UAB started the last road race of the season and faced a difficult task in the key division duel with UTSA. (UAB Athletics)

For the UAB football team, the fourth consecutive division championship is within reach, and a Texas-scale matchup may determine another team's matchup.

The Trail Blazers will face the undefeated and ranked 15th UTSA at the Alamodo Stadium in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, November 20th. This is their last away game of the season. ESPN's kick-off time is set at 2:30 pm Central Standard Time.

Related: UAB heads to UTSA 15 for a key C-USA showdown

Related: Blazer Buzz-UAB vs. UTSA key showdown, TV information

UAB (7-3, 5-1) can lead UTSA in the C-USA Western Division, break a possible tie with a one-on-one victory, and win the championship at home next week.

So how do the teams match? The following is AL.com's position-by-position breakdown of the UAB and Roadrunners showdown:

Interestingly, Dylan Hopkins is the second most efficient passer in C-USA, second only to the excellent Bailey Zappe of Western Kentucky. The junior led UAB to a 5-2 record, passing the ball with a 62.4% shooting rate, and accumulated 1,723 yards, 11 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions, and continued to inspire the team's stubborn running. Trust, these runs produced four rushing points. Taylor Johnston III has rarely participated in games since returning from injury, but he is still a respected leader in the locker room.

UTSA quarterback Frank Harris was a revelation in his senior season. He did not make the mistake of making Roadrunners pay multiple games in the past few seasons. The senior shot 66.8%, accumulated 2,306 yards, 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, and was fatal on the ground with 400 yards and 4 points. Harris also received a 26-yard touchdown pass from receiver Joshua Severs. Advantages: uniform

DeWayne "Debo" McBride is spending an all-around season and peaked in the key recoil training of the season. Despite his ankle disease, McBride has completed a total of 945 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in the past few weeks. Jermaine Brown Jr. was not fully utilized when McBride was squandering on the opposing defensive line, but was productive in both rushing and passing games, 114 touches, a total of 637 yards, and a score of 4 point. Similarly, Lucious Stanley has 33 touches for 188 yards and one touchdown.

Roadrunners have no secrets in the backcourt, because junior sincere McCormick is the best active running back in the league and one of the best players in the country at this position. He has a large share of UTSA's rushing offense, accumulating 1,150 yards (60.8%) and 11 touchdowns (56.1%) in 230 rushing attempts, and even contributed 13 of 112 yards in passing games. Catches the ball. Seniors BJ Daniels and Brenden Brady each had less than 40 passes, totaling 299 yards and three points. Advantages: uniform

With the Hopkins team accurately controlling the ball, the UAB receiving team has promoted itself into a fully functional unit this season. Although they have been blocked from the end zone in the past two games, three wide players and two senior close-ends are the main contributors to the passing game. This game continues to expand and add new ones. wrinkle.

Tight end Gerrit Prince is in the best season in the United States. He completed 571 yards and 7 touchdowns, and led all close ends in the country with an average of 22 yards per catch. Trea Shropshire is the main deep threat for UAB, averaging 25.7 yards per catch, 21 catches, 540 yards and 4 points.

RaJae' Johnson-Sanders recorded his first 100-yard catch in a two-week game against Louisiana Tech, accumulating 338 yards and scoring this season, and can rely on his speed and fitness A large number of yards are generated on the screen pass. Ryan Davis played for the second time since last week's Tulane University game in Marshall and scored two first catches in the UAB's sealed drive. Since the end of his 32 consecutive catches, Hayden Pittman has set a new catch record in each of the past two games. AJ Davis, TJ Jones, Samario Rudolph and Tejhaun Palmer continued to get extra passes in the passing game.

Roadrunners have an efficient four-man rotation at the receiving end of the pass game, including two solid close ends that can bypass low court coverage. Senior Leroy Watson is the main blocker for the two close ends, while sophomore Oscar Cardenas has completed 147 yards and 10 catches.

Zakhari Franklin led the team with 58 catches for 750 yards and 8 touchdowns, while his junior Joshua Cephus ranked second on the team with 59 catches for 682 yards and 6 touchdowns. De Corian Clark was a solid third choice, receiving 33 times for 485 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Tykee Ogle-Kellogg ended the main rotation with 10 catches for 117 yards and scoring. Advantage: UTSA

UAB’s offensive line has experienced early growth pains, including the injury of right tackle Sidney Wells, but as the Trail Blazers sharpen their will in the four games at the end of the regular season, they are imposing them Will.

Left tackle Kadim Telford and right back Matt Trehern started in their respective positions in every game. Colby Ragland started at left back in the first five games. , And then due to the absence of Wells, he served as a right tackle in the last five games. Andrew Smith succeeded Ragland as left back, but returned to center after Jacob Jones received a call last week, recording his second starting this season.

