Exciting Matchup in Birmingham: Tulane Faces UAB This Weekend
This weekend, Birmingham will be buzzing as the Tulane Green Wave roll into town to take on the UAB Blazers in a matchup that is sure to draw plenty of local cheers and excitement. With UAB coming off a rough loss and desperately looking for a win, things are set for an electric showdown at Protective Stadium.
An Overview of the Teams
As we approach kick-off at 12 p.m., let’s break down what each team brings to the field. The Green Wave struts in with a record of 3-2, but don’t let those numbers fool you. Their two losses? They weren’t just to any teams. They fell short at home against the 17th ranked Kansas State and were outmatched on the road against the 15th ranked Oklahoma — both tough opponents in their own right. Tulane came close to upsetting Kansas State, losing 34-27 in a game that surely had fans on the edge of their seats. They bounced back last week in a big way, dominating South Florida 45-10. Freshman quarterback Darian Mensah threw for a stunning 326 yards, completing 18 out of 22 passes with three touchdowns. Talk about a talent to watch!
On the other end, the UAB Blazers are reeling after a tough start to the season, currently sitting at 1-3 after last week’s blowout loss to the Navy Midshipmen. Last season, UAB saw impressive performances from players like Amare Thomas and Isaiah Jacobs. However, they’re looking for some redemption against a formidable opponent like Tulane this weekend.
Tulane’s Strong Offense
Tulane is not only looking strong defensively but also boasts one of the top offenses in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With an average of 425.0 yards per game, they rank 49th nationally, while their scoring average of 36.8 points per game puts them in the top 30 across the nation. This is a well-balanced offense, combining both air and ground attacks effectively. They average about 231.8 passing yards and 193.2 rushing yards per game. Running back Makhi Hughes, who runs like a bowling ball, has already racked up 485 yards and five touchdowns this season, bringing a lot of power to their rushing game.
Mighty Defense with Some Gaps
When it comes to defense, Tulane showcases some impressive statistics, particularly in their pass defense, which stands at 28th, allowing 172 yards per game. But they do have their shortcomings against the run, giving up an average of 140 yards per game, with larger figures against some significant teams. This weekend, fans will be keen to see how they address these gaps, especially against a UAB team that is eager to exploit any weaknesses.
Leadership on the Sidelines
This season marks the first time Jon Sumrall will lead the Green Wave, having previously coached at Troy where he achieved great success. He looks to continue the legacy of a winning culture at Tulane, especially after former coach Willie Fritz left for Houston. With experienced coordinators like Joe Craddock and Greg Gasparato backing him, Tulane’s new coaching staff appears ready to take on the challenges ahead.
What to Expect
As we settle in for this thrilling game, UAB will certainly be hoping for a turnaround. With the stakes high and fans ready to rally behind their teams, expect a fierce battle on the field. For UAB, with a bit of luck and some much-needed adjustments, this could be the win they so desperately seek. But for Tulane? They are hungry to prove that their early-season losses were just stepping stones in what could be a standout season. Tune in for all the action live on ESPN+, and let the excitement unfold!
