Welcome to Protective Stadium in Birmingham where UAB will open the 2023 season against North Carolina A&T. The Blazers are a 24-point favorite for the 7 p.m. CT kickoff in the game that will air on ESPN+.

It is the first UAB gameday for head coach Trent Dilfer and 51 new players on the roster, the fourth most in the nation, but there is more than enough returning experience and infused talent for Dilfer and his coaching staff to empty the bench in the second half.

Refresh the page for the latest from the Superdome.

PREGAME

— Other than Swoopes and Miller, and Zaire Flournoy and Keon Handley, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries in the spring, everyone on the roster is suited up for the season opener.

— Safety Keondre Swoopes did not take part in practice last week and is out for the season opener, along with fellow safety Damon Miller.