South Florida vs UAB Prediction & Betting Tips for Week 9 on 10/31/2026

In Week 9 of the 2026 regular season, the UAB Blazers will travel to Tampa, FL, to take on the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESNU. Both teams are competing in the American Conference, adding another layer of significance to the matchup.

UAB enters the game with a 4-3 record, showing a strong performance at home with a 4-0 record, but struggling on the road at 0-3. Their recent victory against East Carolina Pirates with a score of 30-17 highlighted their passing game, which could be a key factor in their strategy against the Bulls. This away game presents another opportunity for the Blazers to break their road game losing streak.

South Florida, with a 5-2 record, has demonstrated solid form at home, reflected in their 3-1 home record. Their recent 29-2 win against Kent State showcased their defensive capabilities. With a conference record of 1-2, the Bulls will be eager to improve their standing and capitalize on home-field advantage against UAB.

South Florida vs UAB At a Glance (Week 9)

• Game Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL
• Game Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM
• Broadcast: Available on ESNU
• UAB Record: 4-3 overall, 0-3 on the road
• South Florida Record: 5-2 overall, 3-1 at home
• Game Odds: South Florida favored by 7.5 points

South Florida Bulls Set to Charge Forward Against UAB Blazers

Offensive Performance

The South Florida Bulls have accumulated 186 points this season, ranking them 64th nationally. Their passing game has struggled, with only 1,313 yards, putting them at 113th. On the ground, they've managed 1,008 rushing yards, ranking 91st, highlighting a need for more balanced offensive production.

Michael Van Buren Jr. has been the primary signal-caller, with 179 passing attempts resulting in 1,292 yards. Despite this, his 6 touchdown passes are a modest tally for the season. Meanwhile, D.J. Crowther leads the rushing attack with 518 yards and 7 touchdowns, showing potential for big plays on the ground.

Defensive Strengths

Defensively, the Bulls have allowed 106 points, positioning them 51st in the country. Their pass rush has been effective with 14 sacks, placing them 15th nationally. The defense excels in creating turnovers, with 2 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries, ranking among the top in both categories.

Victor Zidor and Brooks Williams Jr. are notable players whose participation is uncertain due to injuries. Their presence could significantly impact the Bulls' defensive performance against UAB.

Recent Performances

The Bulls are coming off a dominant 29-2 victory over Kent State at home. This win was characterized by a solid defensive effort, limiting Kent State to just 2 points. However, the team experienced a narrow 31-24 loss to UTSA and a 17-13 defeat against Temple in their recent road games.

At home, the Bulls boast a strong record, having won 11 of their last 12 games. This home-field advantage will be crucial as they face UAB at Raymond James Stadium.

Key Players to Watch

Bryson Rodgers is the standout receiver with 30 receptions and 334 yards, contributing 2 touchdowns. His performance will be critical in stretching the field against the Blazers. On special teams, Nico Gramatica has been reliable, making 10 field goals and 22 extra points, ensuring the Bulls capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Betting Trends

• SU - Home Games: 11-1 in the last 12 games (91.7%)
• SU - As Favorite: 17-4 in the last 21 games (81.0%)
• O/U - As Underdog: 4-0 in the last 4 games (100.0%)
• SU - After Loss: 7-1 in the last 8 games (87.5%)
• SU - All Games: 18-7 in the last 25 games (72.0%)

The UAB Blazers: Challenging Road Ahead

Team Overview

The UAB Blazers have displayed a balanced offensive strategy in the 2026 season. With a total of 163 points, they rank 79th in points scored. Despite a lower passing rank, they have managed a solid ground game.

Their rushing yards stand at 1182, securing the 59th spot. This demonstrates their reliance on the run game to keep the chains moving and maintain control of the game clock.

Quarterback Performance

Ryder Burton leads the Blazers' passing attack. With 167 attempts, he has accumulated 1184 passing yards. Burton's performance has been crucial, though his 6 touchdowns come with 5 interceptions, indicating room for improvement in decision-making.

Rushing Attack

Rod Robinson II spearheads the rushing game with 436 yards over seven games. His consistency on the ground makes him a key player in UAB's offensive scheme.

Bam McReynolds adds depth to the backfield, contributing 335 yards and 4 touchdowns. Together, they form a formidable duo capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses.

Receiving Corps

The receiving unit is led by Ty Mims, who has 349 receiving yards. CJ Smith closely follows with 350 yards, showing a diverse range of receiving threats.

EJ Reid provides additional options for Burton, making the Blazers' passing game multifaceted and unpredictable for opposing defenses.

Defensive Strengths

UAB's defense has been a cornerstone of their success, particularly in forcing turnovers. They have recorded 5 interceptions and 5 fumble recoveries this season.

Their pass rush is effective as well, with 15 sacks placing them 14th nationally, showcasing their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Injury Concerns

The Blazers face several injury concerns, notably with Nigel Tate and Jaylen Elder out indefinitely. These absences may impact both defensive strength and offensive depth.

Uncertain statuses for players like Adam Lepkowski and Antonio Ferguson add further uncertainty to their roster, potentially affecting game-day decisions.

Team Betting Trends

• SU - As Favorite: Last 5 Games (2024–2026) → 5-0 (100.0%)
• SU - Home Games: Last 4 Games (2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)
• SU - After Loss: Last 4 Games (2025–2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)
• O/U - After Loss: Last 30 Games (2022–2026) → 18-12 (60.0%)
• SU - All Games: Last 4 Games (2026) → 3-1 (75.0%)
• ATS - After Loss: Last 4 Games (2025–2026) → 3-1 (75.0%)

South Florida vs UAB Week 9 Prediction: South Florida -7.5

South Florida enters this game with a solid 5-2 record, including a strong 3-1 performance at home. This indicates a high level of comfort and success when playing in Tampa. The Bulls' recent victory over Kent State, with a score of 29-2, highlights their defensive prowess and offensive potential.

UAB, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, going 0-3 away from home this season. Despite their recent win against East Carolina, their away performances have been underwhelming. This could be a factor that plays against them as they face the Bulls at Raymond James Stadium.

Given South Florida's strong home record and UAB's road challenges, the Bulls are well-positioned to cover the -7.5 spread. South Florida's ability to capitalize on home-field advantage makes them the favorable choice in this matchup.

With both teams' statistics and historical performances considered, South Florida is likely to maintain their dominance at home. The projected score of South Florida 31 - UAB 17 reflects their anticipated control over the game.

• South Florida vs UAB Prediction: South Florida -7.5
• South Florida vs UAB Score: South Florida 31 - UAB 17

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