Steve Irvine’s Five Storylines FOR UAB vs Charlotte
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - November 29, 2024
UAB VS. CHARLOTTE
Site, kickoff time: Jerry Richardson Stadium, 2:30 p.m. CT
Record: UAB 3-8 overall, 2-5 AAC; Charlotte 4-7 overall, 3-4 AAC
Five storylines
1. Can UAB RB Lee Beebe Jr. eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the season? It would take a career-high game, by a considerable amount, for Beebe to reach that mark. The 5-foot-10, 220-pound redshirt sophomore needs 198 yards to reach 1,000 yards for the season. His career high came last week when he gained 161 yards on 16 carries in the win over Rice. That marked just the third time that he’s gained 100 yards or more in a game over the past two seasons. So, on paper, it’s unlikely he reaches the 1,000-yard mark. However, Charlotte is 12th in the American in rush defense, averaging 217.8 yards allowed per game. The 49ers allowed a 100-yard rusher in each of the past four games and six times overall. Two weeks ago, USF ran over 425 yards in a win over Charlotte and FAU had 279 yards rushing in a loss to the 49ers last week. If UAB commits to the run then Beebe could potentially have a big game. Beebe is averaging 5.5 yards per carry this season but only averages 13 carries per game. His season high in carries came when he rushed 18 times at South Florida. Will he surpass that mark on Saturday?
2. Can UAB win the turnover battle for just the third time this season? UAB won the turnover battle against Tulsa and Rice. Unsurprisingly, those are two of UAB’s three wins this season. UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna committed just one turnover last week against Rice but it came inside the Blazers 10-yard line. The Blazers are minus-3 in turnover margin with 20 lost turnovers and 17 forced turnovers. Charlotte is minus-10 in turnover margin with 21 lost turnovers and 11 forced turnovers. Winning that category is critical on Saturday.
3. Will Charlotte quarterback Deshawn Purdie and wide receiver O’Mega Blake combine for big yardage plays? Charlotte offensive coordinator Mike Miller, a former UAB quarterback and student assistant, will find ways to take some big play shots. Last week, Purdie found Blake five times for 205 yards with touchdown strikes of 75, 54 and 47 yards. Overall this season, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Blake has 30 catches for 722 yards, which is an average of 24 yards per catch, with eight touchdowns. His touchdown receptions, in addition to the chunk yardage touchdowns he had last week, include plays of 57, 66, 42 and 45 yards. Purdie is coming off his best game. The true freshman is 91-for-174 for 1,587 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions on the seasons. Slowing down that connection begins with making Purdie uncomfortable in the pocket. Charlotte is 13thin the American in sacks allowed with 33. Last week, though, Purdie was sacked just once for four yards. UAB’s secondary has been solid for the majority of the season.
4. Will UAB kicker Jonah Delange finish his outstanding season with a busy afternoon? To be honest, UAB head coach Trent Dilfer would be satisfied if the only kicking that Delange did on Saturday came on extra points. Realistically, though, Delange will probably be called on for field goals at some point. The sophomore kicker learned earlier this week that he is included among the three Lou Groza Award finalists, who were chosen from the pool of 20 semifinalists. However, he could still be make some All-American teams. Delange is 20-of-21 on field goals this season and is perfect on all 28 extra point attempts. On the other side, Charlotte’s Stephen Rusnak is 11-of-11 on field goals this season, including four in last week’s win at FAU. It was reported that he entered the transfer portal this week but appears that he will still kick in Saturday’s game.
5. Can UAB finally win a road game? It’s easy to predict that won’t happen. Dilfer’s teams are 0-11 on the road and the Blazers were 1-5 away from home in 2022. This season, UAB has been outscored, 201-86, away from home. So where is the glimmer of hope that UAB not only can win on the road but also put together back-to-back wins for the first time under Dilfer? Charlotte is just 2-3 at home this season with lopsided losses to James Madison, Tulane and South Florida.