Last year, Liberty defeated UAB, 36-12. It was one of the best games the Flames played last season, both on the offensive side of the ball and on defense.
Quarterback Malik Willis completed 13 of 19 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win for the Flames. Demario Douglas eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark with 4 receptions for 128 yards, including a long of 70.
It was a brief setback for the Blazers who have become one of the more consistent Group of Five programs in the country in recent seasons. That was also the case in 2021, as UAB finished the year with an overall record of 9-4 and 6-2 in Conference USA play. They defeated No. 13 BYU, 31-28, in the Independence Bowl to cap off the season on a high note.
Head coach Bill Clark shockingly retired in the summer due to health issues and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bryant Vincent was named the interim head coach in late June. Vincent inherits a roster full of talent and experience as UAB is in line for another strong season.
The Blazers return 8 starters on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Dylan Hopkins. Jacob Zeno, a Baylor transfer, pushed Hopkins hard in camp for the starting job, but Hopkins was able to maintain the position. Those returners will certainly remember the loss to Liberty last year in the opening of their brand new Protective Stadium and will be seeking some revenge when they come to Lynchburg Saturday night.
Hopkins completed 13 of 18 passes for 191 and a touchdown while also rushing for a touchdown in UAB’s season opening, 59-0, win over Alabama A&M. 9 different receivers caught a pass in the game, with nobody hauling in more than four and 57 yards. Jermaine Brown, Jr. was dominant on the ground with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries. Dewayne McBride also provides experience at running back for the Blazers.
“They’re doing the same stuff,” Liberty co-defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge said when comparing UAB to last year’s squad. “They’ve still got two good tight ends that can run as well as block. They are really well coached up front. They are very efficient on offense, very good at being balanced. That’s why they are so difficult because they are so good at running the football, then the play action pass. They are not missing a beat from a personnel standpoint. They are very talented.”
Coach Clark was a defensive minded coach, and his team played like it. They have been one of the better defenses in the country in recent seasons, and it looks like that trend will continue into 2022. In their season opening win, UAB held Alabama A&M to just 98 yards rushing and 137 yards through the air while averaging just 3.3 yards per play. The Blazers had 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions in the game.
“On defense, the secondary I think is extremely talented,” said Freeze. “Held their first opponent under 100 yards rushing and very little passing, also. They play fast. They were 16th ranked in the country last year in defense. I think Southern (Miss) is going to be a top 25 defense and we’re looking at another one this week that’s the same. They have takeaways. Last year, they had takeaways in (12 of their) 13 games. Linebackers, they are good. They mix it up between the odd and even (front). It’s hard.”
PREDICTION
Liberty 27, UAB 24
