Liberty at UAB: 10/2/21 College Football Picks and Prediction
Photo by Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
UAB Blazers (3-1) vs Liberty Flames (3-1)
Game Info: Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm (Protective Stadium)
Betting Odds: UAB Blazers -2 -- Over/Under: 49 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Liberty Flames will travel to Protective Stadium to take on the UAB Blazers this Saturday night in College Football action.
The Liberty Flames had their 3-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 3-1 on the season after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange, 24-21, this past Friday. Liberty was able to fight back from an early 14-0 deficit to tie the game early in the 4th quarter, however, the Flames could not pull out the win after the Orange won it on a 35-yard game-winning FG as time expired. Liberty outgained Syracuse by a 369-305 margin, however, lost the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Flames was Malik Willis who completed 14 of 19 passes for 205 yards & 3 TD’s.
On the season, Liberty is averaging 33.8 ppg on 417.3 total yards per game (233.5 passing yds/g; 183.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Liberty has been led by QB Malik Willis who has completed 71.6% of his passes for 818 yards & 10 TD’s. Willis is also the leading rusher for the Flames as he has 274 rushing yards & 4 TD’s on 51 carries. In the backfield for the Flames has been the trio of T.J. Green (32 att, 164 yards), Joshua Mack (44 att, 143 yards, TD), & Shedro Louis (26 att, 140 yards, TD). The top receiving threats for the Flames have been Demario Douglas (23 rec, 242 yards, 3 TD), CJ Daniels (11 rec, 177 yards, 3 TD), DJ Stubbs (6 rec, 102 yards), & Kevin Shaa (4 rec, 62 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, Liberty is holding their opponents to an average of 15.3 ppg on 251.8 total yards per game (151.3 passing yds/g; 100.5 rushing yds/g).
The UAB Blazers won their 2nd straight game and improved to 3-1 on the season after defeating the Tulane Green Wave, 28-21, this past Saturday. UAB got off to a quick start against Tulane, taking a 21-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter, and was able pull away later after a 9-yard TD run by Jermaine Brown Jr. gave the Blazers a 28-14 lead late in the 3rd quarter. UAB outgained Tulane by a 433-395 margin and won the turnover battle by a 4-2 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Blazers was QB Dylan Hopkins who has completed 19 of 27 passes for 240 yards, 3 TD, & 1 INT.
On the season, UAB is averaging 26.5 ppg on 382.8 total yards per game (222.8 passing yds/g; 160.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, UAB has been led by QB Dylan Hopkins who has completed 74.4% of his passes for 501 yards, 7 TD, & 1 INT. The top receiving threats for the Blazers have ben Gerrit Prince (13 rec, 269 yards, 5 TD), Trea Shropshire (7 rec, 230 yards, 3 TD), & RaJae’ Johnson-Sanders (6 rec, 115 yards, TD). Leading the way for the UAB backfield has been the duo of DeWayne McBride (53 att, 279 yards, TD) & Jermaine Brown Jr. (50 att, 221 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, UAB is holding their opponents to an average of 20.8 ppg on 326.5 total yards per game (216.5 passing yds/g; 110.0 rushing yds/g).
The Flames are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. The Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 home games.
Liberty had a disappointing showing at Syracuse, however, this is still a very good football team that is led by one of the better dual-threat QB’s in Malik Willis and a defense that ranks 8th in total defense. UAB is also very strong on the defensive end, however, their offense has been inconstant at times this season and as I think Liberty bounces back strong in this one, I think the play here is to take the Flames and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Liberty Flames +2
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
