WHAT: UAB vs. Tulane

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 30 — 11 a.m. CT

WHERE: Yulman Stadium — New Orleans, La.

SERIES: UAB leads, 6-5

TV: ESPN2

LINE: UAB +21.5

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE

If the Blazers’ improvement last week at No. 1 Georgia was not an aberration but a true sense of development heading into their first game as a member of the AAC.

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. Right Place, Wrong Time. UAB and Tulane have met only twice in the past decade but renew their original CUSA rivalry as the two meet as conference peers for the first time since the 2012 season. The series was tied at two games apiece when the Green Wave departed to the AAC but the Blazers have won the last meetings, a 31-24 win at home in 2018 and a 28-21 win two years ago in New Orleans.

2. Feels Like Rain. Jacob Zeno is on a record-setting pace at quarterback and currently ranks second in completions per game (32.5), sixth in completion percentage (75 percent), and ninth in passing yards (301.5 ypg). He’ll have to contend with a stingy secondary as Tulane has brought down seven interceptions this season. The Green Wave is the best defense in the league and Zeno’s ability to keep the offense humming is paramount.

3. The River in Reverse. The Blazers have utilized 11 true freshmen this season and their contributions are not without merit. Linebacker Everett Roussaw has started three games this season and receiver Amare Thomas had a career outing against No. 1 Georgia, both of whom will be counted upon going forward, and defensive backs Chris Bracy and Ricky Lee III both intercepted passes in consecutive games.

KEY MATCHUP

UAB’s offensive line vs. Tulane’s defensive line: The Blazers gave up seven sacks against Louisiana but only one last week at Georgia. The Green Wave has 15 sacks and 33 tackles for a loss in four games and the defensive line leads the top defensive unit in the conference.