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Bowl mania kicks off with arguably the top bowl destination (unless you’re in contention for a national championship). Who wouldn’t want to spend a week of December down in the Bahamas? This will be the 8th rendition of the Bahamas Bowl, each year having a representative from the Mid-American Conference and Conference-USA. Conference-USA holds a slight edge, going 4-3 in the Bahamas Bowl. The conferences have alternated wins each year in the series, with Middle Tennessee State of Conference-USA winning 31-24 over Toledo in 2021.
When: Friday, December 16th @ 11:30 AM ET
Where: Nassau, Bahamas
Who: Miami (OH) vs. UAB
Spread & Total: UAB -11; O/U 44.5
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Tale of the Tape: Miami RedHawks
The RedHawks challenged themselves to start 2022, scheduling two teams (Cincinnati, Kentucky) that finished in the top-20 for the final 2021 AP rankings. Luckily, they also eased up the schedule with Robert Morris and a bottom-tier Power Five Northwestern team. Conference play in the MAC was not favorable to Miami of Ohio early, starting 1-3 and on the verge of missing a bowl under Chuck Martin for the first time since 2018. But the RedHawks closed the season with wins over Akron, Northern Illinois, and Ball State to clinch a bowl berth.
Transfer Portal Departures:
DB John Saunders Jr (52 tackles; leads team w/ 10 pass deflections)
Players to Know: LB Ryan McWood
Named to All-MAC Second Team; 121 total tackles was tied 9th nationally. Helped lead the RedHawks to finish as the MAC conference leaders in total points allowed (22.5 PPG) and rush defense (135 YPG).
QB Aveon Smith
Third-year freshman quarterback Aveon Smith is a true mobile quarterback, leading the team in rushing yards (503) and touchdowns (six). Smith is also second with 101 touches in nine games. Smith is completing just 48.9% of his attempts for 1,137 yards (6.0 YPA) for nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
Tale of the Tape: UAB Blazers
On August 1st, Blazers’ head coach Bill Clark retired due to health concerns. With interim head coach and former offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent, the Blazers remained competitive in nearly every game, despite their 6-6 record. Each of their six wins came by double-digits. As for their losses, five of six were one possession games, with the lone blowout coming to the hands of LSU in mid November. A road win over Louisiana Tech to close the season secured the Blazers’ sixth win to become bowl eligible.
On November 29th, it was announced former Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer is expected to become the next UAB head coach. Bryant Vincent is expected to coach in the Bahamas Bowl.
Transfer Portal Departures: N/A
Player to Know: RB DeWayne McBride
The C-USA’s Offensive Player of the Year and nation’s leading rusher totaled 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 233 carries (7.4 YPC). McBride’s 19 touchdowns ranks 2nd nationally, and 7.4 YPC ranks tied for 3rd among players with over 100 carries.
LB Noah Wilder
Leads the team with 100 total tackles, ranking 3rd on UAB’s career tackles list. Was named First Team All Conference USA.
Bowl Game Trends:
- The underdog is 2-5 SU in the Bahama Bowl
- Neither conference has won back-to-back Bahama Bowls (Conference-USA won in 2021)
Game Synopsis:
Quarterback Brett Gabbert withdrew from the transfer portal, but quarterback duties fall on RedHawks’ Aveon Smith. While his inaccuracy is a red flag, UAB has been susceptible to mobile quarterbacks (Kaidon Salter of Liberty, Jayden Daniels of LSU). Smith utilized his mobility more in the second half of the season, rushing for at least 50 yards in each of his five conference games.
Gaining an early lead will be key for UAB. You have the nation’s leading rusher in McBride and an inaccurate quarterback across the sideline. McBride has over 100 rushing yards or a touchdown in every game this year. The RedHawks allowed 184 YPG on the ground their last five games. This is also the final game with Bryant Vincent as interim head coach for the Blazers. Reports say players love playing for Vincent, even pleading with school president on removing the interim tag to make him head coach. I think Miami can get within the number, but DeWayne McBride is too much to handle. UAB kicks off bowl mania with a win.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: UAB
Bowl Mania Confidence: 27/43
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