UAB vs ALCORN STATE 2024

[Music] this is another look at the Brendan Rogers catch as it was ruled on the field Trent dper challenged Rogers juggled but he does possess it against his helmet as he sticks the right foot in the ground inside the chalk the officials looked at it during the break and confirmed the call on the field a completed catch on an all corn first down yeah a lot of movement with the ball there it goes against UAB but that'll stand in this offense here now trying to get something going here they had success in the first quarter running the football we talked about the need to take shots stretch out the secondary they need to find a way to create some balance in the Run game and then open things up through the air hand off to Rogers Cuts up off right tackle and explodes nicely through the arm tackle of OC Brothers for a gain of three we've talked about it at some length the two quarterbacks Alor has used in this game vaugh getting another chance here Tyler mon got the start and has seen the majority of snaps though not by a wide margin offensive coordinator Germaine Gail said he'd be comfortable using both even indefinitely if that's what he he thinks gives the team the best chance to win Griffin the tight end on the Jet Sweep bows over a Man Out near the 40 AJ Brown the nickel had to stick his nose in there he helped get Griffin to the ground maybe came off a little bit worse for where third down and three yeah and he really thinks that both quarterbacks bring in different energy to the Ball Game and sometimes you need a spark and you know the biggest thing is when you're rotating quarterbacks that both quarterbacks know they have the confidence from the coaching staff that they make mistake you know they're they're still going to be put back into the ball game they're not looking over their shoulder and plus both guys have to get along to kind of hand the Baton back and forth to each other third down and three for the Braves who have moved the sticks a couple of times already of this drive vaugh keeps it beautifully spins close to a first down and the officials give him just enough he needed three he got exactly three tyon McNichols made the tackle for UAB it's a third first down on this drive all cour as somebody who was in offensive huddles at this level do you have an opinion on the two quarterbacks you don't have one kind of argument you hear sometimes that you need a consistent voice as opposed to switching it up well I I'll tell you you know it's preferable to always have a consistent voice and have one guy that's always in the Huddle and you know it is hard to have two different voices two different guys because you know it's just the rhythm but that's not in every case that's not for every team and I think you know it is maybe a little bit harder but if you have two guys that are special quarterbacks that you have faith and trust in you can make it work but again most coaches will say hey I want just one guy but that doesn't mean that's for every LD Cox makes the tackle in the back field on Rogers for a loss of a couple it'll be second down in 12 and the other part is you know these things kind of have a way of working themselves out because you know when you have two guys that deserve an opportunity to play and as a as a staff you see two starters you want to give them the chance to play and compete Ron is wrapped up and dropped by Desmond little Desmond little here's a 6'6 240 lb senior off the edge just throwing the offensive lineman to the left making the play and quiet celebration there fourth UAB sack that's pushed alorn back 24 yds in total the Braves have 112 yds of offense in this game just 23 through the [Music] [Music] air and alorn state going to use a timeout before third down at 18 the first Cedric Thomas has taken in this second half alorn State able to put together a couple of first downs on this drive in fact three of them so far but now facing a third down and very long [Music] [Applause] [Music] don't forget college sports are back and ESPN plus is the best place to catch all the American Conference action this fall homeed over 40 college football games more than 200 soccer and volleyball matches including the American conference championships also home now to All Access series like two lane football welcome to Uptown highlighting the 2024 Green Wave football season for more information and to catch all the action sign up at ESPN plus.com slaac [Music] Nate G Jon H halter our ESPN plus crew on hand from protective stadium in Birmingham vaugh off a pump fake directing traffic vaugh will take off and he gets nowhere near the line to gain on Third and 18 he picks up eight and all corn state will punt after three first downs well this defensive line in has shown me a lot and that was one of the concerns going into the off season was hey we've got to address the def defensive line and also the safety position and the depth and the talent and how well they've chiled already here in week one I mean this D line has been in the back field and you see how deep it is really bodess well for the success of the Blazers throughout the season UAB brought in 21 transfers 13 of them on defense punt takes a friendly alorn State bounce all the way down to the 15 and that's where UAB will have it after the break of 31-3 all Blazers opening night at protective Stadium ah this guy can't shoot hey coach bench him he's got weak arms they're five Kelly how do you sleep at night on a mattress from Mattress Firm so I sleep night it's the best sale of the year the Labor Day Sale get a king for a queen Price save up to $700 and get a free adjustable base get matched at Mattress Firm sleep at night this Kia Turbo Hybrid is built for all the things you've yet to do like taking a long drive just to throw a monster tailgate party at an away game Risk it anyone [Music] do what's yet to be done the new Kia Carnival Turbo Hybrid Kia movement that inspires basketball is a very physical sport I get a lot of marks throughout the season it's a sign of hard work you got to push