To bring a different perspective of LSU’s opponent, The Daily Reveille teamed up with AL.com’s UAB beat writer Drew Champlin to get his thoughts on the upcoming matchup.
1. How similar is UAB coach Garrick McGee’s offense at UAB to his system at Arkansas as offensive coordinator?
Champlin: I can’t speak for Arkansas, since I didn’t see much of their games, but I’d guess very similar. He learned from Bob Petrino and while there are probably some different wrinkles, it’s much the same. Except that there’s no Mallett or Wilson leading the charge, though Austin Brown looked like an improved quarterback in the opener. They use the tight end as a weapon in the pass game and have a good running back in Darrin Reaves.
2. With LSU being such a highly ranked team, a lot of people are simply writing off UAB. What’s the attitude been like around the program leading up to this weekend’s matchup with the Tigers?
Champlin: More of a “shock the world” mentality. No one thought they would beat LSU in 2000 and it happened. They aren’t looking to that game for inspiration, but they believe they can play
with anybody.
3. Wide receiver Jamarcus Nelson had sort of a coming out party against Troy last week with 199 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Can Nelson have a repeat performance against LSU or was last week a fluke?
Champlin: Last week definitely wasn’t a fluke, but I can’t see him getting 367 all-purpose yards against a team like LSU. It won’t surprise me if he breaks a big play, as he has SEC speed but he’s not real big. He’ll have games like that against other Conference USA teams, though.
4. What do quarterbacks Jonathan Perry and Austin Brown each bring to the table in the offense and how will that competition play out against LSU?
Champlin: They’re both about the same. Some people outside of the program think Brown’s the passer and Perry’s the runner, but that’s not the case. They’re both pocket passers. Brown has a little bit stronger of an arm, but Perry’s a little taller. Brown will start and Perry will probably come in the third series and I think the only way Perry plays more than he did last week is if UAB is getting blown out in the second half.
5. Prediction for the game?
Champlin: Let’s go 45-17 LSU. I do think UAB can score a couple of touchdowns, but I have a hard time seeing them make enough stops.