Providing a pick and prediction for the UAB Blazers vs. BYU Cougars bowl game has proven difficult. It’s a battle of two college football teams facing two different forces on Saturday during the 2021 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. UAB aims to prove they belong in the top-tier discussion of the Group of Five teams; BYU wants to prove they belonged in a “much more prestigious” bowl game this season.
Whatever the reasons for playing are, we’re here to break down just how it could go down on the field. Though it’s hard to take the emotion out of it, here’s the true X’s and O’s version of how these two teams match up.
Make sure to check out our pick and prediction for all the other bowl games being played today: the Lending Tree Bowl, the Celebration Bowl, the New Mexico Bowl, and the Boca Raton Bowl.
UAB vs. BYU betting odds and trends
- Opening Line: BYU -8.5 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Current Line: BYU -6.5
- Over/Under: 54.5
- Moneyline: BYU -265, UAB +215
Opening to more of a favorable number for UAB, savvy bettors have brought the game back to within one score. But are they really savvy bettors to throw money at UAB? If BYU’s late-season success is any indication, those who put money on the Blazers may end up on the wrong side.
BYU won five straight to close out the season, including games against Washington State, Virginia, and USC. Their offense has continued clicking through this five-game stretch as QB Jaren Hall has risen to the occasion. It seems like a distant memory that there was once a quarterback battle between him and Baylor Romney — Hall has evolved into a legitimate NFL Draft prospect when the time comes.
However, the biggest influential factor for BYU in this game will be star RB Tyler Allgeier and his ability to create yards against the UAB defense. Allgeier will take center stage in this contest in what could very well be his last collegiate contest. As Allgeier goes, so should BYU.
UAB vs. BYU prediction
BYU’s offensive line is a powerhouse and a dominant unit. UAB’s defensive line will need to be in top form, but their linebackers will have to play their best game of the season to stop Allgeier.
The Blazers have faced a bevy of good running backs this season and had success in stopping them. They limited UTSA’s Sincere McCormick to 65 yards and 1 touchdown in the de facto Conference USA West-deciding game. UAB kept the nation’s leader in rushing TDs out of the end zone when they shut down Marshall’s Rasheen Ali.
But none of those players are quite like Allgeier. And neither of those teams have an offensive line like that of BYU’s. The Cougars are the better team in all facets. They are stout in the trenches, and head coach Kalani Sitake’s team is battle-tested and ready.
If they exact their will, they’ll punch UAB in the mouth and come away with a commanding victory. That is if they can get excited about the matchup.
UAB vs. BYU Prediction: BYU 31, UAB 13