Three Keys to Victory: UAB

Stop the Run: UAB hasn’t exactly played a strong schedule to this point, but the Blazers are averaging 209 yards per game on the ground. The ‘Dogs limited South Alabama to only 98 yards rushing on Saturday night after giving up an average of 186 yards through the first four games. Running back, Spencer Brown, and Quarterback A.J. Erdely give UAB a two-headed rushing attack that is difficult to slow down.

Score Touchdowns in the Red Zone: Tech has been in the red zone 21 times through their first five games. The ‘Dogs have only converted nine of those trips into touchdowns. Bottom line is that will not cut it if the ‘Dogs want to win a conference championship. Windows are tighter in the passing game in the red area which makes the running game all the more crucial. Jarred Craft and Boston Scott can sometimes make something out of nothing, but the offensive line is going to have to give them some room to maneuver. If Tech can run the ball successfully in the red zone, it will turn field goals into touchdowns, and Bulldog fans will begin to see 40-50 points per game like they are so used to seeing.

Stretch the Field: Rhashid Bonnette left with an injury on Saturday night against South Alabama, and it had a negative effect on the offense. Bonnette has shown the ability to go deep on multiple occasions, hence his 25 yards per catch average through five games. If Bonnette is to miss the game with UAB, Tech will have to continue driving the ball down the field. Who replaces Bonnette? Redshirt freshman Adrian Hardy had the first opportunity Saturday and did not disappoint. Hardy had four grabs for 68 yards and a 30-yard, fourth quarter touchdown to put the game away. Originally an Oklahoma signee, Hardy has shown flashes of being a dynamic playmaker for the Bulldog offense.