Alabama A&M at UAB 9/1/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Alabama A&M Bulldogs were 7-3 overall and 5-3 in SWAC play in 2021. The A&M offense led the SWAC in scoring with an average of 37.0 points per game, but the defense was ninth allowing an average of 35.0 points per game. Xavier Langford has the inside track of being the starting quarterback for Alabama A&M. As was the case last season, the Bulldogs will be led by the running game. Running back Gary Quarles led the SWAC last season with an average of 95.5 yards rushing per game and scored 10 touchdowns finishing with 955 yards. 

The passing attack will be led by wide receiver Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, who last season caught 67 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Dee Anderson is also back and last season caught 33 passes for 493 yards and 12 touchdowns. The defense will be the weak link for Alabama A&M as 10 of the 11 starters from last season must be replaced and will take a great deal of time to come up to speed.

The UAB Blazers nearly won the West division title of the Conference-USA but came up just short. UAB finished 9-4 overall and defeated BYU 31-28 in the Independence Bowl. Jacob Zeno, a transfer from Baylor, is the likely starting quarterback for UAB while Dylan Hopkins recovers from an injury. Both leading rushers from last year, DeWayne McBride and Jermaine Brown Jr are back. Trea Shropshire returns as the top receiver and will be joined by Tejhaun Palmer along with a group of recruits and transfers.

UAB’s defense is led by inside linebacker Noah Wilder. Tyler Taylor and Deshaun Oliver will play alongside Wilder, while Reynard Ellis should see plenty of playing time as well. The secondary is strong, led by safeties Keondre Swoopes, WIll Boler and Grayson Cash. Mac McWilliams will be one starting cornerback and will play opposite Starling Thomas. The front line must replace two starters but should be up to speed early.