The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(04-02-2024 09:40 PM)The Answer UAB Wrote:  What does the defense look like compared to last year? Same, slightly better, god forbid - worse? I'm not expecting massively better..

Better, for sure. Still has some work ahead. Got some help from the new guys and wouldn't be surprised if they add a couple more transfer portal guys. Returnees are a year better, hopefully.

AAC Offseason Preview: One question for each team in spring ball

https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2024/4/3...4-football

UAB Blazers

Can this experienced transfer class fix defensive woes?

UAB football triumphantly returned from its hiatus in 2017, and it completely rebranded itself. Before the infamous program shutdown, UAB only played one bowl game in school history, typically residing in the cellar of Conference USA. But in the first five years after the return, UAB knew nothing but winning. The Blazers won two CUSA titles and became a regular in bowl season. Much of this newfound success hinged on excellent defensive play. UAB fielded a top 10 yards per game defense each year from 2018 to 2020, and the unit also finished 16th nationally in the category in 2021.

Then Bill Clark suddenly stepped down as the head coach, and the defensive identity from the Clark era has yet to be recaptured. One year after Clark’s sudden departure, the mastermind behind those defenses also departed from Birmingham. Defensive coordinator David Reeves became the head coach of Jasper High School in Alabama, forcing UAB to start anew in the area it thrived the most.

While the UAB offense, especially the passing attack, flourished in head coach Trent Dilfer’s inaugural season in 2023, the Blazers finished 4-8. The primary reason UAB missed bowl eligibility for the first time since the program’s return was very un-UAB-like, as the Blazers failed to record routine defensive stops. They finished 130th in scoring defense, allowing 37 points per game with a particular inability to contain the run. But 2024 UAB strives to amend this issue, and the Blazers brought in an impressive transfer class of potential day one starting defenders. Indiana defensive tackle LeDarrius Cox, Purdue linebacker OC Brothers, Georgia Tech safety Sirad Bryant, and star FCS cornerback Adrian Maddox are among the new Blazers aiming to bring the unit’s reputation back to what it was in the Bill Clark/David Reeves days.

(04-03-2024 09:24 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  AAC Offseason Preview: One question for each team in spring ball

https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2024/4/3...4-football

UAB Blazers

Can this experienced transfer class fix defensive woes?

UAB football triumphantly returned from its hiatus in 2017, and it completely rebranded itself. Before the infamous program shutdown, UAB only played one bowl game in school history, typically residing in the cellar of Conference USA. But in the first five years after the return, UAB knew nothing but winning. The Blazers won two CUSA titles and became a regular in bowl season. Much of this newfound success hinged on excellent defensive play. UAB fielded a top 10 yards per game defense each year from 2018 to 2020, and the unit also finished 16th nationally in the category in 2021.

Then Bill Clark suddenly stepped down as the head coach, and the defensive identity from the Clark era has yet to be recaptured. One year after Clark’s sudden departure, the mastermind behind those defenses also departed from Birmingham. Defensive coordinator David Reeves became the head coach of Jasper High School in Alabama, forcing UAB to start anew in the area it thrived the most.

While the UAB offense, especially the passing attack, flourished in head coach Trent Dilfer’s inaugural season in 2023, the Blazers finished 4-8. The primary reason UAB missed bowl eligibility for the first time since the program’s return was very un-UAB-like, as the Blazers failed to record routine defensive stops. They finished 130th in scoring defense, allowing 37 points per game with a particular inability to contain the run. But 2024 UAB strives to amend this issue, and the Blazers brought in an impressive transfer class of potential day one starting defenders. Indiana defensive tackle LeDarrius Cox, Purdue linebacker OC Brothers, Georgia Tech safety Sirad Bryant, and star FCS cornerback Adrian Maddox are among the new Blazers aiming to bring the unit’s reputation back to what it was in the Bill Clark/David Reeves days.

I don't care how shiny your tools are if you have someone who doesn't know how to use them. Hopefully the issue was the amount, or lack there was, of bodies they had to work with. I do miss the shine of the defense under Reeves,

if the defense could improve to even top 90-100, with improvement with the offense as well, we should have at least 2 more wins than last year.

In game adjustments are going to be a big deal too. We had good qb play and solid skill position play last year and not a ton else. We had a lot we need to clean up and I’m not sold that we can make it happen in an offseason. I’m cautiously optimistic that the moves we have made in the offseason are enough.

Dudley article on Jordan Hall:

https://www.al.com/uab/2024/04/paying-th...-line.html