yourself to the Limit having marks in your body is not the sign of failure it's a step towards Improvement movement leaves marks your anti-per shouldn't degree Ultra clear non-stop protection against white marks y Island things started off great but once the new were off they changed in the beginning I got gifts like a phone and then next thing you know it's like I'm invisible so I switched up and uh got me a new phone carrier don't put up with wir y yada now with Metroflex new and existing customers are treated the same free 5G phones when you join same deals as new customers when you stay only at Metro I'm starting to notice a trend where you expect to disappoint people and when you do a good job you never let yourself enjoy it or accept any praise I guess that's true it just feels safer or easier somehow if I expect the worst I know it's hard right now but the end of this chapter is the beginning of a new one an opportunity for you to do what you like introducing rewards from sling where you can win prizes for just watching TV what's new this season well a whole lot the playoff has gone from four teams to a dozen some more conference realignment mainly with a big 10 Oregon Washington USC UCLA joining CET Stanford also made their way to the ACC along with SMU the 2-minute time out you saw in the first half sto the clock after a UAV run and then the direct helmet communication from one player for one player on each team it's really for one player on offense and defense for each team BB gets the carry for a pickup of six on first down Jay how much do you think that changes this year well uh first of all change is good and I like everything that's happening college football and where you there's different uh different ideas different realignments and different aspects that are coming to the game but I'll tell you the direct helmet communication Zeno throws that into the ground alcorn's calling for intentional grounding and I think they've got a good [Music] case and indeed the flag looks like it's coming out grounding number four on the offense cross it down to the spot of the foul third down so this will set up third down at very long get a look at this you know just trying to make something happen won't go as a sack for Malachi Bailey but functionally it was and so third down and a long way for UAB but back to the the helmet communication yeah and I think it's really an interesting aspect because how are different coaches is going to use that communication are you going to give your quarterback a lot of tips pre- snap or are you going to keep it more simple and let him you know kind of get the play call into his helmet and then be able to talk to his teammates in the Huddle and batted ball over the middle off the hands of BB incomplete and you know Trent dper talked to us about that that it's a point of emphasis for him and Alex Morton the offensive coordinator and Jacob you know to make sure they're all on the same page about what's best for him what's going to put him in a position to succeed yeah and it was really interesting talk to coach about that because there's different theories on it and he said Hey listen you know we may have a code word which you know is saying hey this is a tip to do this on this play call we'll give the play call but we're not going to be talking the whole time to him because you want to get too much in the quarterback's head and be saying too much you want to make sure you give a clear message and let him play freely out on the field the first UAB punt of the night forthcoming [Music] and it takes a big bounce all the way down inside the 30 and inside the [Music] 25 a booming punt off the foot of Patrick Foley redard Jr from Omaha and talking about flipping the field he puts alorn State all the way back at the 23 so we've talked about that 12 team college football playoff what we haven't told you if you haven't been following the news is how the field is going to be deter the five highest ranked Conference champions that was initially six but the power five has effectively become the power four with the Pack 12 losing all but two of its teams then the next seven highest ranked teams will be at larges with the four highest ranked Conference champions seated one through four and getting first round buys then seeds 5 through 8 will host the first round with seeds 9 through 12 visiting them I think those last couple of points are maybe the most important Jay because fans are used to just watching the rankings right in the old system if you were in the top four at any given time that meant at least in the playoff polls in the second half of the year if the season ended now you're in the playoff being in the top four doesn't necessarily mean you're in the playoff or you're uh getting a buy anymore you're almost certainly still in the playoff but there could be two SEC teams or two big 10 teams in the top four only one of them is going to be seated in the top four yeah exactly it's going to kind of it's going to create some competition throughout the end of the year and also excitement cuz in years past you're jocking for only four positions obviously whole different set of scenario this year and there's going to be teams that have a chance all the way down to the wire and one loss maybe two losses aren't going to matter early on in the year but you have to play your best ball once you get to November and December good Scamper by vaugh to pick up the first down of the 35 where Jack vanand and AJ Brown comb on on the stop for UAV it's one of the reasons I think the criticisms that it would weaken or deemphasize or otherwise water down the regular season never made a lot to me I think it's the opposite because now more teams are going to have an opportunity and all you need is a chance once you get playoffs and it all starts over those 12 teams are going to have an opportunity for to be in the national title game and I think it just really expands the interest in college football these changes to me are so exciting and I think it's going to bring more viewers more