:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67718433/usa_today_14875403.0.jpg)
The UAB Blazers will be looking to stay undefeated in the C-USA play when they take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET in Ruston, Louisiana.
Last week UAB (4-2, 2-0) lost 24-20 to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, who are one of the better teams in the Sun Belt Conference. Blazers freshman quarterback Bryson Lucero struggled, completing just 43.5 percent of his passes for 110 yards with two interceptions. This season, Lucero is only completing 54.5 percent of his passes for 903 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
UAB’s best chance to win on Halloween might rest on the shoulders of senior running back Spencer Brown. Against the Ragin’ Cajuns last Saturday, Brown had 128 rushing yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. It was the third time in four games that the senior back reached the century mark. The other two times that Brown rushed for at least 100 yards, the Blazers came away with the victory.
This season, Louisiana Tech’s defense is giving up 139.2 rushing yards per game this season, which could be good news for the Blazers.
The Bulldogs (3-3, 2-2) are looking to snap their two-game losing streak, having lost a heartbreaker last week to the UTSA Roadrunners 27-26, and a conference defeat to the Marshall Thundering Herd 35-17 on October 17.
Against the Roadrunners La Tech’s defense had troubles trying to slow down running back Sincere McCormick, who recorded 165 rushing yards on 37 carries and three touchdowns. The Bulldogs also had two turnovers, while intercepting UTSA quarterback Frank Harris twice.
Where the Bulldogs could have success on Saturday is through the air. Despite a so-so performance last week against the Roadrunners, senior quarterback Luke Anthony is completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 1,067 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions. But UAB is only giving up 153.8 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming
You can watch UAB vs. Louisiana Tech on Saturday, October 31st at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, and you can stream it via the Fox Sports Go app with a with a cable or streaming service login.
Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends
Point spread: UAB (-13) vs. La. Tech
Point Total: O/U 47.5
Moneyline: UAB (-560), La. Tech (+390)
- UAB is 2-4 against the spread in its last six games.
- UAB is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games when they are favorite.
- La. Tech is 1-4 against the spread in its last five games.
- La. Tech is 7-1 straight up in its last eight home games.
The Best Bet
The Blazers are looking to put a stranglehold on their lead in C-USA when they take on the Bulldogs. UAB suffered a four-point last week against a good Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns squad, while La. Tech lost by 1 to UTSA. This game will come down to if La. Tech can stop the run, which they haven’t done well at home this season.
Pick: UAB -13
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.