2011 Prediction & Game Story
Week 11 - UAB at Memphis
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Nov. 12 UAB 41 … at Memphis 35
(AP) MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Greg Franklin scored on a 10-yard run with 1:36 left to cap Alabama-Birmingham's rally in a 41-35 win over Memphis on Saturday.
The Blazers (2-8, 2-5 Conference USA) trailed 35-17 before scoring the game's final 24 points.
Ty Long's 24-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter started the streak.
Jonathan Perry then threw an 18-yard pass to Nick Adams to make it 35-27 with 9:51 left. Perry, who finished with four touchdowns and 410 yards on 29-of-48 passing, brought the Blazers within two, 35-33, on a 42-yard TD to Jamarcus Nelson with 7:08 remaining.
Franklin then capped a 10-play, 77-yard drive to give UAB its third straight win against Memphis.
The Blazers totaled 601 yards of offense, and Nelson finished with 133 yards and two touchdowns on six catches.
Jerrell Rhodes had two touchdowns and 95 yards on 17 carries for the Tigers (2-8, 1-5).
UAB (1-8) at Memphis (2-7) Nov. 12, 4:15, CSS
Here’s The Deal … Which is the worst team in America in 2011? When UAB and Memphis meet in the Liberty Bowl this Saturday afternoon, both programs will attempt to play their way out of the discussion. While the Tigers’ futility was anticipated this fall, the Blazers’ was not. On paper, it appeared back in August as if UAB harbored enough veteran talent on both sides of the ball to compete for postseason eligibility for the first time since 2004. Instead, the Blazers have won just a single time, beating UCF on Oct. 20, and have done little to improve the job security of fifth-year head coach Neil Callaway.
Memphis began the season as a young team under second-year head coach Larry Porter, and have been hampered by that youth and inexperience ever since. The Tigers’ extra win was the result of playing Austin Peay of the FCS, and progress has been slow and painful. The program has continued to employ a slew of underclassmen, hoping the move will begin to pay dividends in 2012.
Why UAB Might Win: For the first time in weeks, the Blazers ought to be able execute their offense with a little more effectiveness. Memphis has one of the weakest defenses in the country, ranking 117th overall and 118th against the pass. QB Jonathan Perry has become a little more comfortable in the pocket since replacing the injured Bryan Ellis a few weeks back. In Jackie Williams, he’ll have access to one of the underrated receivers in Conference USA, sophomore with a team-best 49 receptions. While injured starting RB Pat Shed has certainly been missed by the attack, UAB has begun to fill in the production with help from underclassmen Greg Franklin and Darrin Reaves.
Why Memphis Might Win: While a veteran UAB team is playing as if it cannot wait for the offseason to begin, the youthful Tigers are still energetic and optimistic. They’ll catch the Blazers, which have yielded 115 points over the last two games, napping, outplaying them with a little more want-to. Memphis has shown flashes over the last month, including a four-touchdown outburst against Tulane back on Oct. 22. The program continues to grow around rookie QB Taylor Reed, who has tossed twice as many touchdowns as interceptions. The true freshman will look to exploit a horrendous UAB secondary by getting the ball in the hands of top receivers Tannar Rehrer and Kevin Wright.
What To Watch Out For: One of the underrated matchups of the day will pit the Memphis D-line against the UAB O-line. The Tigers have an unheralded crop of talent that DE Frank Trotter, NT Dontari Poe and DT Johnnie Farms, which has combined for 25.5 stops for loss this season. On the other side of the ball will be LT Matt McCants and a seasoned collection of Blazers that has underachieved in 2011. If Memphis can flush Perry out of the pocket, turnovers will likely follow.
What Will Happen: There’s no substitute for motivation. UAB put this season on ice a long time ago, but Memphis is going to fight as if a bowl berth is still at stake. Porter is using a ton of young kids, many of whom will be scrapping to turn heads and get a leg up when the team reconvenes again in the spring. The Tigers will play a game similar to the Tulane one, limiting their unforced errors, and bending without breaking on defense. In a game of relative equals, Memphis’ determination will provide the difference.
CFN Prediction: Memphis 26 … UAB 24
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