interest in college football with the interest is already at an all-time high just more people are coming into the sport because of these changes quick completion to amarian Blakes sophomore BR and Van Zant combined on the tackle again and it sets up second down and four and to your point that you made earlier the only narrow slice of intrigue that maybe is taken out is if two 11-0 or 12-0 teams in a power conference are playing each other at the end of the Season Take say Ohio State Michigan that has sometimes become a a four team playoff elimination game in the last week that no longer exists and maybe that's true but the ramifications of who can win the conference and get the buy are still strong and that's a very strong incentive yeah and those ramifications are huge and also to Ohio State Michigan no matter what is always going to be it's always going to be one of the best games of the year those rivalries at the end are always going to have have so much on the line and I I just think with these changes more teams are going to have an opportunity and still at the end of the year with the conference Championship on the line those seeds are going to be huge V third down throws it away see if alorn wants to go for it here with two minutes to go in the third quarter and a fourth down and manageable does not look like it from the American standpoint obviously when we talked to Mark Ingram the Athletics director here at UAB in the second quarter he was a little bit tongue-and-cheek and saying well sure it gives the group of five a a 1 in 63 chance at getting a team into the playoff and you can understand why that still doesn't feel like true equality for teams in the American but at the same time it does mean probably more often than not you're going to see the American Conference Champion going to the playoffs yeah I mean with the past track record of the American and the strength of the teams in the League this year I mean listen if you have an outstanding year you're going to be battling for that position and I I see a lot of really good teams in the league led by great coaches and star quarterbacks that are going to have a chance and even to pick up a buy you know you don't have to go that many years ago when Cincinnati was in this league and got themselves into the four team playoff that would have made them one of the four highest ranked Conference champions so it is not out of the realm of possibility especially because the Big 12 and the ACC are well very strong leagues dramatically weaker now than the SEC and the Big 10 that have become almost super conferences it is not at all out outside the realm of possibility that an undefeated American Conference Champion team is the fourth or even third highest ranked team at the end of the year yeah I mean that possibility is there you know in coaches no matter what the league they're always going to say Hey listen we got to just focus on winning this ball game or taking care of week by week the schedule but you know if you're a player you're thinking about those things and that goal is out there you know your your goal isn't to have a good season your goal is to make the playoffs and just in the abstract to know to know it's possible it's possible it's there and you know in the past you know is always kind of maybe oh let's be Conference champions or let's hope now you know it's sitting there it's sitting there somebody's going to take it and if you're good enough you could be the team to take it completion to Terrell McDonald good to see him with the ball in his hands after he went down with that injury scare in the first quarter sets up second down at five for the Blazers make it second and four after a gain of six McDonald in motion BB the ball carrier breaks a tackle out to the right has a first down stays on his feet near Midfield and he's knocked out of bounds by marel mclen who has been at times it feels like defending by himself for allord State he's been the star of the defense for the Braves so active and have a really good year in the swack and here's BB again another positive gain on the ground for 78 yards on the [Music] night Babb right up the gut to the 45 where he's upended after another half dozen 84 yds for him 58 for Jacobs zenos chipped in 41 on the ground himself UAB is probably a carry or two away from eclipsing 200 rushing yards this evening yeah in the balance they've had on offense with the play calling and also the production 166 yards through the air 191 on the ground hand off to Witherspoon hit at the line of scrimmage and slung down after a short game Samaran Edwards made the solo tackle in the open field and that will take us to the end of the third quarter only three total points on the board in the last 15 minutes UAB a 31-3 lead over all corn State as we head to the fourth quarter all smiles here at protective stadium in Birmingham where the hometown Blazers well on their way to a 1 and0 start in 2024 did you know that if you shave oneir of what you remove is skin new Dove helps repair it so if you shave it Dove it new Dove replenish your skin after every shave this Turbo Hybrid makes your whole team feel at home risk it anyone even when you're away the new Kia Carnival Turbo Hybrid with 32 MPG Kia movement that inspires Island things started off great but once the new were off they changed in the beginning I got gifts like a phone and then next thing you know it's like I'm invisible so I switched up and uh got me a new phone carrier don't put up with wireless yada yada now with Metroflex new and existing customers are treated the same free 5G phones when you join same deals as new customers when you stay only at Metro and introducing rewards from sling where you can win prizes for just watching TV that's like getting 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lowest prices so save 50% on Ortho mattresses or $600 on Beauty Rest black get a free upgrade to an electric adjustable base on the coolest Ortho and Beauty Rest black mattresses and 36 months of zero interest financing the Labor Day