The Edge
Compiled by Braden Howell

TCU PASSING GAME
The Frogs passing game uses a variety of short passes to help move the ball and control the clock, then waits for the defense to draw in before trying to stretch the field by going deep. It's not the most exciting, but it’s efficient. Cory Rodgers has emerged into a legitimate threat, and the Frogs will need to use him, as UAB has a stingy pass defense.

UAB PASS DEFENSE
The UAB defense has held some high caliber throwers in check this season. Although he only has one interception on the season, cornerback Bobby Keyes is always in position to make a play on the ball. The secondary is not as athletic as the USF secondary, but it will still pose a problem for the Frogs passing game.

TCU RUN GAME
The Frogs ground game has kept the offense alive this season. Last weekend TCU did not rack up big yards, but it controlled the ball and the clock. Robert Merrill continues to make plays, and with Lonta Hobbs returning to full strength, the backfield should start to shine. The offensive line will be seeking redemption from a less than stellar performance against USF. Look for the Frogs to utilize their speed and run to the outside.

UAB RUN DEFENSE
The Blazers have a big run stopper in nose tackle Shamar Abrams (6-1, 310), but the rest of the front four are undersized. UAB has not excelled at stopping the run, although outside linebacker Zac Woodfin does a great job of getting to the ball. Against the bigger Frogs offensive line, the Blazers should have a hard time getting to both Merrill and Hobbs.

TCU PASS DEFENSE
The Frogs pass defense put on a showcase performance against the USF spread offense. The unit is playing great defense and blanketing receivers, which is allowing for the Frogs defensive line to get more pressure on the quarterback. That trend should continue against the Blazers.

UAB PASSING GAME
Quarterback Darrell Hackney is an explosive player. He has the ability to make the big plays, and is averaging more than 230 yards a game. Roddy White is a big play receiver who is averaging 17.9 yards a catch. If they get into a rhythm early, they could have a big game, but the Frogs have made a living from shutting down high powered passing games.

TCU RUN DEFENSE
Is there ever any question? The Frogs are third in the country in rush defense, and it looks like they get better with every game they play. They continue to dominate the running game, forcing teams to the air for the majority of the game. The front four, combined with linebackers Josh Goolsby and Martin Patterson, make up an almost impenetrable defensive front.

UAB RUN GAME
The UAB running game will not win the game. In fact, it will have a hard time just moving the ball on the ground. The Blazers rushing offense ranks 104th in the country, and it does have a serious threat at the running back position. Look for the Blazers to abandon the run early in the game.

SPECIAL TEAMS
This could be a tossup. UAB has a much better punt team than the Frogs, but the Frogs punt return team is better. However, the Blazers could give the Frogs problems on kickoffs. UAB is 23rd in the country in kickoff returns (average per return) and if the Frogs cover unit isn't at its best, the Blazers could break one for a touchdown. Nick Browne has a sure foot, but he will be matched by UAB kicker Nick Hayes who is 9-of-11 on field goals this year. The field position battle is an important aspect of the game and one that could doom the Frogs.

OVERALL
The Frogs are starting to get more players healthy, and everyone is looking for them to hit stride at any moment. Of course, that’s what people have been saying since the Tulane game. The Frogs are winning, but it’s time to start winning in a more convincing manor. They face yet another opponent who cannot match them in talent, and the Frogs definitely have more at stake. With a healthy Tye Gunn and both running backs, the Frogs should start to do more damage. The Frogs finally get a convincing win in front of a Homecoming crowd.

PREDICTION: Braden Howell - Frogs 30-13 Brent Yarina - Frogs 24-9