UAB (7-1, 5-0 C-USA) is now a 22-point favorite over UTSA (3-5, 2-2 C-USA) as the two teams get ready to square of on Saturday. UTSA is looking to avoid their second three-game losing streak of the season while UAB will try and remain undefeated in conference play.

UAB has proven to be a powerhouse in the C-USA this year, and they may have a real shot at earning their first conference championship if they keep rolling. UAB has won six straight games and have allowed only seven or fewer points in four of those six victories. UTSA will have a tall task in front of them when they face the dangerous UAB Blazers on the road.

Here are three things UTSA must do if they want to give themselves a chance.

UTSA-UAB details

Date: Nov. 3, 2018

Location: Legion Field in Birmingham

What channel is UTSA vs UAB on?

UTSA vs. UAB will be broadcast on ESPN+.

How can I buy tickets to the game?

Click here to buy tickets for the UTSA @ UAB game

UTSA-UAB preview

Get back to defending the run

In a season with many rough spots, the run defense has actually been pretty solid for UTSA this year. Ever since the disastrous season opener against Arizona State, the Roadrunners' front seven had quietly been doing a great job of filling the running lanes and stopping the run The stopped during the Southern Miss game.

Southern Miss is a team that likes to air it out, but against UTSA, they went to their run game and it worked. UTSA allowed over 200 rushing yards for the first time since week one and walked away with a loss as a result.

UAB averages 233 rushing yards per game, so you can bet they’ll be looking to run the ball a lot with sophomore running back Spencer Brown, who has nearly 700 rushing yards on the season and has scored 11 touchdowns. UTSA will have to stop Brown and the rest of the rushing attack to have a chance.

Run the ball effectively

Although it’s still uncertain, true freshman quarterback Jordan Weeks will more than likely be making his third ever start. Weeks has started the past two games over Cordale Grundy after Grundy struggled.

Weeks will be starting in a hostile environment and it will be difficult for him to make plays through the air if they don’t establish a solid running game. UTSA’s rushing attack has been less than impressive all year as they average only 94.5 rushing yards per game. That’s something that must change as the season hits the home stretch. The run blocking from the offensive line has to improve in order for Rhodes and Daniels to get more touches and play up to their potential.

Even if Grundy starts instead of Weeks, the focus should be the same. UTSA will have to establish the ground game in order for the passing game to work.

Don’t be afraid to go for the big play

As of now, UTSA is dead last in the FBS in yards per play with 3.77. To give some perspective, no team has averaged less than four since 2014. The offense this season has been less than impressive and at times is even difficult to watch. Their inability to put together long drives has plagued the team all year.

Against Southern Miss., UTSA had to punt the ball nine times and had only a handful of drives that lasted longer than five plays. This has resulted in the defense being on the field way too long and giving the other team too many opportunities. The Roadrunners also average less than five yards per pass, showing their unwillingness to throw the ball downfield.

UTSA must try and throw the ball deeper down the field from time to time and get away from their dink and dunk dump-off passes.

Final score prediction: UAB 35, UTSA 16