mattress sale is on now only at Ortho mattress look at you you're doing everything you can to get your blood pressure in check and now you have super beats heart Shoes by human on your side too in a leading clinical study super beats heart shoes polyphenol compound was shown nearly two times as effective at promoting normal blood pressure as a healthy lifestyle alone just two delicious choose a day support nitric oxide production healthy blood pressure blood flow and heart healthy energy support your healthy blood pressure with super beats heart Shoes by human get a free month supply plus free shipping on all bundles at superbeets.com welcome back to this US Open Office plan Miller just lobbed a message way over Jones's head we showed you some of Tulane and Tulsa's wins over Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State respectively Army and Lehigh will get together tomorrow night along with temple Oklahoma Florida Atlantic and Michigan State on the American scoreboard buckell and navy will get things started on Saturday show you the rest of the games in just a moment lebb Jr gets the third down carry and he is slung down in the back field by starian Edwards who has made a couple of big tackles on this drive and that backs it up to fourth down and four for UAB certainly in a part of the field where normally you'd go for it and it looks like the Blazers will even with a big lead yeah they'll see it on the field here and try to convert another third and fourth down opportunity but I'll tell you this alorn State Defense playing so hard still fighting here even down 28 points Zeno clean pocket over the middle connects Hol Bennett has the catch inside the 25 and down to the 23 yd line Malachi hold Bennett makes a clutch fourth down catch and the Blazers move the chains on their first fourth down try of the Year home Bennett here 6' three 200 lb with the body control just streaking across the middle on a dig route then protects the football as two Defenders hit him the 10th different receiver to make a catch on Zeno's 18 completions to the flat Thomas looked away and dropped the football not going to happen off and that's a tough play there because you see so much room after the catch to operate but you got to focus on that ball all the way in and tell you the conditions tonight very humid down the field obviously terrible storm coming in pregame delaying this game but these guys playing through the Heat and Trent dfur talked this week about the import of depth of course you prepare during preseason camp but there's nothing like a game likee atmosphere on a hot night McDonald in motion hand off Withers spoon Gap to the left side to the sideline and he breaks an arm tackle for a first down close to the 10 Lee Witherspoon puts UAV a little bit closer to 200 rushing yards as a team and there's a brave down at the end of the play [Music] that looks like Wallace Melton number zero back in his home state the senior to walk off to the sideline on his own it's not an especially big alln State roster especially compared to what UAV has what you typically see in the American theed they have withstood some physical punishment at times we knew coming in there was going to be on paper a pretty significant size and strength Advantage for UAB as there almost always is FBS against FCS but allord State's defense has found a way to hang in there particularly in this second half only three points on the board for the Blazers since halftime though they are threatening McDonald in motion wither spoon again bounces left side has a crease inside the 10 and he's planted after a pick up of four do makes the tackle but here in the fourth quarter that size along the trenches this is where it really pays off for teams like UAB when they just lean on you the Braves here this defense been out on the field they've been given up time of possession and UAB just keeping the ball on the ground with spon Rams into the middle for a short gain give him a couple UAB now up to 203 make it 204 total rushing yards as a team of this game four different players have carried the ball at least five times and the running back room just the depth that this team has been able to recruit develop and then along the offensive line coaching staff feels like there's eight starters up front obviously five out in the field but three reserves they feel like they can play at a starting level and a couple more young guys coming along as well batted ball intended for Goodwin broken up by Cole Williams unab bait it off the edge and UAB will settle for a second Tona delonga field goal attempt not bad for the first of his career 41 yds straight down the middle in the third quarter College kickers are off to a hot start are they not they are weak zero we saw some saw some long range kicks in that one 24 y this time it is good second field goal of the second half for delonga the only six points on the board since the break 343 the host on to [Music] healthcare.gov is here for you when life happens if you lost your health coverage because of turning 26 gr off Medicaid leaving your job or moving you could be eligible to enroll in new coverage now and if you need to update your coverage because of marriage or having a baby you can also be eligible but don't wait there's a limited time to enroll check your eligibility at healthcare.gov today life happens get covered introducing Domino's new New York style pizza the biggest star of your next pizza night it's made with our fresh never frozen dough that's stretched thin then topped with melty provolone cheese and cut into six big foldable slices for the perfect balance of crust Sauce Cheese and toppings in every Tasty Bite so why keep your taste buds waiting for a limited time you 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person try the number one dermatologist recommended hair gr supplement brand at nutri.com the ortho mattress Labor Day Sale is on now and it's hot introducing the reimagined beauty rest black with pocketed coil technology unparalleled motion separation and individualized support