For a hyphenated school, the University of Alabama-Birmingham sure can play football.

        The Blazers (2-2 in Conference USA) are sixth in the country in total defense with only 269 yards allowed per game. At 1p.m. Saturday at Nippert Stadium, UAB's defense stands in the middle of the University of Cincinnati's hopeful road to a bowl game.

        “When UAB takes the field Saturday, you're going to see a fine-looking football team athletically,” UC coach Rick Minter said. “They've got a bunch of long-legged guys who can run.”

        UAB won last Saturday at East Carolina, 16-13.

        “East Carolina couldn't get their option going against UAB, and why was that?” Minter asked. “East Carolina couldn't out-run UAB from the quarterback out to the pitch. UAB has an attacking style of defense, and it's going to present a major challenge for us.”

        UAB utilizes an eight-man front that crowds the line.

        “They've got a lot of guys who are 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds,” Minter said.

        Excellent skills among the defensive backs and linebackers allow UAB's front line to be especially aggressive.

        How has UAB managed to recruit such athletes?

        Being located in Alabama has a lot to do with it. UAB is able to recruit some academically non-qualifying athletes that the Southeastern Conference wont' touch. UAB can enroll these players as freshmen and let them sit out a year before playing.

        UAB's defense against UC's offense should provide an interesting showcase. The Bearcats like to run with their “Jack and Mac” attack (power back Ray Jackson and elusive back DeMarco McCleskey).

        Although the 'Cats showed offensive life last Saturday against Miami, UAB figures to provide more resistance.

        UC is fourth in the league in total offense (375 yards a game), but except for the 48-31 victory over Houston a month ago and last week's 45-15 victory over Miami, the offense has sputtered.

        The 'Cats are averaging 25.3 points a game.

        “I think we're an underachieving offense,” Minter said. “The reason I say that is because I believe this offense is the most talented top to bottom we've had since I've been here.

        “I had high expectations for our offense to be a 400- to 450-yard-per-game unit, putting up 30-plus points a game,” Minter said. “As good as we say we could be, we're going to play three defenses in the upcoming three weeks who will say, "No, you're not.'”

        After UAB come Memphis (Nov.11) and Southern Miss (Nov.18); each is in the top five nationally in total defense.

        The top four teams in C-USA will get bowl bids provided they are “bowl-eligible,” — winning (minimal 6-5) records. The Bearcats need to win two of their next three games to achieve that.

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