Quick Shots: Memphis Vs. UAB

Atlanta, Ga.—The Memphis Tigers roll into Birmingham on Thursday riding the wave of a two-game winning streak.  The real question, however, is how the Tigers will do against the Blazers.

As any fan of the rivalry knows, there is absolutely no love lost between these teams.  They hate each other so much that the passion carries over into basketball season, where things truly get ugly.

Make no mistake, however, that no matter how outmatched UAB may be against the Tigers, the Blazers find a way to win (with the exception of last year).  UAB is the Oregon State to the Tigers' USC.

Let's begin with a quick look at both teams.

UAB has struggled mightily to find the win column this year, registering a single W against Alabama State, but the Blazers have shown they are not inept at scoring, averaging 23 points against C-USA opponents.

Joe Webb leads the Blazer offense throwing six touchdowns matched by six interceptions with nine sacks.  While the rushing is spread amongst numerous players, Webb is also UAB's leading rusher.  Containing him and locking up receiver Frantrell Forrest will be key to a Tiger victory.

Defensively, the numbers weigh heavily against the Blazer 11, so it might be a tough day for the Blazers if the Tigers score often and early.

A quick look at the Tigers shows a team not much better than the Blazers.  Junior college transfers, regular transfers, and attrition of traditional high school to college athletes has contributed to a disjointed Tiger team that is still trying to find its way.

The first loss to Ole Miss doesn't look as bad with each passing weekend, but the Tigers continued to skid against a high-powered Rice team and a weak Marshall program.

Fortunately, however, the Tigers were able to take baby steps to regain their footing, translating an effort to regroup in victories over I-AA Nicholls State and another bitter out of conference rival, Arkansas State. 

If the Tigers can find consistency in their offensive production behind Arkelon Hall and get the ball moving on the ground on the backs of workhorses Curtis Steele and Charlie Jones, the game on Thursday won't be close.

Additionally, the Tiger passing game is designed in a mold only Coach Calipari can understand with tall, lanky receivers complementing the speedsters who stretch the field.

The Tiger gameplan against UAB is going to rely on heavy inside zone running plays until UAB goes into a single safety set over the Tiger receivers.  Then, look out!  It's gonna be jump ball city with Memphis' PTPers, baby!!!  (Dick Vitale voice—after all, what is a discussion about Memphis athletics without some mention of basketball?)

Of course, Memphis will dump off a lot of screens, too.

The Tiger defense wants to force Webb to throw the ball with heat coming from all directions, while maintaining solid defense when UAB shifts into two tight end sets.

Memphis also has to be aware of UAB's screens but knows that if the defense can keep the Blazers in third and long, the Tigers will be in a great position to keep the Blazer offense out of the end zone and off the field.

Look for another step towards a bowl appearance as the Tigers pounce on UAB Thursday night in a victory more in line with the expectations levied by all the Memphis faithful in the preseason.

Prediction: Memphis 38, UAB 20