UAB Blazers Football opens the season at Protective Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday night, aiming to turn the page after a 3-9 finish last year. Under third-year head coach Trent Dilfer, the Blazers welcome Alabama State for a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff as they debut a reimagined roster featuring 49 new players, including 31 transfers. Only three starters return from last season: quarterback Jalen Kitna, right guard JonDarius Morgan and safety Sirad Byrant.
Key matchups to watch
– UAB receiver Corri Milliner vs. ASU safety Keane Lewis
Keane Lewis returns as the lone starting safety from ASU’s defense, which led the SWAC in yards and points allowed per game last season. The senior playmaker earned preseason first-team All-SWAC honors and is on the national watchlist for the Aeneas Williams Award. Milliner, UAB’s big-play threat, is back after 24 receptions for 416 yards and three touchdowns last year, with a knack for creating yards after the catch. Milliner’s development as a route runner could be a decisive factor against a tough Hornets secondary.
– UAB’s front six vs. ASU quarterback Andrew Body
ASU will lean on a familiar name at quarterback in Andrew Body, who is back for his second season with the Hornets after a season-ending injury limited him to one game last year. Body, who transferred from Texas Southern, brings a dual-threat skill set with significant amount of production from 2021-23. His ability to extend plays and run could test a rebuilt UAB front six, which features five seniors this season. Dilfer has praised the experience and temperament of these veterans, noting their resilience and steadiness under pressure.
– ASU pass rush vs. UAB’s offensive line
With the task of replacing star defensive end Treqwan Thomas (10 sacks last season), ASU still has a group capable of pressuring the quarterback. For UAB, redshirt senior JonDarius Morgan anchors the returning starting five on the line, but the rest of the line is new, including Kansas State transfer Brandon Sneh at left tackle. Sneh, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound protector, started nine games last season and did not allow a sack in 322 pass-blocking snaps. Dilfer has highlighted Sneh’s ongoing growth and his one-mistake-but-quick-learn approach.
Storylines to follow
– Inside info on the defensive staff
UAB’s revamped defense includes six new assistants, with one notable reunion: former ASU defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis will coach UAB’s cornerbacks. Lewis was in charge of ASU’s defense for three seasons, guiding a unit that finished near the top of several national categories last year. While Lewis provides useful insider knowledge, Dilfer cautions against overreacting to insider information and emphasizes building the game plan from what is actually observed on the field.
– Hornets aiming to surprise historically
ASU’s two lifetime wins against UAB came in the mid-1990s before UAB moved to Division I. Since then, UAB has faced ASU twice in FBS play, winning 45-10 in 2008 and 24-19 in 2019. ASU has yet to beat an FBS opponent in its program history, making Thursday a potential historic upset for fourth-year head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. Still, Robinson emphasizes the motivational factors for his players, including pride in Birmingham-area roots and the opportunity to test themselves at the FBS level.
Prediction and game outlook
– Predicted score: UAB 41, Alabama State 7
Dilfer isn’t taking any opponent lightly, but the Blazers appear well-positioned to handle the challenge this week as they roll out their new-look defense and a wide-open offense. UAB has had success in recent openers against FCS programs, opening the last two seasons with decisive wins. The forecast calls for UAB to hold ASU to a late score while Kitna and the offense start fast, with a couple of field goals from preseason watch-list kicker Jonah Delange rounding out the scoring.
Game information
– Who: UAB (0-0) vs. Alabama State (0-0)
– Where: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama
– When: Thursday, August 28, 7:30 p.m. CT
– Watch: ESPN+
– On the call: Doug Sherman (play-by-play), Dave Steckel (analyst), Marie Trivelpiece (sideline)
– Listen: WJOX 94.5 FM, Sirius XM Channel 385
– On the call (radio): David Crane (play-by-play), Bryant Turner (analyst), Landrum Roberts (sideline)
– Series record: Tied 2-2
– Last meeting: August 29, 2019 — UAB 24, Alabama State 19
Why it matters for UAB
– A fresh start with depth: With 49 new players and a majority of the starting lineup reimagined, Thursday offers a clear barometer for how quickly the program has progressed under Dilfer’s system. Early-season tests against a veteran ASU defense and an experienced offensive line will reveal the maturity of the Blazers’ new core.
– Defensive temperament: The emphasis on a steadier, more resilient defense could be a cornerstone of UAB’s season, as the front six features seasoned players who are expected to handle the pace and physicality of late-game situations more reliably.
Summary
UAB opens 2024 with a home game designed to set the tone for a retooled program. The Blazers’ biggest strengths appear to be their front six’s experience and a dynamic receiving threat in Corri Milliner, supported by a disciplined quarterback in Jalen Kitna. Alabama State presents a potential historical challenge, but UAB’s revamped roster, coaching depth, and home-field advantage give the Blazers a favorable path to a strong season-opening win and a hopeful start to a more productive year.