it's the Summer's lowest prices so save [Music] 50% let's show you the remainder of those games to come around the American this weekend on Saturday kenesa State visits San Antonio the alabo say North Texas at South Alabama norfol State makes the trip to Jay's old stopping grounds at East Carolina paun cookman takes on South Florida Sam Houston against rice in a fun Texas matchup North Alabama against Memphis as well the favored Tigers a top the American preseason poll dominating with 24 of the or 23 of the available 30 first place votes Grant to put it in the air only six points on the board since halftime a pair of delonga field goals one in the third qu one to the fourth from 41 and 24 respectively and alorn state will have it again looks like Ron will be back out there he has seen every stap at quarterback for the Braves in the second half [Applause] the sorn State team coming off seven wins a year ago and picked to win the swack West this year despite the loss of a top passer top rusher top receiver top tackler the former three to graduation the latter to the transfer portal and their seven-year head coach Fred McNair V to throw under some pressure and that one is well over the head of now of bounds in the direction of Williams for Von there I looking at him reading the coverage nowhere to go with the ball even though you know that ball had to just Sail Out of Bounds that's the right decision in that situation and they've showed a lot of fight tonight and preseason poll shows the expectation for the Braves over in the west division preseason pick number one Bon deep ball William again but step for step Jason rles Jr had the coverage and it's [Music] incomplete should say it was uh try a kubit who had the coverage on the outside for U may be 21 in green deep drop for vaugh another deep ball over the middle over everyone in incomplete looking for Blakes give all corn their credit for at least trying to throw the football down the field but doesn't it make it difficult to evaluate quarterbacks when there's nowhere for them to go with the ball there's no separation and that's a credit to the secondary but you're right I mean there you're just taking a chance this will be a tough film to evaluate just because how excellent the defense has played and there really hasn't been much opportunity for any explosive plays Elijah Gorman back on to punt he's had plenty of work tonight for the Braves lowline Drive taken by Shanks to the 43 Shanks has room to the outside into alorn territory one man to beat goodbye touchdown cam Shanks has the first Blazers score of the second half and it's a 40 burger for UAB that opening [Music] night he's a Difference Maker four catches on the night on offense and now on special teams just swerving right to left and going straight to the end zone easy touchdown for the talented red shirt freshman from Prattville High School what a play and you see his talent his production tonight he's going to have a huge season would you believe that's the first UAB punt return for a touchdown in over a decade the last time the Blazers took one back JJ Nelson in September 2013 against Northwestern State that one was from 63 yards this one was from 57 cam shank says hello cam shank says goodbye [Music] a chewy order is on the way for cash everyone's favorite employee at bills Bodega where Bill uses chewy to keep cash hard at work toys to keep his instincts sharp food so he won't snack on the inventory even a new caller to let everyone know who's boss and with Chewy low prices bills left with more cash to spend on cash for low prices and fast shipping for life with pets there's [Music] chewy oh you [Music] got the ortho mattress Labor Day 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see it in my [Applause] hair off the cam Shanks punt return touchdown UAB has a 41-3 lead with 1149 to go they GA Jon holder back with you from protective stadium in Birmingham elorn State offense looked like it was grasping at straws on its last possession with three straight throws down the field really nobody available for Xavier vaugh another Noah Grant kickoff this one's short and returnable taken from the four north south probably the better move and a big hit laid down by ril can hear that Collision all the way up on the sixth floor where we are yeah that was a big one riy hustling down the field playing hard all the way here through the fourth quarter making something happened on the team's unit there just a brick wall his teammates come over still celebrating over on the sideline how about the Special Teams lead get a block punt pun return for a touchdown and an efforts like that for R yeah consistently good kick coverage although there haven't been that many allcorn returns La remains behind center Rogers is the running back four wide receivers on first down Rogers up the middle for a short gain plunges for a couple AJ Brown was there for the tackle [Music] down alln will have another FBS game coming up next week go to Nashville to play the Vanderbilt commodor 6:30 central time kickoff on ESPNU nice throw knocked away the officials call it a fumble recovered by UAB for the moment Tariq Watson knocked it out and tuum recovered after Tyron Warren could not Coral the catch but they are now going to call it incomplete on the field which from our view looked like the correct decision arm strength from bond to get this ball in there physical hit yeah that no possession their correct calling the field but I'll tell you you know a couple areas on this defense the linebacking core coming into this year with that would be very solid a lot of returners there but the Improvement areas is the defensive line in the secondary and and this secondary has played great tonight in coverage but also showing how physical they can be B under pressure vaugh is sacks he minimized the loss to a yard but James SMY got to him [Music] jam5 fourth down and long coming up and another punt for All cour State Defense now just overwhelming the offense the talent the depth here in the fourth quarter Blazers just