WHAT: UAB vs. Memphis

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21 — 11 a.m. CT

WHERE: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, Alabama

SERIES: UAB leads, 10-5

TV: ESPN2

LINE: UAB +5.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

If UAB can get back on track at home in the renewal of the “Battle for the Bones” with former CUSA rival Memphis. The Blazers are 10-4 at Protective Stadium and win over the Tigers would build confidence heading into the final stretch of the season following their bye week.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Them Bones. The renewal of the “Battle for the Bones” between UAB and Memphis comes with arguably the greatest trophy in collegiate sports, “The Bones.” The trophy received a brand new polish and engraving ahead of its second debut following a 10-year residence in Memphis after the Tigers won the last meeting during the 2012 season.

2. Runnin’ Down a Dream. Jermaine Brown Jr. has been on a tear the last two weeks and needs another strong performance to keep the UAB offense flowing against a better than advertised Memphis defense. Brown has 789 all-purpose yards and eight rushing scores and is 405 yards away from setting the program’s all-time record in that category.

3. Spill the Wine. The Blazers lead the nation in fumble recoveries (9) but will be hard pressed to grab any loose balls against a Memphis team that has put it on the ground only twice this season. UAB is plus-3 in turnover margin and a couple of takeaways are key to keeping the Blazers off the field on defense.

KEY MATCHUP

UAB’s defensive line vs Memphis’ running game: The Blazers are not very good at stopping the run, ranking 122nd in rushing defense (202.3 ypg), and have yet to force an opponent into a one-dimensional attack. The Blazers must show drastic improvement in the trenches or Memphis’ rushing game will have no problem imposing its will with Old Dominion transfer Blake Watson.