WHAT: UAB vs. South Florida

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7 — 3 p.m. CT

WHERE: Protective Stadium — Birmingham, Ala.

SERIES: Tied, 1-1

TV: ESPN2

LINE: UAB +2.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

If UAB can continue to show improvement and finish a game with a win after taking an early double-digit lead last week in its loss at Tulane. The Blazers were outscored 28-3 down the stretch and allowed more than 250 rushing yards in the game.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Showdown. Quarterbacks Jacob Zeno and South Florida’s Byrum Brown are two of the best in the American Conference and a shootout is to be expected considering the defensive lapses on each side. Zeno ranks second in completions per game and fourth in completion percentage, while Brown is a legitimate dual threat who also leads the Bulls in rushing.

2. Don’t Bring Me Down. UAB leads the nation in fumble recoveries, collecting eight of 13 forced fumbles, while the Bulls have lost six of their seven fumbles this season. Turnovers are key in a potential offensive showcase and the Blazers are the most likely to force a few mistakes.

3. Mr. Blue Sky. The Blazers will honor patients of Children’s Harbor for a seventh consecutive season by wearing names on the back of alternate grey and lime uniforms. UAB is 5-1 in the Children’s Harbor game and looks to make it another classic in the Magic City.

KEY MATCHUP

UAB’s defensive front vs South Florida’s running game: The Blazers have woefully underperformed at stopping the run this season, ranking 121st in rushing defense (204.4 ypg), and face a Bulls team that employs a duel-threat quarterback capable of doing damage on the ground. An inspired effort from UAB’s front seven is required before taking the next step in its conference slate.