taking over this is the type of performance for UAB Hey listen a lot of positives yes there's some correctable mistakes peny fourth down but you really want to see your team really take over the ball game here at the end I think Trent dfur is seeing that spark on special team seeing his defense take over as well UAB meanwhile will uh travel to Monroe Louisiana to take on the warhawks of ULM next Saturday ESPN Plus at 6:00 Central Time Of course ULM coached by Bryant Vincent who was the interim head coach here in Birmingham in 2022 after Bill Clark who rejuvenated the program retired what a move by Shanks couple of flags come in behind the play and they might wipe out another big Shanks return there are three flags down after there was a big Collision back around the 43 [Music] yardline and that indication would be another illegal Blindside block the second against UAB tonight personal foul illegal Blind Side block number 56 return 15yd penalty first down FR til's men have been called for a couple of those just making sure he has things to uh dissect in the film room tomorrow he's got a punt returner doesn't he Shanks has been he's one of those guys if the ball touches his hands he's going to he's going to look to go to the house make something explosive happen and he's got the talent to do it every time mentioned the ULM matchup coming up for UAV then on the road against Arkansas and fville on the secc network before starting American Conference play with navy two lane Army and South Florida not an easy first quetta game yeah those first four League games really difficult in the middle of the schedule and you know then once you get past that Al at South Florida game you come back home for two in a row and then finish up two on the road one at home with rice being the last home game so I know you're high on this UAB team at least to to take a step forward I thought our conversation with Trent dford was really interesting for a lot of reasons he was very honest as well about his takeaways from his first year as an FBS head coach obviously a huge jump for him coming from the high school game which was his only uh coaching experience in that sense he did have the Elite 11 that kind of tutelage experience completion to damus who's out near the 30 for a short gain he said you know it was mostly what he expected but he still wasn't as good as he could have been especially when things got chaotic that he didn't always do the best job of prioritizing the most important thing at that given moment and he wanted to do a better job making sure he was allocating his resources where they were most effective yeah and it's really interesting because you know as players you want to get better every year but same thing for the coaches whether you're in year two like try for her at UAB or you've been at a school for a decade or longer you know there's always things you look back on and you evaluate yourself you evaluate your staff where can we improve what do we want to do next year and it was just interesting talking with him some areas that he wanted to look forward to this year but I'll tell you I I think this program is on the rise and I just believe in an excellent coach an excellent quarterback strong line play and I I think this team there's high hopes for them this year and I think they're going to be able to reach and surpass the expectations Withers F the catch Edwards The Tackle gain of eight sets up second down and [Music] two Blazers moving the ball again wither spoon the carry has a seam off Right Guard and gets inside the 45 moving the pile down to the 42 before Edwards ultimately makes the The Tackle Jacob Zeno big picture he's had the one interception which is uh was something of an issue for him last year he did have the nine picks even though generally he was very very accurate but it was off of ball when his his arm was hit and the pass fluttered into the air other than that he's completed just over 2/3 of his passes 210 yards on 31 attempts couple of touchdowns hand off to Solomon BB it's inside the 30 [Music] and brought down there at the 26 with a first down another different ball carrier for UAV but foreno what are your takeaways here on the one hand not explosive on the other hand pretty effective yeah I mean I'll tell you he's been accurate with the ball and the things that really stick out to me are just the command he has of the offense how decisive he's been with his decision making reading the defense throwing the ball or taking off and running and just the confidence of this offense and during the off seon you he talked about taking the game to the next level and Trent dfur what what better Coach do you have than him he he's the best quarterback coach that you can lean on him and offensive coordinator Alex Morton those two guys really provide such a sounding board for Zeno and there's trust in that room and I just think he's going to continue to progress and he told us he's got NFL future Solomon BB inside the 20 it'll be third down at a couple coming up it's interesting you know Trent D I think Trent dord has been known as ever since he took the job that he by virtue of being a new and somewhat inexperienced college coach was not coming in with his baggage where he was going to complain about the portal he was going to complain about nil this is the only world that he and his staff have known BB is stacked up at the line of scrimmage maybe lost half a yard it'll be fourth down and three coming up for UAB and he sort of doubled down on that with how he handled the Zeno situation in the offseason because Zeno could have gone somewhere else and made himself a lot more money staying in college football elsewhere this year and Trent tiler said if you're going to pass this up if you're going to come back here I'm only going to allow you to do that if you're going to be ready to be coached like a pro essentially so he can justify letting him stay here fourth down BB to handoff breaks an ankle tackle but he can't get to the line to gain and it's a turnover on Downs Alor will take it