Conference USA Week Eight Preview

UCF (3-3, 1-1) @ UAB (0-6, 0-3) –CSS—8pm—(Thurs. 10/20)

After starting 2-0, George O’Leary and his Knights have dropped three of their last four—including last week’s 38-17 setback at SMU.

Now, UCF will attempt to secure its first road win in a Thursday night contest at divisional foe UAB.

The winless Blazers are coming off a 37-20 loss at Tulsa where they trailed just 24-20 at the break.

UAB quarterback Bryan Ellis threw for 280 yards against the Golden Hurricane, but was just 20-for-42 with two picks.

Neil Callaway’s fifth club is producing just over 13 points and 100 rushing yards per game.

Meanwhile, the Knights haven’t exactly lit up the scoreboard either, as the league’s 2010 champs haven’t topped 17 points since game two.

However, UCF possesses the league’s top defense, as they allow just 14.7 points and 221.3 yards per game with a meager 78.2 of that coming on the ground.

On the other hand, the Blazers are allowing 33 points and 515 yards—including over 220 rushing.

Don’t be surprised if this game is competitive, though, as UAB has been playing better. It can be tough to play in cavernous Legion Field with a sparse crowd and little excitement in the stadium.

In the end, however, UCF’s strong defense and rushing attack will likely be too much for the winless Blazers.

UCF 27 UAB 13

Check back with cusa-fans.com on Friday for the remainder of the Week Eight preview, which features:

East Carolina @ Navy

Memphis @ Tulane

Marshall @ Houston

Tulsa @ Rice

SMU @ Southern Miss

Colorado State @ UTEP