WHAT: UAB vs. Georgia Southern

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9 — 5:00 p.m. CT

WHERE: Allen E. Paulson Stadium — Statesboro, Ga.

SERIES: UAB leads, 1-0

TV: ESPN+

LINE: UAB +6.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

If UAB is ready for the rigors of FBS-level competition before entering conference play in a few weeks. It’s the first road game for the new coaching staff and a win would certainly provide credibility to their process.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Statesboro Blues. Since returning to the field six years ago, UAB has hit the road for the second week of the season but is only 1-5 during that stretch. The Blazers are hoping to avoid that trend and capture its first Week 2 victory since pulling out a close win over Akron in the 2018 season.

2. One Way Out. There should be plenty of offensive firepower between both programs and the outcome is likely to hinge on turnovers. The Blazers forced three interceptions last season against Georgia Southern and they could not have come at a better time than in the second half when the Eagles rallied to pull within a touchdown.

3. Ramblin’ Man. The running game will be crucial in keeping either defense honest and the Blazers have more horses in the stable than they know what to do. For the Eagles, Jalen White is the heavy hitter and rushed for more than 100 yards in last year’s contest. Keeping White corralled, along with OJ Arnold, is paramount for the UAB defense.

KEY MATCHUP

UAB’s secondary vs. Georgia Southern’s passing game: Both teams have an affluence to the pass but the Blazers have experience returning in the secondary – a unit that held the Eagles well below its season average last year — and should rely on it to slow down the Georgia Southern’s offensive barrage.