Navy Midshipmen (3-0) vs. UAB Blazers (1-2)
September 28, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: UAB Blazers +3.5 / Navy Midshipmen -3.5; Over/Under: +56.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Navy Midshipmen and UAB Blazers meet Saturday in week 5 college football action at Protective Stadium. Here’s a UAB vs Navy Prediction. This article will include a UAB vs Navy Pick.
Navy Midshipmen Betting Preview
The Navy Midshipmen beat Temple and Memphis, and they play Air Force next. The Navy Midshipmen have lost 3 of their last 4 road games. Blake Horvath is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 412 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Eli Heidenreich and Brandon Chatman have combined for 363 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jake Norris has 2 receptions.
The Navy Midshipmen ground game is averaging 307.3 yards per contest, and Horvath leads the way with 366 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Navy is allowing 25.3 points and 436 yards per game. Colin Ramos leads the Navy Midshipmen with 45 tackles, Luke Pirris has 1.5 sacks and Rayuan Lane III has 1 interception.
UAB Blazers Betting Preview
The UAB Blazers lost to UL Monroe and Arkansas, and they play Tulane next. The UAB Blazers have won 3 straight home games. Jacob Zeno is completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 617 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Kam Shanks and Amare Thomas have combined for 261 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Lee Beebe Jr. has 9 receptions.
The UAB Blazers ground game is averaging 171 yards per contest, and Beebe Jr. leads the way with 187 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, UAB is allowing 24 points and 300 yards per game. Sirad Bryant leads the UAB Blazers with 26 tackles, Desmond Little has 2 sacks and Michael Moore has 1 interception.
Why the UAB Blazers will win
- The home team has won each of UAB’s last seven games.
- Navy has lost three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in six of UAB’s last seven games.
- Navy has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UAB has won the first quarter in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Navy’s last four September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of UAB’s last six home games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- UAB ranks 3rd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (102.7).
- UAB ranks T130th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (1.0).
- Navy ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (19.0).
- Navy ranks 4th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (307.3).
UAB vs Navy Prediction
This is a potential letdown spot for the Navy Midshipmen after a massive upset win over Memphis. The UAB Blazers have also had an extra week to prepare for this game. While Navy has shown more in terms of results, that defense has concerns, and I’m not sure if I like that on the road. UAB can run the ball at a decent clip and control the pace which should lead to a quick competitive game. UAB has covered 10 of its last 14 games as a home underdog. Seven of those covers were outright wins. I’m not convinced Navy is as good as this line suggests. Give me UAB and the points.
