UAB-SMU Football Preview Capsule
09/09/2010
Associated Press
UAB (0-1) at SMU (0-1) at Dallas, 7 p.m. CDT Saturday
Line: SMU by 12 1/2
Series Record: SMU 3-0.
Last Meeting: 2009, SMU 35-33.
What's at Stake
SMU players say last year's win in Birmingham was the turning point in the program's rebirth, so the Blazers will be looking for a little revenge. The Mustangs opened with a loss at Texas Tech, so they can't get to 2-0 like they did last year by beating UAB. Instead, both teams look for a winning start to Conference USA play.
Key Matchup
UAB quarterback David Isabelle against the SMU defense. A week after giving up 359 passing yards and four touchdowns to pass-happy Texas Tech and Taylor Potts, the Mustangs face a running whiz. Isabelle had 214 rushing yards — a UAB and CUSA record — and three scores in a 32-31 loss to Florida Atlantic.
Players to watch
UAB: Defensive ends Bryant Turner and Connor Boyett combined for three sacks against Florida Atlantic. The senior and freshman will be critical to putting pressure on SMU quarterback Kyle Padron, who has thrown for 678 yards his past two games but was intercepted three times in Lubbock.
SMU: Receiver Cole Beasley has two touchdowns in each of the past two games, matching his total from the previous 22 games. He led SMU with five catches for 57 yards in the 35-27 loss to Texas Tech.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9I4KIT80.html
