teams get one final prep in before starting their conference schedules. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Through two games, UAB is scoring 29.5 points per game and are giving up 33.0 points to the opposing offense. On offense, the Blazers are averaging 372.0 yards per game, 215.5 through the air and 156.5 on the ground. Defensively, UAB is giving up 394.0 yards per game, 175.5 passing yards and 218.5 rushing yards.
South Alabama has been the definition of bend, but don’t break, as the Jaguars are giving up over 400 yards per game but are allowing just 24.0 points per game. The Jaguars are allowing 252.5 passing yards and 149.0 rushing yards to their opponents. USA is scoring 28.0 points per game and are averaging 456 yards of offense, 342.0 passing and 114.0 rushing.
Below is my pick for the UAB Blazers at the South Alabama Jaguars. All odds are from PointsBet Sportsbook.
UAB Blazers (-5.5) at South Alabama Jaguars: O/U 51.5 (-102/-120)
UAB last played on September 10th and are hoping to bounce back from a 31-14 loss at the Miami Hurricanes. The Blazers went up 7-0 last in the first quarter, thanks to an Austin Watkins 16-yard touchdown reception, but Miami answered with 17 unanswered points. UAB cut the deficit to three points midway through the third quarter, but the Hurricanes answered with 14 unanswered points to put the game away. The Blazers were only able to gain 285 total yards of offense, while giving up 495 to the Miami offense.
South Alabama also had last weekend off and they are looking to rebound from a tough 27-24 home loss to the Tulane Green Wave. The Jaguars led 24-6 midway through the third quarter, but 21 unanswered Green Wave points gave Tulane the great comeback win. South Alabama gained 386 yards of total offense and gave up 394 to Tulane. Wide receiver Kawaan Baker led the way for USA with seven receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown. Running back Carlos Davis has 82 rush yards, with one touchdown, and added four receptions for 46 yards.
Series History: These teams met for the first-time last season and UAB came away with an easy 35-3 win.
Football Predictions: Give me UAB -5.5 in this one.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 4-3