UTSA mixed and matched offensive lines throughout the season, but helped the team 446.2 games per game, ranked 26th in the country in total offense, and only allowed 8 sacks. This is not a problem.

Spencer Burford started seven games with a left tackle before moving to the right last week, with Jaring Garmore already assuming the former position. Terrell Haynes has started 16 consecutive games for UTSA and his time is divided equally between the two guard positions this season, while Kevin Davis has returned to the lineup after missing five games. Ahofitu Maka has 33 starts, including the center in every game this season. Advantage: UTSA

In recent weeks, the Blazers’ defensive rankings have steadily improved — the total defensive ranking has risen to 15th (320.2 games per game) — mainly due to the return of key players and the experience gained by those responsible for filling the vacancies left behind. repair.

As a stable force for UAB throughout the season, the defense line plays a high-level role and is the main component of its 16th-ranked rush defense (109.9 points per game). Mi'Cario Stanley created an extraordinary senior season, leading the team with 26 steals (2.5 losses) and 1.5 sacks, while Tyree Turner started 8 games in the paint and completed There were 17 steals (4 losses), 3 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Fish McWilliams (2 starts) and Louisiana State University transfer Justin Thomas (3 starts) are an important part of the rotation. The combination made 22 tackles (7.5 losses) and recorded 3 One sack and one pass breakthrough, and Thomas. Kevin Penn and Isaiah Forte perfected the depth of the unit. They participated in 6 games and made 16 steals.

UTSA operates on a 3-4 basis, and it has paid off in producing the fifth-ranked charge defense (89.9 ypg) in the country. Senior Jaylen Haynes led the post, posting 25 steals (3.5 defeats) and one sacking. With the help of Brandon Brown and Lamont McDougall, they worked together to steal 21 (1.5 defeats). Second-rate).

Lorenzo Dantzler is a leader on the defensive end. He only got 7 tackles and 1 sack, but recovered 3 turnovers and returned once after a 12-yard touchdown. . Trumane Bell II is the main producer of the group, collecting 16 tackles (6.5 conceded) and 5 sacks, while Brandon Matterson and Asyrus Simon have a total of 37 tackles (3 conceded) and a half. Grapple. Advantages: uniform

UAB's line guard is a two-part horror machine that uses tenacious passers and flexible tackles to create a sense of controlled chaos around the melee line. The unit has collected half of the team's total and almost two-thirds of the tackle losses.

Antonio Moultrie is absolutely dominant this season, collecting 48 steals (3 losses), 4 steals, 2 sacks and a recovery from a turnover. The transformation of the powerful edge attacker achieved brilliant success. Alex Wright is a nightmare for opposing tackles, coordinating the terrible bookend duo with 32 tackles (4 losses), 10 steals, 4 sacks, and two passes to break up.

Kyle Sanders has developed well this season, with 25 steals (3.5 losses) and two sacks. Kyle Harrell has 15 steals (5.5 losses), 3 steals, 2.5 One sack, three pass breakthroughs and two forced turnovers consolidated the rotation. Michael Fairbanks II and Nikia Eason Jr. appeared in every game this season, with a total of 27 steals (4 losses), 4 steals and one sacking.

Not surprisingly, inside linebacker Noah Wilder led the team with 63 steals (2.5 losses) and was intercepted in the first defensive game of UAB's home win over FAU. Deshaun Oliver Jr. missed the last two games, but Tyler Taylor's four consecutive starting performances were admirable. Charlie Benton started the Louisiana Tech game because Wilder was suspended in the first half for aiming for a foul in the previous game. Jalen Rayam also provided high-quality snapshots this season.

Roadrunners has a solid linebacker team, led by three senior outside passers, who are some of the top producers of UTSA. Sam linebackers Dudrian Taylor and Clarence Hicks can run and pass, and Charles Willie is the organizer of Will's position. Taylor has recorded 35 tackles (4.5 turnovers) and 2.5 sacks, as well as a touchdown with a 51-yard interception return, while Clarence Hicks has accumulated 27 tackles (11 turnovers), 6 sacks, two pass breakthroughs and one interception. At the same time, Willie made a total of 29 tackles (8 losses), 2.5 sacks, and two turnovers, one of which he returned for 44 yards.

Inside, Trevor Harmanson led a deep group and was the second-ranked tackler on the team, with 44 tackles (2.5 losses), plus a sack and a 40-yard interception. Pass the score. Jamal Ligon completed 39 tackles and half sacks in eight games, while Dru Prox contributed 17 tackles (2 losses) and 1.5 sacks. Denzel Fest, Taylor Mank and Avery Morris appeared in every game and provided high-quality contributions. Advantage: UAB

The Trail Blazers suffered more injuries on the back end than they deserved, but after losing starters TD Marshall, Kris Moll, Damon Miller and Mac McWilliams, they have turned things around. UAB’s second-level league limits the air passing distance of the last five opponents to 250 yards, collects seven of the team’s nine interceptions, and raises its allowable pass yardage ranking to 38th (per game). 210.3 times).