back with 601 which to your point is sort of if he's going to let him miss out on that opportunity it's about what could be there for him in the future the NFL Dre dord not happy with that even up 41 to3 in the fourth a chewy order is on the way for Ru who can speak for himself but can't shop for himself so when he gave his R of approval on the food dad bought on chewy dad put it on auto ship so it always gets delivered right on R's schedule the flavor Rue loves the savings they [Music] love for automatic delivery and 5% savings for life with pets there's chewy at dominoes our stores now have quality captains impress me those who demand Perfection topping distribution horrible they're not afraid to criticize your pizza terrible pathetic I hate it thank you until it's perfect I don't have to think about this one it's a yes yes yes we're holding your pizza to an even higher standard guess it works with dominoes a hit no matter how you slice it or cut it or cube it M excellent Sizzle pork and M another way to spam an eggs spam maple flavored if you're looking for the one find it on realor.com find the one with a short commute to work find the one in a great School District find the one in a hot neighborhood before it's a hot neighborhood and find it exclusively in professionally sourced listings don't miss out on the perfect home don't all ABS do that not really download the realtor.com app today why do couples choose a Sleep Number smart bed can it keep me warm when I'm cold wait no I'm always hot Sleep Number does that can I make my side softer I make my side firmer Sleep Number does that your ideal firmness and effortless com all night can I help us sleep better and better please sleep number does that nine out of 10 couples report better sleep during a biggest sale of the year the queen Sleep Number seat to swamp bed is only $9.99 plus free delivery when you add any base shop now at a Sleep Number store near you most people call Leaf filter when their gutters are clogged and they notice one of the many Trent dord had that Viral moment last year when he lost his temper he does not look back fondly on that he wants to keep it in under control I think he's under control here all the way but he was hot and you could read his life his lips there clear as day saying that's terrible offensive football he was not happy with the execution on those last couple snaps well and I think he w a toughness up front the line of scrimmage on fourth down you're trusting your offensive line that you can pick up a couple yards they didn't do it there and trying to tell his team over on the sideline hey that's not [Music] acceptable New alorn State quarterback is rodri Hartsfield 61 200 Pounder from waxahachi Texas a third signal call the Braves have used in this game interestingly too and this is probably part of Trent tilford's frustration UAB is stuck with pretty much its starting group and its typical rotating guys they went a little deeper into the running back room the some of the pass catching options these last couple possessions but Zeno has stayed in the whole way the the First Choice offensive line has been in there pretty much the whole way and still the execu was in his eyes not up to the standard Cameron Stewart gets the pitch and he is limited to maybe half a yard Bryant got out there for the [Music] tackle well I think here week one of the season so many new guys coming in from the portal new starters trying to gel together I think that's why these starters are still in this ball game is Hey listen we've got to build a chemistry even though we have a big lead we need to get these guys in game reps [Music] together third and four Hartsfield down the sideline and a twisting reaching catch pulled in by Diablo McGee Junior College transfer originally out of St Louis the coaches said you know he's due to the system he's still getting his feet under him well he got his feet under him literally on that play yeah one of the best plays all night on the offensive end and tough catch acrobat getting his feet in bounds focusing on the ball look at this turning his shoulder there the focus the hand ey coordination toe tap getting it in that's good on Sundays Jay yep little somersault as well for the extra creativity at the end hand off to Stewart cross the 45 for a couple and he's gain tackled there it'll be second and eight the first downfield throw thator has completed in the [Music] game 31 yards in fact that play alone accounted for more passing yards than the Braves had the entire game they had 29 yards through the air prior to that play 31 on that pitch and catch from Hartsfield to McGee the third string quarterback to a receiver who hasn't been on the field all night quick slant knocked away incomplete coverage by Tariq Watson on Damen Jones imagine this is easy four down territory for [Music] allor Rogers checks in as the tail back on Third and [Music] eight Hartsfield in traffic CS field is Dropped In The Back Field Demarcus Smith got there for the sack it'll be fourth down and long Smith has gotone a lot of reps tonight number 19 305 lb red shirt JR this dline has been rotating through staying fresh you can see where that pays off in the fourth quarter of that depth coming in to the program through the portal high school players as well along with the returners from last year's unit now fourth and 10 so Gorman will in fact punt try to pin UAB deep checks up around the 10 down at the 11 and UAB will take over there with 232 to go you mentioned the portal players this is a defense that had to be overhaul it was the fourth worst in America by scoring defense last year among the 15 worst in the country in total defense 13 of the 21 transfers that came in were on the defensive side of the football and we asked Trent doer about whatever transfer portal philosophy he has and he said well you know what I know I was in media I know you guys are looking for a great sound bite here I can't give you one and then he did he said we don't really have a transer foral philosophy other than make our team better