The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Football Game 5 Opponent Preview: Rice Owls
6/27/2019 2:00:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM – Following a road trip for its first conference game, UAB will be back at Legion Field on Oct. 5 to host its C-USA home opener against Rice. Kickoff time is yet to be announced, but the game will be covered on ESPN+.
The Blazers will come into their first West Divisional matchup after displaying dominance over the Owls in recent years, outscoring Rice 94-21 in two victories during the last two seasons.
Rice finished last season at 2-11 overall and 1-7 in conference. Head coach Mike Bloomgren will be entering his second season at the helm for the Owls after spending time with the New York Jets and most recently as Stanford's offensive coordinator/associate head coach.
All-Time Series: UAB – 4-3
Last Meeting: Oct. 13, 2018 – UAB 42-0
Current Streak: UAB – W2
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Rice endured a rough stretch in Bloomgren's first year manning the reins, but will use that experience in 2019 as 21 true freshman saw action with eight earning spots in the starting lineup. The Owls also came together in the season finale as they took down Old Dominion, who previously upset No. 13 Virginia Tech.
Among the bevy of the Owl returners from last season on offense is leading rusher Aston Walter, who picked up 625 yards and four touchdowns, along with leading receivers Austin Trammel and Aaron Cephus, who combined for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns on 102 receptions in 2018. On defense, Rice will return George Nyakwol, who led the team in tackles with 67. Joining him is Anthony Ekpe, who lead the team in sacks last year with 6.5, and Prudy Calderon, who led the team and ranked No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions as a freshman in 2018.
For UAB, along with the young crop of receivers looking to fill the shoes of the talented departures from last season is tight end Hayden Pittman. The redshirt junior has been a mainstay at the position among the deep stable since his freshman year, appearing in every game over the past two seasons. Pittman has compiled 17 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns through his first two seasons of action. The Spanish Fort, Ala., native will look to make a bigger impact in the passing game with multiple weapons from last season moving on and continue to pave the way on the ground for First Team All-Conference USA and program-record holding running back Spencer Brown.
As the Blazers are coming off of a record-setting year on the offensive side of the ball, Pittman and other returners as well as talented newcomers will strive to duplicate or surpass last year's production with quarterback Tyler Johnston III at the helm once again.
TICKETS:
Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1. Fans can also request more information on ticket options for the upcoming season here. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 20 tickets to any home football game. To purchase group tickets for the 2019 season, please contact Chris Curtis at (205) 934-3172 or ccurtis2@uab.edu.
The Blazers will come into their first West Divisional matchup after displaying dominance over the Owls in recent years, outscoring Rice 94-21 in two victories during the last two seasons.
Rice finished last season at 2-11 overall and 1-7 in conference. Head coach Mike Bloomgren will be entering his second season at the helm for the Owls after spending time with the New York Jets and most recently as Stanford's offensive coordinator/associate head coach.
All-Time Series: UAB – 4-3
Last Meeting: Oct. 13, 2018 – UAB 42-0
Current Streak: UAB – W2
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
Rice endured a rough stretch in Bloomgren's first year manning the reins, but will use that experience in 2019 as 21 true freshman saw action with eight earning spots in the starting lineup. The Owls also came together in the season finale as they took down Old Dominion, who previously upset No. 13 Virginia Tech.
Among the bevy of the Owl returners from last season on offense is leading rusher Aston Walter, who picked up 625 yards and four touchdowns, along with leading receivers Austin Trammel and Aaron Cephus, who combined for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns on 102 receptions in 2018. On defense, Rice will return George Nyakwol, who led the team in tackles with 67. Joining him is Anthony Ekpe, who lead the team in sacks last year with 6.5, and Prudy Calderon, who led the team and ranked No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions as a freshman in 2018.
For UAB, along with the young crop of receivers looking to fill the shoes of the talented departures from last season is tight end Hayden Pittman. The redshirt junior has been a mainstay at the position among the deep stable since his freshman year, appearing in every game over the past two seasons. Pittman has compiled 17 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns through his first two seasons of action. The Spanish Fort, Ala., native will look to make a bigger impact in the passing game with multiple weapons from last season moving on and continue to pave the way on the ground for First Team All-Conference USA and program-record holding running back Spencer Brown.
As the Blazers are coming off of a record-setting year on the offensive side of the ball, Pittman and other returners as well as talented newcomers will strive to duplicate or surpass last year's production with quarterback Tyler Johnston III at the helm once again.
TICKETS:
Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1. Fans can also request more information on ticket options for the upcoming season here. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 20 tickets to any home football game. To purchase group tickets for the 2019 season, please contact Chris Curtis at (205) 934-3172 or ccurtis2@uab.edu.
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