Steve Irvine’s five storylines for uab vs alcorn
Photo courtesy of Ken Shepherd
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - August 29, 2024
UAB vs. ALCORN STATE
Site, kickoff time: Protective Stadium, 7 p.m.
2023 record: UAB 4-8 overall, 3-5 AAC; Alcorn State 7-4 overall, 6-2 SWAC
Five storylines
1. Wll the Blazers’ defensive improvement show up on game day? Obviously, there are tougher tests ahead but Alcorn State appears to have some skill position strength. UAB head coach Trent Dilfer had hefty praise for Alcorn State quarterback Tyler Macon, a 6-foot, 198-pound former Elite 11 participant, who began his college career at Missouri. But it’s still a game that the UAB defense should be in position to control. Will that happen? Time will tell but Sione Ta’ufo’ou’s defense appears to have the pieces in place to take large strides forward. Keep an eye on several transfer portal additions to see what kind of immediate impact they can make.
2. How much will the passing game approach change with a healthy and improved offensive line? Will Jacob Zeno spend more time throwing the ball downfield this season? One would certainly think so with the talent at wide receiver and Zeno’s ability as a passer. However, expect the short passing game to still be a huge part of the offense. UAB has a ton of receivers capable of turning a short reception into a big play. Iverson Hooks is back in the mix after missing most of last season with a knee injury and Kam Shanks appears ready to become a star. And Amare Thomas is back after establishing himself as one of the top true freshmen receivers in the country last season.
3. Can the special teams be special? It’s hard to imagine that UAB won’t be more consistent on special teams this season. Trent Dilfer believes that punter Patrick Foley has NFL potential, Jonah Delange had a steady fall camp as the team’s field goal specialist and Noah Grant has the leg strength to provide kickoff touchbacks.
4. What will Alcorn State’s talent level look like? There is some first game mystery on exactly how talented Alcorn State will look. A ton of newcomers will be on the field for the Braves and not all of them were included on the online roster. It could take plenty of in-game adjustment for the UAB coaching staff. One thing is for certain, though, the Alcorn State defense should be solid. Defensive lineman Malachi Bailey, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound junior from Atlanta, had nine sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season.
5. How will the running back snaps and touches be split up? The Blazers have four proven running backs and freshman Solomon Beebe was one of the fall camp stars. Will Lee Beebe Jr. get the most carries? Will the UAB offensive staff ease Isaiah Jacobs and Armoni Goodwin into the season? Can Lee Witherspoon get an opportunity to show his versatility? How much with the receivers be involved in the running game?