Both of these teams are quite similar in the fact that they are coming off rough losses as UCF lost at Kansas State and UAB lost in double OT to Tennessee.
I'm more impressed by UAB and I think this is an error UAB has faced 4 FBS schools while UCF played South Dakota in their first game. UAB might be the best offense that UCF has faced yet as they are ranked 28th overall in the nation, but have started to get it done big time with their dual threat QB situation with pocket passer Bryan Ellis over 700 yards passing the last two weeks and David Isabelle who can run it. Now this also may be the best defense UAB has faced, but I think Tennessee's D still has plenty of athletes and UAB ran all over them putting up 544 total yards. Just ask LSU if Tenn has a decent defense. But again that's still not why I'm picking UAB. UAB's defense is under rated as their ranks tell you otherwise.. Their weakness is in pass defense 107th, but they have faced some pretty good passing teams including Troy ranked #6. for an average 42nd rank. UCF really struggles passing the game and if UCF runs the ball a lot UAB has the 46th ranked rush defense.
UCF has gone back and forth at the most critical position on the field QB. They will have their hands full with UAB defense that is under rated full of speed and athleticism as they held Tennessee to just 245 total yards and 42 rushing yards. Head Coach George O'Leary is saying he'll play both freshman Jeff Godfrey and junior Rob Calabrese. Godfrey as a starter had jsut 222 yards and completed only 23 of 42 passes.
The strength of UCF is defense for sure and they have looked good all year long keeping them in games.. But that does not equal beating a team by two TD's which is what they have to do today against UAB. I don't see it happening considering the way UAB's offense is clicking and their win against Troy looks that much better after Troy's defense dominated a pretty good MTSU team last night on the road. This team has always put up good offensive numbers against Central Florida in the last two years they have put up 911 yards combined.
