The University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers come into the 2011 season off a disappointing 4-8 finish to the 2010 season. UAB went just 3-5 in the Conference USA play, for a fifth-place finish in the East Division. It was a season of close games for the Blazers, as six games (2-4 record) were decided by five points or fewer.

This year the Blazers will look to get things headed in the right direction with 16 starters returning. It should be the best team head coach Neil Callaway has had since taking over the job in 2007.

Here is a look at what UAB will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where the team will finish in the Conference USA standings.

Offense:

UAB had to be pleased with the production it got out of starting quarterback Bryan Ellis last year. Ellis threw for 2,940 yards with 25 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. It was his first season as the No. 1 quarterback, and the expectation is that he will really show some big improvements in his senior season.

The Blazers also bring back starting running back Pat Shed, who led the team with 847 yards on 157 carries (5.4 yards-per-carry average). While Shed did a pretty good job racking up yards when he got the ball, he managed to score just three rushing touchdowns. He did have 47 catches for 471 yards and four more touchdowns, but for this offense to really take that next step he has to put find the end zone more in 2011.

The only starter back on the outside is junior wide receiver Patrick Hearn, who finished second on the team with 536 yards on 35 receptions. The Blazers do bring back senior Nick Adams, who Callaway said was their best receiver, after he was forced to sit out 2010 with an injury. Also added to the mix will be sophomore wide receiver Jackie Williams and sophomore tight end Bud Pruitt.

What has me thinking the Blazers offense is ready to really pick it up this season is the fact that it has four starters back on the line. This unit is headlined by one of the best left tackles in the conference in senior Matt McCants and the very talented senior right guard Terence Edge.

As long as this unit stays healthy, it will be the best offensive line the Blazers have had since Callaway took charge.

Defense:

While the Blazers lose starting defensive end Bryant Turner and starting defensive tackle D.J. Reese, they return senior defensive tackle Elliott Henigan, who earned first-team All-CSUA honors with 55 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Also back is sophomore defensive end Connor Boyett.

With all three starting linebackers back from last season, plus its top two reserves, UAB should really see some big progress made in the middle of the field. The best of the group is junior middle linebacker Marvin Burdette, who led the team with 114 tackles in 2010.

UAB will also bring back its entire starting secondary this year, and this unit figures to be one of the best Conference USA will have to offer. The two players opposing quarterbacks to keep track of are seniors T.J. Ballou (corner) and free safety Jamie Bender (free safety).

2011 Prediction: Third CUSA East

 Despite what looks like a brutal conference schedule with home games against UCF, Houston and Southern Miss—along with tough road games at East Carolina and Tulsa—I believe the Blazers are primed to make a surprising run in 2011. I will call for them to win at least two of those games and finish the year 5-3 inside the conference.

For more on the Blazers upcoming season, check out my UAB football predictions article. If you want to see where I have all 12 teams finishing in the standings, take a look at my 2011 Conference USA predictions.