[gorillapittpray]

PUTTING IT ALL ON THE LINE
KICKOFF: 6:00PM/EST
SITE: LEGION FIELD, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
TV: NATIONAL/ESPN
IMPLICATIONS: EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE

Matchup Preview | November 19, 2011
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Southern Miss Golden Eagles (6-4, Away)		#20 UAB Blazers (9-1, Home)
Injury Report HB T. SMITH SEASON Game Notes THE STORY LINE: A lot is on the line when Southern Miss takes on bitter rival UAB. The history of this series is a bit one sided with Southern Miss winning the first 9 games but UAB has won the last two including that wild 50-49 double overtime win a year ago. This year much more is on the line. A trip to the Conference USA Championship game. Southern Miss stumbled to UCF last week but a win today and they would cause a three way tie in hopes of UCF losing one of their final two conference games to end the season giving them the tie breaker. UAB could still win the division with a lost if there is a three way tie at the end of the year since they are ranked higher but the Blazers can squash all that talk by taking care of buisness today and getting the win. THE TEAMS: UAB comes in with the nations hottest quarterback in Andre Sharpe, Sharpe has thrown for 35 touchdowns and 2,886 yards good for third in the NCAA. He has weapons all around him with four receivers having at least 500 yards or better. His Main targets as of late have been Sophomores Ian Wilson and Ralph Rawls as well as Junior James Moses. Wilson leads this group with 13 touchdown receptions. They can run too. Tailbacks Danny Pryor and Matthew Scott compliment each other well both have seven rushing scores. This team despite the fire power on offense is led by their defense. Nick Williams comes in leading the country with 61 solo tackles and 83 total. Defensive end Jerry Bowser leads the country in sacks with 12. There are a host of players on this defense that deserve name dropping thats why theyre the 9th ranked defense in the country. Southern Miss is led by Senior quarterback Rodney Corbett and his 24 touchdown passes. His main target is receiver PJ Bennett who leads the conference with 1,137 yards receiving his 11 touchdowns rank him second along side Bennett is JD Smith averaging 13 yards a catch with 7 touchdowns. Anthony Fontenot provides change of pace his seven touchdowns and 700 yards rushing place him fourth in the conference. Defensively this unit is led by defensive end Randy Snyder and his seven sacks. Travis Moss has been blowing up opposing offenses. This linebacker brings the size and the punch to get this unit ready for UAB. THE KEYS TO VICTORY: Its simple both defenses need to disrupt the quarterback play. While Corbett is hot he only has one big play threat look for UAB to roll coverage to Bennett's side Smith will have to step his play up for Southern Miss to succeed He'll have Slaughter, Bowser and Washington bearing down on him he'll need to get the ball out quick and tailback Anthony Fontenot needs a big game. Sharpe on the other hand had a problem with interceptions earlier in the year. He's thrown 14 on the season and if Southern Miss can get pressure and force him to be uncomfy they will have a chance in this game Its key for the Oline to protect him to get his playmakers the ball. The environment is a factor as well. Legion field is now rocking can Southern Miss keep their composure? THE PREDICTION: Southern Miss reeled off 9 straight victories to start this series, but UAB has won the last two and with momentum and a home game as well, I dont see that changing. UAB in a dog fight 27-24