every day by whatever means necessary that's the goal and throughout the country look at those numbers just continue to rise to an alltime High 23 24 season but I'll tell you what his philosophy is correct hey whatever is going to make our team better that's what we're going to do and of course when you have a lot of new faces coming to the program you've got to make sure they jel and there's a risk there but he was willing to take that risk he trusted the players he's bringing in and the assistants that recruited them that they're their type of guys as he says our dudes and he's pleased with their performance here tonight I know and really thought their preseason camp practice really showed a lot 13 of the 21 on defense some transfers on the offensive side as well armanii Goodwin Once at LSU had the last carry gets it [Applause] again fighting for the 20 yd line and he has just enough to pick up the first down as we hit the two-minute timeout here in the fourth UAB cruising to an opening Victory 41-3 Blazers 2 minutes to go if you could face every day with confidence raid puts 65 years of insect science in your hands so you can protect the ones you love raid protection for everyone SC dominoes we've heard in focus groups that some people don't love our classic crust too doughy it's not thin enough so here's another Pizza all the ingredients come together and so what have I told you this was domino domino introducing Domino's 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not really download the realtor.com app today hair sheding that's Parenthood for [Music] you my job got bigger my hair got thinner [Music] aging I see it in my [Music] hair Jacob Zeno may be unremarkable at times in this game but he has delivered for UAB when it's counted the most including some third down conversions he's been consistent tonight and distributed the football and made the right decisions and we had to get out of the pocket do something there took off and made had a clean pocket he's able to throw accurate balls getting everybody involved everybody had touches tonight whether you're running back tight end or wide receiver you really spread the ball around well Goodwin gaping hold to the right side he picks the right second hole as well and lunges out to the 27 the set up second out and three maybe this is just reading too much into it but I would think with a returning veteran guy like Zeno on opening night in some ways you almost prefer a really quiet performance rather than a guy who's having high highs and lows there is nothing erratic at all about the way he has played in this game it has been consistent every single play complete to the outside for Shanks who is bumped Out of Bounds at the 33 by Napoleon [Music] klier a stellar year last year and this year Nate I just think he's going to have more help he's not going to it's not all going to be on his shoulders and I think tonight great start here first ball game of the year and some ball games they'll have to put put things more on his shoulders and here tonight you know it's more of a balanced attack with the rushers getting involved and and a flag down before the first snap to a quarterback other than zeno1 offense five penalty first down Carter putt the red shirt senior from Columbus Mississippi is on to take these final few snaps for the Blazers [Music] and the officials stop proceedings [Music] again because the spot was off by a [Music] yard outside Goodwin along the side line out of Bounds at the 35 ker made the play again to your point about more Health this is a really deep running back room it's a much improved offensive line and although maybe they're they don't really have that Big Red Zone Target in the wide receiver room other than that they have a bunch of guys who can catch and a bunch of great athletes on the per and a coaching staff and Alex Morton and Trent dord that know how to use their talents and we saw early on this ball game the misdirection the different formations and I think that's going to pose a lot of problems to their opponents throughout the season what a run by Goodwin and what a block downfield by Brandon Buck halter who had taken his man a good 15 or 20 yards from the line of scrimmage and with less than a minute and a half to go in a 38-point opening night blowout he was continuing to hold that block for 5 6 7 seconds and things like that stand out on film and we talked in the first half about these wide receivers being physical and you know could be a running play but there's still going out there trying to create lanes for the running backs these guys are physical on the outside they're a well coached unit Solomon BB back on at running back with a buck 9 to go nice little Jitter to his left inside the 35 I think it's safe to say this UAB running back room is not only in good hands this year but will be for a number of years to come we should mention as well that Trent tiler singled out by name his running back coach hindley gringham when we talked to him this week said he's as good as any running back coach in the country and he's really excited about Bram working with that group of five Solomon BB again close to the 30 and UAB will not have to snap it again nice start to year 10 as Athletics director for Mark Ingram we appreciate him for joining us during the second quarter great to chat with him about Trent dord this program college football playoff the American Conference all that and more one more snap to BB who stays in bounds or so I thought they'll stop the clock at least to move the chains we'll see if they restart it with 10 seconds to go indeed they do and that will be all the UAB Blazers start one and0 and they'll head to Louisiana Monroe with a chance to make it a couple of wins before Arkansas in a couple of weeks jolder final thoughts well success TR tiller his team's coming away 1 and0 a lot of things they'll learn from tomorrow when they have film study going in and next week but I'll tell you what you saw the recruiting payoff the skill development payoff this program has a bright future