The last time UAB and Marshall met, the two were playing for the Conference USA title. When they meet on Saturday, championship implications are again on the line.
UAB (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) is currently in second place in the Conference USA’s west division – behind only undefeated UTSA – and Marshall (6-3, 4-1 C-USA) is tied for first in the east division.
This game will be one of the best opportunities each has to earn a statement win. Both teams have struggled against big name opponents with UAB losing versus Georgia and Liberty and Marshall falling to Appalachian State.
The Thundering Herd are no slouches. They have a four-game win streak, and their three losses are by a combined 11 points. With an offense averaging 36.0 points and game and a defense holding opponents to 19.0 points a game, Marshall has made good work of putting teams away early.
Their passing game under quarterback Grant Wells has been a bright spot this season and could give the Blazers trouble. Wells averages 317.9 passing yards a game, good for second in C-USA.
“[Wells] is playing really well,” said head coach Bill Clark. “I thought a lot about him last year as a freshman. I think you see him mature and doing more things.”
The Blazer secondary has struggled to contain elite quarterbacks in the past this season with Liberty’s Malik Willis and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett each throwing for just under 300 yards, so finding ways to contain Wells will be big for this team.
UAB is coming off a big win. In their 52-38 victory over Louisiana Tech, running back DeWayne McBride set new personal career highs in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Another powerful performance from McBride might be in works against a weak Marshall frontline. The Thundering Herd allow 211.6 rushing yards per game, worst in Conference USA.
UAB will take on Marshall in Huntington, W.V. on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and available to listen to on WJOX 94.5 in the Birmingham area.
