UAB at Charlotte
Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte | 6:30 p.m. | beIN
Preview: For the second time in as many weeks, Charlotte faces an opponent for the first time ever. The 49ers are looking for their first win. UAB is 4-2, 2-1 in CUSA with its three CUSA games decided by a total of six points.
Players to watch: UAB freshman running back Spencer Brown has rushed for 168 and 167 yards the last two weeks. Charlotte freshman running back Aaron McAllister had 157 yards and two touchdowns last week, including a school-record 89-yarder.
Fast fact: UAB is in its first season back after the school shut down the program following the 2014 season. This year’s team has 15 players who played on that 2014 team, including five starters. Head coach Bill Clark is also back for his second season as coach, three years after his first.
What to expect: Charlotte has the chance to end the season on a positive note. The Niners’ next two foes are both sub .500, but first they need to find a way to slow the Blazers’ running game.
— Shawn Krest
Appalachian State vs. Coastal Carolina
Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone | Saturday, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN3
Preview: The Mountaineers (4-2, 3-0 Sun Belt) have staged fourth quarter comebacks in each of the past two weeks to stay unbeaten in conference play. They figure to have an easier time of things Saturday against a Coastal Carolina team that has lost five straight since an opening week win against UMass.
Players to watch: DE Tee Sims had two sacks and LB Eric Boggs had two fourth quarter fumble recoveries to lead App State’s winning rally last Saturday at Idaho. Chanticleer QB Tyler Keane has completed 66 of 114 passes this season for 904 yards and eight touchdowns.
Fast fact: The Mountaineers battled back from a 20-0 third quarter deficit at Idaho, their largest comeback since coming back from a 35-14 deficit to beat Chattanooga in 2010. App State has outscored its last two opponents 44-14 in the fourth period.
What to expect: The Mountaineers are a 24-point favorite at home and should have little trouble handling an opponent still in the process of transitioning to
FBS status.
— Brett Friedlander
