LOUISIANA (3-1) at UAB (4-1)
Game Time: Friday, 7:00 p.m.
Radio: ESPN1420
TV: CBSN
Most Recent Meeting: 34-0 Cajuns (2002)
Mic'd Up Preview with Cody Junot
No soft spots in the armor: While UAB's defense didn't impress early on in the season, allowing 35 to FCS Central Arkansas, and 31 in a loss to Miami, the Blazers defense has become one of the better ones in the country. UAB's defense ranks near the top of the country in opponent completion percentage, opponent passer rating, passing yards-per-attempt, sacks and turnovers. Since that week 2 loss to the 'Canes, UAB has held teams to 12.3 points-per-game. In last week's 37-14 win over Western Kentucky UAB held the Hilltoppers to 250 yards of offense, sacking the quarterback five times and forcing 2 interceptions, 2 fumbles and a blocked punt.
Defending the castle: In fairy tales a dragon's job is to defend the castle, and few defend their own better than UAB. The Blazers have won 21-straight at Legion Field including three this season. It's the third-longest active streak of it's kind in the country. The team has not lost at home since the program's resurrection in 2017.
Getting back to the Run: With Elijah Mitchell back for the Cajuns, Louisiana put together one of it's best rushing performances in the 30-27 loss to Coastal Carolina. Louisiana rushed 30 times for 236 yards (7.6 ypc) and three touchdowns. The Cajuns have still yet to reach last year's average in a single game (257 yard) as the offensive line continues to shuffle. Facing a great defense and good rushing attack in UAB, Louisiana will need to run well to control the ball better than they did against Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers held the ball for 17 more minutes and ran 17 more plays than Louisiana. Through four games Louisiana has yet to with the time of possession battle, or run more plays than their opponent. The run could also help the Cajuns find more "third and manageable situations." Only ULM has converted fewer third downs in the Sun Belt.
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