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2009 UAB College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

UAB 62209 Is improvement on the way for the UAB Blazers following a 4-8 campaign? Find out if a defense which ranked 106th in the nation in yards allowed will stand in their way once again. Get my take on the upcoming season in this 2009 college football betting preview. Our readers get a special $500 match bonus at BetUS!

Offense – UAB senior quarterback Joe Webb returns to run the show. The 6′4”, 220-pound signal caller, who reminds you a little bit of Donovan McNabb, became the first QB in Conference-USA history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season and added 11 rushing touchdowns. Webb also passed for 2,367 yards and added 11 touchdown strikes. I see his numbers improving in his second full season under center.

The offense scored 22.8 points per game in 2008 and we should see this unit show more scoring punch in 2009 with 10 starters returning. The offensive line is solid with tackles Matt McCants and Terence Edge and center Jake Seitz leading the unit. The Blazers are deep and talented at the wide receiver position led by No. 1 option Frantrell Forrest. Forrest pulled down 42 catches for 536 yards last season and gives the offense a burner to stretch the defense with his go routes.

If there is a weakness on the offense, it’s at running back. Rashaud Slaughter returns, but he needs to show more consistency. I realize Webb is the primary rushing option, but Slaughter or a number of other backs will need to step up when called upon to take some of the heat off of Webb.

Defense – While the offense should be improved, the defense is the side of the ball that will make or break the Blazers. This unit ranked 95th in the country in scoring defense (31.3 points per game) and 106th in total defense (429.9 yards per game). This unit was dominated by the UAB offense in the spring and if it can’t start getting some stops, it’s going to be another long season in Birmingham. If experience breeds improvement the defensive front should perform better in 2009 with D.J. Reese, Tim Davis, Bryant Turner, and Anthony Barnes coming back. Plus, there are high hopes for juco transfers Derek Slaughter and Justin Wells to provide more depth. The linebacker position will not be top notch, but it should be improved as well. The linebacker corps will be led by top returning tackler Keon Harris. The secondary has been a big weak spot for the Blazers, though, so improvement up front will be negated if the defensive backfield still can’t cover anyone. The Blazers ranked 108th nationally against the pass in 2008, allowing 262.9 yards per game through the air. Chase Daniel, Terrell Springs, Marquis Coleman and Brandon Carlisle appear to be the primary guys after spring drills.

Prediction: 6th Conference USA East – Scoring points won’t be a problem with the talented Joe Webb making decisions with the football, but one of the worst defenses in the country a season ago still figures to haunt the Blazers in 2009. Overs bets have the potential to be a strong play on UAB this season. Bet Conference USA football at BetUS and get up to 145% in sign up bonuses!

Beat the college football odds this season with Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks.

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