C-USA Preview: What to Look For in Saturday’s Title Game

By Louis Addeo-Weiss

On Saturday, November 30th, at FAU Stadium, the Florida Atlantic Owls defeated the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles 34-17 to capture the Conference-USA East title, finishing their 12-game schedule with a sparkling 9-3 record.

The victory gave the Owls their second C-USA East title in the last three years; both of which came under the tutelage of head coach Lane Kiffin. 

On the other side of the country, in Denton, Texas’ Apogee Stadium, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers beat the Mean Green 26-21 to capture the Conference-USA East title – their second consecutive division crown. 

Now, when the clock strikes 1:30 ET, the two teams will meet in sunny South Florida for the Conference-USA Championship game.

In advance of what looks to be a thrilling afternoon on the gridiron, here are some things to take into account for both programs.

Emphasis on defense will be crucial in deciding the winner of this matchup

According to the College-Football Reference, of the 130 collegiate football teams, UAB’s 18.5 points-allowed-per-game rank 15th. As for the Owls, their 17 interceptions led all Conference-USA teams, with their cornerback Meiko Dotson leading the nation, along with San Diego State corner Luq Barcoo and Texas Tech defensive back Douglas Coleman III with 8 interceptions each, respectively. It should be noted, however, that UAB, according to CFB-Ref’s metric, Strength of Schedule (SOS),     ranked 130th of 130 teams in difficulty of competition.

Injuries Rear their Ugly Head

UAB’s starting quarterback, Tyler Johnston III, has missed the past two games due to a knee injury, though he did play briefly in the division clincher against North Texas, completing an 8-yard pass in the process. In the wake of Johnston’s injury, head coach Bill Clark has turned to backup Dylan Hopkins, a quarterback known for his ability to bust out of the pocket and run. In his last two starts, both of which resulted in Blazers’ victories, Hopkins was 17-33 passing for 284 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. For the Owls, they are without running back Lary McCammon III, who has missed the past three games due to a lower-body injury. Though he’s only averaged 3.5 yds/a, his 7 rushing touchdowns are second on the team, trailing only Malcolm Davidson, with 9 respectively. While this may present a problem, the Owls have a strong core of men in the backfield – boasting the likes of BJ Emmons (3 TD), James Charles (5.2 yds/a, 3 TD), and WR-hybrid Deangelo Antoine (8 carries, 146 yds). 

Possible Future NFL Talent on Display

Regardless of whether or not the Owls win on Saturday, the team will be assured of a bowl game later this month, and while many of the seniors on these teams may see their football careers coming to an end, one name to keep tabs on is Owls tight end, Harrison Bryant. Bryant, who is coming off a three-touchdown performance in the victory over Southern Miss., should end the season over 1,000 yards receiving (965 as of 11/30). Bryant’s 61 catches lead the Owls receiving core, and he should factor heavily into the offensive attack if FAU plans on stopping the Blazers’ defense. In Monday’s press conference previewing the upcoming matchup, UAB head coach Bill Clark had this to say about Bryant and the Owls’ offense: “They’ve got an All-American tight end. They don’t just have him. They get the ball to him every way you can get it to him.”