North Carolina A&T vs UAB Odds
| North Carolina A&T Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | +1200 |
| UAB Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24 -110 | 47.5 -110o / -110u | -2400 |
Thursday evening is the beginning of a wonderful adventure that we all get to benefit from. What is that, you ask? Well folks, when North Carolina A&T hits the field against UAB, this will be the first time we get to see Trent Dilfer on the sideline as the head coach of the Blazers.
This adventure will not only create hilarious content and memes, but you better believe we're ready for those green checkmarks. This FCS-FBS clash is one of many games on the slate for Thursday, but this marks opportunity No. 1 to fade the Dilfer Dime himself.
Let's break down both North CarolinaA&T vs. UAB and see which betting angle is the best approach.
North Carolina A&T Aggies
This marks the first season that the Aggies will be members of the CAA, as they have officially left the Big South Conference. Coming off of a 7-4 season, they'll look to take the next step and potentially pull an all-time upset on Thursday evening.
A&T's bread and butter last season was its defense. However, the Aggies did lose some key pieces to the portal and graduation. This is a bit concerning heading into this matchup since they'll will be looking to replace both starting defensive ends and three linebackers.
Fortunately enough for them, their secondary seems to be in good shape, led by All-American and Kansas transfer Karon Prunty.
On the offensive side of the ball, A&T be rotating quarterbacks between redshirt freshman Eli Brickhandler and freshman Kevin White. White has really impressed in camp so far, so I wouldn't be too surprised if he ends up running the offense for the remainder of the season if he looks sharp in this matchup.
The offensive line remains a huge strength, as it returns three all-conference pieces. This is a huge reason the Aggies' rushing attack was so successful last season and averaged 185.5 yards per game.
I think they have the chops up front to sustain some long drives and at least chip away at the clock.
In order for the Aggies to have a shot in this game, they'll have to protect the football and get off the field on third downs. A lot of times in these FCS-FBS matchups, these FCS teams end up getting manhandled by size and depth.
Fortunately for NC &T, UAB lost a ton of production and it now has Dilfer leading the charge instead of a legend in Bill Clark.
UAB Blazers
This is not the typical UAB smash spot that everyone has profited on over the years in the Clark era. We all know Clark's bread and butter was to destroy conference opponents and FCS schools.
With him gone, that's no longer the case, and I think there are some legitimate concerns about this Blazers squad.
The underlying analytics last season were quite good on both offense and defense, but the problem is they rank 130th in returning production. With an entirely new coaching staff, this smells like a tough season ahead for the Blazers.
Quarterback Dylan Hopkins transferred to New Mexico, and now the keys are handed to Jacob Zeno, who has some experience under his belt. However, experience doesn't automatically correlate to success.
The biggest issue for Zeno doesn't necessarily pertain to his talent, but the Blazers are replacing all five of their starting offensive linemen from last season. I could definitely see this unit taking a few games to gel early on.
Star back DeWayne McBride is now a Minnesota Viking, but fortunately for the Blazers, Jermaine Brown Jr. scored eight touchdowns last season and will be taking over as the lead back. Once this offensive line situates itself, I expect the Blazers to rely heavily on Brown, especially in this matchup.
The overall defensive numbers from a year ago look decent on paper, but the Blazers struggled in standard downs, finishing outside the top 80 in that area. I do like the size they have in the trenches, but replacing a lot of depth in the linebacker room is concerning.
Despite the Aggies' strong offensive line, I still expect the Blazers to find some success up front due to their size.
I just don't believe in this team's overall talent, especially the coaching staff, and I think it's going to be a huge adjustment period all season long
North Carolina A&T vs UAB
Betting Pick & Prediction
This is going to be a recurring theme throughout the season, but we're going to fade Dilfer from Day 1.
I know the Aggies are an FCS school and this may be the only real chance the Blazers get to pour it on an opponent all season, but I see way too many issues on the UAB offense to have faith in it covering a large number. After all, replacing an entire offensive line is no easy task.
I think the Aggies can find some success relying on their strong offensive line. As long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot too many times, I think the spread is certainly within reach.
This is also a great opportunity for White to make a statement and take control of the quarterback room against an FBS school.
Oddly enough, I think the Blazers will be heavily backed here despite the Dilfer effect and we may get an even juicer number before kick. Roll Aggies.
Pick: North Carolina A&T +24 (Play to +21)
