Get to Know The UAB Blazers, The Last Tune-Up Opponent of the Season
The UAB Blazers are back in town this Saturday for the fourth time in 21 seasons, and the second time since Alabama-Birmingham revived its football program in 2017.
Each meeting with the Blazers has been less stressful than the last. They nearly upset Georgia in 2003, but the Bulldogs prevailed 16-13 en route to their second SEC East Championship. Matthew Stafford made his first career start against UAB in 2006, leading the team to a 34-0 victory. The Blazers were Georgia's second victim during the 2021 National Championship run. The Bulldogs won that day 56-7.
If the last two weeks are any indication, UAB shouldn't provide much of a challenge this Saturday. The Blazers have lost their last two games by a combined score of 100-56. The opponents were Georgia Southern and Louisiana, not exactly powerhouses, though they are solid G5 programs.
Georgia's offense has struggled to find its rhythm in the first quarter this year, but the Bulldogs made real strides offensively last week, especially in the running game. Quarterback Carson Beck looks more confident in the offense as well. Georgia could, and should, pounce on UAB early and put the game away before halftime.
Offense
UAB's offense, led by quarterback Jacob Zeno is not to be taken lightly. Zeno already has 956 yards on the season and is completing 80.3-percent of his passes. More concerning is how he spreads the wealth; five different receivers have at least 100 yards, four of which have double-digit receptions.
Gred Farrier II is the deep threat with 127 yards on just six catches, while Iverson Hook has caught two of Zeno's six touchdown passes. Tejhaun Parker leads the squad with 148 yards, while Samario Rudolph leads with 14 receptions.
Georgia's defensive backs will have their hands full, however, Georgia's pass rush should make their lives easier. In UAB's two losses, Zeno has thrown three interceptions and has been sacked eight times.
There isn't much to say about UAB's rushing attack. Isaiah Jacobs is the teams leading rusher with 127 yards on 27 carries, and Zeno is second on the team with 94 yards. The Blazers are a pass-first, but that 4.0 yards per carry average means they are capable of moving he ball when the defense gets spread out.
Defense
If the last two weeks are any indication, there is no one way to succeed on offense against UAB. Last week, Louisiana had a near-balanced attack, rushing for 305 yards and passing for another 208. Two weeks ago, Georgia Southern passed for 344 yards and rushed for 118. The Blazers are particularly vulnerable to big plays, having allowed 11 during their current losing skid.
There are players on defense who could give Georgia some fits. Linebacker Jackson Bratton leads the team in tackles (19) and sacks (2). Five other defenders have reached the quarterback as well for a total of nine sacks as a team.
UAB Blazers
- Conference: American (1st season)
- All-Time Record: 169-181-2 (.483)
- First Season: 1991
- Head Coach: Trent Dilfer, 1st season (1-2)
- 2022 record: 7-6, 4-4 Conf. USA
- 2022 Accomplishments: Finished 11-3 in 2018, just two years after reviving its football program following a two-year hiatus.
- Record Against Georgia: 0-3-0
