Alcorn State vs UAB Prediction College Football Picks 8/29/24

The Alcorn State Braves and the UAB Blazers meet in week 1 college football action from Protective Stadium on Thursday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Alcorn State vs. UAB prediction.

Alcorn State Team Preview

The Alcorn State Braves come into the 2024 season looking to build on a solid mark in 2023, finishing the year 7-4 overall including 6-2 in SWAC play. The Braves will look for a new option at starting quarterback with last year’s QB1 Aaron Allen graduating, but junior Tyler Macon is expected to be the new starting QB. The problem is that Macon completed just 2 of 13 pass attempts in 2023, but at least he has a dual-threat ability. The Braves also have two all-SWAC players returning in DL Malachi Bailey and TE Tavarious Griffin. Alcorn State will face Vanderbilt following this game.

Why the Alcorn State Braves will win

• UAB has lost each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.

UAB Team Preview

The UAB Blazers come into the 2024 season looking to improve on a rough first year under Trent Dilfer, finishing 4-8 overall including 3-5 in AAC conference play. Jacob Zeno is back at QB after throwing for over 3,100 yards and 20 touchdowns with 9 INTs while Amare Thomas is back at receiver after leading the Blazers with 53 receptions. The Blazers will have to rebound from losing top yardage receiver Tejhaun Palmer, but Bryce Damous is also back at tight end and there’s a slew of receiving options for Zeno. Isaiah Jacobs and Lee Beebe will make up UAB’s 1-2 punch in the backfield alongside the dual-threat ability of Zeno.

On defense, it can only go up from here and it starts with LeDarrius Cox transferring in from Indiana and Kevin Penn leading the defensive line. Michael Moore is back at linebacker while Everett Roussaw will be on the outside as well Purdue transfer OC Brothers. Adrian Maddox transfers in to give UAB some depth in the secondary while Colby Dempsey and Trey Miles will lead the group of corners for the Blazer defense.

Why the UAB Blazers will win

• UAB has won each of its last eight season openers.
• The home team has covered the spread in each of UAB’s last four games.

Alcorn State vs. UAB Prediction

I’m going to back UAB here. It’s a big number, but I think that UAB is primed to take a step forward in 2024. How big of a step is another story, but even in a disappointing year, the Blazers still know when to keep their foot on the gas as evidenced by a 35-6 win over NC A&T last year. The Blazers have won their last 3 games against FCS teams by a combined score of 125-6, and with how much disappointment there was for the Blazers last year, I think they’ll want to get the good vibes going right away and not look back. Give me the Blazers big here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: UAB -26.5