COLLEGE FOOTBALL

South Florida enters with a stronger defensive resume and steadier game control, allowing only 15.1 points per game and 325.1 total yards per game on defense, while producing a 4.6 yards-per-play profile on offense by the available efficiency data. UAB has been far more vulnerable, surrendering 24.6 points per game and 316.6 total yards per game, with a rush defense that has been especially exposed at 190.6 rushing yards allowed per game. The Bulls also show the better recent results in market-based trend data, while UAB’s season-long over profile has been weak, reflecting an offense that has often been limited and a defense that has allowed too many easy scoring chances.
South Florida should control this game with its stronger defensive numbers and more stable overall profile, while UAB’s season-long scoring and defensive issues make it hard to trust the underdog to keep pace for four quarters. The projected result is South Florida Bulls 24, UAB Blazers 17, which supports South Florida to cover and keeps the game just below the market total.