2008 UAB Blazers Football Picks & Predictions
August 26, 2008
Neil Callaway has yet to prove himself as a head coach in college football. His first season at the college level, Callaway suffered ten losses at UAB in 2007. Will things get turned around this season with 19 returning starters leading the way? The Info Plays team shows what kind of faith they have in Callaway with their 2008 UAB Blazers football predictions and season preview below.
Offense:
On paper, UAB appears to be more competitive in Neil Callaway’s second season on the job. One reason for optimism is junior quarterback Joe Webb. At 6-3, 220 pounds, Webb is big enough to play drop-back QB but still quick enough to make plays as a runner also. Considering the Blazers’ uncertainty on the offensive line, Webb’s versatility may be their best weapon. Wide receivers Frantrell Forrest, Mike Jones and Mario Wright to go along with tight end Jeffrey Anderson give the Blazers some nice targets for Webb this season. Rashaud Slaughter moves back to receiver from running back, and the signings of Roddell Carter and Mark Ferrell form junior colleges give UAB depth at receiver to try and get this passing game going.
UAB ranked 104th in rushing last year behind terrible line play in which the unit was hit hard by injuries and inexperience. Junior Jake Seitz provides an anchor at either guard or center. Tackles Matt McCants and Terence Edge along with guard Adam Hollifield gained valuable experience as freshman in ‘07. Junior college signee Daniel Seahorn could be the answer at right guard for now. The Blazers need immediate help at tailback. Aaron Johns was signed by UAB in each of the past two Februarys. Sophomores Dexter Barnett and Justin Brooks have combined for 36 career carries, so as you can see there is little experience here and the running game looks dismal again.
Defense:
The Blazers are in shambles up front on both sides of the ball, especially defense. After ranking last nationally in rushing defense, giving up 256.8 yards/game on the ground, the Blazers have a lot of work to do to shore up the front seven. UAB played 10 freshmen and sophomores in their two-deep last fall. Sophomore end Bryant Turner is the closest thing to a true standout on a defensive line that could start three sophomores. Linebacker might be UAB’s thinnest position, though. Junior college transfer Dominique Roulach is the best of a group of seven signees looking for starting linebacker jobs in the offseason.
Two returning starters at outside linebacker, senior Joe Hendersona dn sophomore Mike Tashman, missed significant time in the spring with injuries. Henderson made second-team all-conference last year, while Tashman was a Freshman All-American selection. In their absence, junior college transfer Kyle Roget and sophomore Keon Harris came through with strong springs. An inexperienced secondary looks to be the strength of this defense. Two-time all-conference free safety Will Dunbar recorded 122 tackles in just 10 games in his junior season last year. Clearly the front seven is in shambles considering a free safety is making this many tackles, but that just goes to show Dunbar’s raw talent.
UAB Football Predictions at Info Plays: 6th Conference USA East Division
The Blazers should have better numbers this season, adding 11 junior college transfers to help add depth. If the Blazers get immediate help from these players, they should be more competitive this fall. But it looks like another finish at the bottom of the C-USA East Division is inevitable.
As C-USA has improved, UAB has slipped. Check out Barnhouse’s Bottom 25 teams in the country where UAB is ranked No. 7 right now.
Conference USA Wins Expected in ‘08: None Expected
Potential Scares/Losses:
TULSA,
MEMPHIS, at
Houston,
MARSHALL, at
Southern Miss, at
Tulane,
EAST CAROLINA, at UCF