Powerful safety guard Will Boler led the team and accumulated 43 steals, while free safety guard Dy'jonn Turner has performed well since his injury at the beginning of the season. He has 29 steals (1 loss), 1 sack and 3 steals. Incorrect pass. Keondre Swoopes is one of UAB's most versatile defensive guards in star positions, with a total of 39 steals (2 losses), 4 pass breakthroughs and two interceptions, including 6 picks for 61 yards in Georgia, and Three steals in free and safe time were due to Miller and Turner's injuries. Troy Young has started three consecutive games as a star, and has made 20 tackles in each game this season.

Grayson Cash has only 19 steals and 3 pass breakthroughs in 10 games, but he is the Trail Blazers defense and special team organizer. The senior safety officer has produced multiple kinetic energy transfer games this season, including a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in the FAU victory and a blocked pick in the Marshall game last week. Cash also blocked two punts and regained scoring in the Miss South competition.

The cornerback suffered the most serious injury. Marshall missed the end of the season due to a knee injury. McWilliams missed the last four games without a return timetable, but Starling Thomas V is leading a group of young cornerbacks who are eager to prove their worth. Thomas had a great season after his absence last year, collecting 29 steals, 6 pass breakthroughs, 2 interceptions, and a forced turnover and recovery. CD Daniels played well after an injury at the beginning of the season, starting in the last two games, filled by Dvorek Bynum and Colby Dempsey and real freshman Antewan Massey Rotation lineup.

UTSA ranks 71st in the number of passing yards allowed this season (233.2 games per game), but this is most likely due to the elimination of the opponent's rushing offense in advance. Roadrunners had 11 turnovers, and was mainly responsible for more than half of the interceptions and 3 of the team's 11 turnovers.

Seniors Corey Mayfield and Tariq Woolen are the two better penalty corners in the league and can change the rules of the game in a pass. Mayfield had 24 steals (2 losses), one sack, two pass breakthroughs and two interceptions, one of which resulted in a 49-yard touchdown return, while Woolen collected 23 steals (2.5 losses) , Three pass breakthroughs and a draft. Sophomore Ken Robinson made a high-quality contribution in this position, adding 21 steals (2.5 losses) and 7 pass errors.

The back end is equipped with a sturdy safety rotation, led by second-year student Rashad Wisdom and senior Antonio Parkes. Wisdom is the team leader with 63 steals (4 losses), including 4 pass interruptions, while Parkes is another strong player with 30 steals (1 loss), 4 pass interruptions and One interception. Kelechi Nwachuku contributed 20 steals and two steals, while Jahmal Sam collected 18 steals, one sack, one steal and one interception in just six games this season. Advantages: uniform

UAB does not slack on special teams, provides game-changing matches and often wins battles on the field. The Trail Blazers have blocked 3 goals this season, scoring in 2-point defensive conversions and blocked punt passes, while Starling Thomas V and Jermaine Brown Jr. performed well in the return, and several close encounters prevented it. The possible return score.

Matt Quinn missed a few kicks at the beginning of the season, but is organizing a wonderful second-year game. In Miss South’s career, he shot 52 yards and made 9 of 14 shots. Reese Burkhart There were 34 touchdowns in 57 kick-offs.

Kyle Greenwell is busy at times this year and is fast approaching several school records-17 punts and 263 yards Parker Mullins (2003-2006) surpassed for the first time in these two categories. The junior has played 47 times, averaging 43.2 yards, including 19 fair catches, 14 kicks within the 20 yard line, and 9 times over 50 yards.

Similar to UAB, Roadrunners have an excellent special force that can change momentum by kicking and returning.

Sheldon Jones has scored 76 yards for punt passes this season, and Dudrien Taylor averaged 25.2 yards at kickoff. Senior kicker Hunter Du Plessis shot 18 of 23 from the field, including a 51-yard long pass, and recorded 29 touchdowns in 65 kick-offs. Junior bettor Lucas Dean averaged 44.4 yards in 33 kicks, shot down 14 times within the 20 yard line, 9 fair catches and 6 punts over 50 yards. Advantages: uniform

Jeff Traylor quickly made UTSA a contender for the conference championship, but in his second season alone he could not answer the sustainability of this success. Despite this, Roadrunners still played high-level matches with several players from the previous government. Bill Clark only plays for one thing; the championship. The Blazers control their own destiny, because this is related to the divisional game, Clark will prepare his team for a battle. Advantages: uniform

The Blazers and Road Runners cooperate well in several positions, but the indicators and advanced statistics have nothing to do with the upcoming war in San Antonio. UTSA is a destiny team this season, but UAB does not intend to give up the championship. However, unlike other conference colleagues, Roadrunners have an advantage in the noisy game atmosphere of Alamodome. Advantage: UTSA

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