WHAT: UAB vs. North Carolina A&T

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 31 — 7:00 p.m. CT

WHERE: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, Ala.

SERIES: First meeting

TV: ESPN+

LINE: None

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

Considering the opponent, there is not much to gain from a statistical analysis perspective, but it will be interesting to see how a UAB team operates on the field for the first time under new head coach Trent Dilfer.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. We Can Work It Out. Jacob Zeno, Tejhaun Palmer and Jermaine Brown Jr. are an offensive triumvirate but there are plenty of other mouths to feed with a stacked backfield, a physically imposing tight end unit and a nine-man receiver rotation. With so many playmakers at their disposal, it’ll be interesting to see how far the offense has progressed under Dilfer and offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen.

2. Under My Thumb. UAB’s defense has pitched three season-opening shutouts since 2018, including two straight over Jacksonville State (31-0) and Alabama A&M (59-0), and a fourth is not out of the question in facing an offense with a first-time starter at almost every position. The Blazers may have lost their fair share of experienced starters and contributors on defense, but return key leaders and a throng of new talent from the portal and its signing class.

3. Everyday People. Not since its first game back from a two-year hiatus has the UAB football program radiated this much excitement heading into a season opener. Attempting to evaluate a 30-year program by attendance is always a fool’s errand but the enthusiasm of the team and coaching could attract “curious” eyes to Protective on Thursday night. Not to mention perfect fall weather in the Football Capital of the South.

KEY MATCHUP

UAB’s offensive line vs North Carolina A&T’s defensive front: The preferred lineman for the Blazers is now lighter than most but employs length and athleticism with brute strength. UAB’s starting line averages 305.8 pounds per man but should have no problem pushing around an Aggie defensive front that tops out 50 pounds less across the board.