2009 UAB Blazers NCAA Football Predictions
Written July 17, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The UAB Blazers continued their struggles last season, as they failed to finish above .500 for the fourth straight season. The Blazers finished tied for last in the East division of Conference USA at 3-5, and managed just one more win in non-conference play to finish the regular season at 4-8. This year the Blazers look like they will have the best team yet under head coach Neil Callaway, as they bring back 18 starters from last season.
There will be few new faces on the offense this season, as all 11 positions return starting experience. The leader of the offense is without question senior quarterback Joe Webb. While Webb had his struggles throwing the football with just 10 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, he was the Blazers biggest threat on the ground with 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. The Blazers also bring back senior running back Rashaud Slaughter, who ran for 514 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, and junior backup Justin Brooks, who added 3 touchdowns. With a more experienced offensive line back the Blazers are hoping to see improved numbers out of both Slaughter and Brooks this season. At wide out the Blazers bring back their top three threats in juniors Frantrell Forrest, Jeffery Anderson, and Mario Wright, but the trio combined for just 5 touchdowns last season. The offensive line figures to be one of the top lines in Conference USA this season, as they get sophomore left tackle Matt McCants back after being ineligible last season. I think this unit has a ton of potential, but it really depends on how much progress Webb has made in becoming a better passer, as you can’t have 6 more interceptions than touchdowns. Bet the Blazers this season at BetUS.com.
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The Blazers have 7 starters back on defense this season, but this was a unit that gave up nearly 32 points a game last season. The Blazers figure to be much better up front as they return all four starters on the defensive line, led by junior defensive end Bryant Turner, who led the Blazers with 4 sacks last season as a sophomore. The Blazers did give up just over 170 yards per game on the ground, and that means they need to get better play out of juniors DJ Reese and Tim Davis at the two tackle spots. At linebacker the Blazers have just one starter back in junior weak side backer Keon Harris, but have some high expectations for the additions of junior college transfer Darrion Wilson and freshman Daniel White. Just one starters returns in the secondary in sophomore corner Terrell Springs. It looks as though senior Brandon Carlisle will be the man starting opposite of Springs, while sophomore Chase Daniel and junior Hiram Atwater take over at the two safety positions. The Blazers are going to be very inexperienced once you get past the defensive line, and that is not a good sign going up against some pretty good offenses in Conference USA. Bet Conference USA this season at Sportsbook.com.
My 2009 Prediction: 6th in Conference USA East Division. There is definitely some talent back for the 2009 season, but unless the defense matures rapidly and Webb figures out how to throw the football, I don’t see the Blazers making there way out of the bottom of the East Division this season.
For those of you looking for some help with your NCAA football picks this season, be sure to stop back for our expert college football predictions and the latest college football betting odds at Betfirms.
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