Army vs. UAB NCAA Match Analysis and Prediction
October 12, 2024, 17:00 (USA: NCAA)
As the Army Black Knights prepare to face off against the UAB Blazers, both teams will be looking to make their mark in this crucial NCAA matchup. Analyzing the raw data from their previous ten encounters, we can observe distinct trends that suggest how this game might unfold.
Both teams have had vastly different trajectories in their recent form, and these patterns provide us with insights into their potential performance in the upcoming clash.
Army’s Form Overview
The Army Black Knights enter this contest in red-hot form, winning nine of their last ten matches. Over their last five games alone, they have been dominant, outscoring their opponents by a significant margin. Their recent 49-7 win over Tulsa further cements their status as a team on the rise.
– Last Five Matches:
– vs. Tulsa (49-7) – Win
– vs. Temple (42-14) – Win
– vs. Rice (37-14) – Win
– vs. Florida Atlantic (24-7) – Win
– vs. Lehigh Mountain Hawks (42-7) – Win
Army has demonstrated solid offensive capability, particularly in the running game. Their ground-and-pound style of play has worn down opponents, allowing them to dominate time of possession and control the pace of the game. Additionally, their defense has been stout, limiting teams to under 20 points per game on average over their last ten matchups.
The Black Knights have shown resilience, most notably in their wins against Navy (17-11) and Coastal Carolina (28-21), both of which were hard-fought defensive battles.
However, despite their success, there are some concerns. Army’s passing game remains limited, and teams with strong run defenses could pose a challenge.
Their sole loss in the last ten matches came against Massachusetts (14-21), a game in which Army struggled to get anything going offensively. This shows that while their rushing attack is formidable, it is not invulnerable, especially against teams that can load the box and force Army to pass.
UAB’s Form Overview
The UAB Blazers, on the other hand, have been on a downward spiral. They’ve lost eight of their last ten games, and recent performances have raised concerns about their ability to compete against stronger opposition. Their most recent outing, a 20-71 loss to Tulane, highlighted the issues plaguing the team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
– Last Five Matches:
– vs. Tulane (20-71) – Loss
– vs. Navy (18-41) – Loss
– vs. Arkansas (27-37) – Loss
– vs. Louisiana-Monroe (6-32) – Loss
– vs. Alcorn State (41-3) – Win
UAB has struggled to find consistency, particularly on defense. Over their last ten matches, they have conceded an average of over 35 points per game.
Their secondary has been particularly vulnerable, allowing big plays through the air, which has compounded their problems. On offense, UAB has shown flashes of potential, particularly in their games against Arkansas (27-37) and North Texas (42-45), but these have often been in losing efforts where they failed to capitalize on key opportunities.
The Blazers’ run defense has also been a weak point, which could be a major issue against Army’s potent ground game. UAB’s ability to score points has been inconsistent as well, with their only commanding win coming against Alcorn State (41-3), a far weaker opponent.
Positives and Negatives for Army
Positives:
1. Strong Rushing Attack: Army has one of the most effective running games in the NCAA. With their triple-option offense, they can wear down defenses and control the pace of the game. Their offensive line has been dominant, opening up lanes for their backs to exploit.
2. Stellar Defense: The Black Knights’ defense has been stingy, giving up fewer than 20 points per game over their last ten matches. They excel at getting off the field on third down and have a knack for forcing turnovers.
3. Momentum and Confidence: With nine wins in their last ten matches, Army comes into this game full of confidence. Their recent blowout wins have given them momentum that they’ll look to carry into the game against UAB.
Negatives:
1. Weak Passing Game: Army’s offense is heavily reliant on the run, and if UAB is able to slow down their rushing attack, the Black Knights may struggle. In games where they’ve fallen behind, their inability to throw the ball effectively has been exposed.
2. Vulnerable in Close Games: In tighter contests, Army has occasionally faltered. Their one loss to Massachusetts was a game in which they couldn’t establish their running game and failed to make adjustments.
Positives and Negatives for UAB
Positives:
1. Potential for Offensive Explosion: UAB has shown that they can put up points, particularly when their passing game clicks. If they can protect the quarterback and get into a rhythm, they have the weapons to keep up with Army’s offense.
2. Special Teams: UAB has had some bright spots in their special teams play, particularly in the return game. This could give them favorable field position, which may be critical in a game where they’re expected to be outmatched in other areas.
Negatives:
1. Defensive Struggles: UAB’s defense has been porous, giving up an average of over 35 points per game in their last ten matches. Their inability to stop the run will be a major problem against Army’s rushing attack.
2. Inconsistent Quarterback Play: UAB’s quarterback has struggled with turnovers, particularly in pressure situations. In a game where possessions will be limited due to Army’s ball control style, UAB can’t afford to give the ball away.
Match Prediction
Based on the raw data and current form, Army has the clear advantage heading into this game. Their ability to control the pace of the game with their running attack and play sound defense makes them a formidable opponent for a UAB team that has struggled defensively and lacks consistency on offense.
UAB’s best chance to win will come from forcing Army into passing situations and capitalizing on any turnovers. However, their recent defensive performances suggest they will have a hard time stopping Army’s ground game. If UAB can somehow get an early lead and force Army out of their comfort zone, they might be able to make this game competitive, but that scenario seems unlikely given their current form.
Disclaimer:
This prediction is based on analysis of past performance and does not guarantee the outcome of the match. Betting is risky, and we recommend that you bet responsibly. Only wager the amount you can afford to lose.
