Army vs. UAB: Birmingham Hosts Gritty AAC Clash with Redemption on the Line

October 4, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM, AL. - Protective Stadium will be the battleground today as the Army Black Knights (1–3) face off against the UAB Blazers (2–2) in a high-stakes American Athletic Conference showdown. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CDT on ESPNU, and while neither team enters with a winning record, both are hungry to reset their seasons and prove their mettle.

Context and Stakes

Army arrives in Birmingham after a humbling 28–6 loss to East Carolina, where offensive miscues and defensive lapses exposed vulnerabilities. UAB, meanwhile, is licking its wounds from a 56–24 defeat at Tennessee, a game that highlighted both the explosive potential of its passing game and the fragility of its defense.

For Army, today's game is about restoring discipline and capitalizing on its elite rushing attack. For UAB, it's a chance to showcase quarterback Jalen Kitna's arm and test Army's secondary in front of a home crowd.

Statistically, Army leans heavily on its ground game, averaging 286.3 rushing yards per contest-good for 4th nationally. However, its passing offense ranks near the bottom of the FBS at just 94 yards per game, placing it 135th. UAB, by contrast, is built around the air raid, with Kitna leading a unit that averages 320 passing yards per game, ranking 13th nationally. The Blazers' rushing attack is less potent, generating just 117 yards per game, which places them 111th.

Both teams have struggled defensively. Army allows 31 points per game, while UAB's defense has been even more porous, surrendering 41 points per contest. Neither team has excelled in turnover margin either-Army sits at –3, and UAB at –4, reflecting ball security issues that could swing today's outcome.

Key Players to Watch

Army

• Dewayne Coleman (QB): Dual-threat leader with 268 rushing yards and 3 TDs.

• Noah Short (RB): Averaging 11.5 yards per carry; breakout potential.

• Eric Ford (LB): Veteran presence anchoring the front seven.

UAB

• Jalen Kitna (QB): 1,256 passing yards, 8 TDs, 72% completion rate.

• Jevon Jackson (RB): 280 rushing yards, 3 TDs; also a receiving threat.

• Corri Milliner (WR): 268 yards, 3 TDs; deep-ball specialist.

Matchup Dynamics

Army's run-heavy offense will be tested against a UAB defense that ranks 130th nationally against the run, allowing over 222 yards per game. That mismatch could allow Army to dominate possession and wear down the Blazers' front. On the flip side, UAB's passing attack will challenge Army's secondary, which ranks 61st nationally, allowing 206 yards per game through the air.

Third-down efficiency could be a deciding factor. UAB's defense allows conversions on 56.6% of third downs-the worst mark in the FBS. Army's methodical offense thrives on sustaining drives, and if the Blazers can't get off the field, the Black Knights may grind their way to victory.

Coach Commentary

Army head coach Jeff Monken emphasized fundamentals this week: "We've got to win the line of scrimmage and protect the football. UAB's explosive, but if we control tempo, we control the game."

UAB's Trent Dilfer, in his second season, remains confident: "We've got the talent to compete with anyone. Kitna's playing lights out, and our guys are ready to respond."

Prediction and Outlook

Most betting models favor Army by 6.5 points, with a projected score of Army 37, UAB 23. The over/under sits at 57.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair.

Army's disciplined ground game and clock control give it the edge, especially against a porous UAB defense. But if Kitna gets hot early and UAB forces turnovers, the Blazers could flip the script.

Local Impact

For Birmingham fans, today's game is more than a stat sheet-it's a showcase of grit, strategy, and regional pride. With both teams seeking redemption, expect a physical contest that could shape the trajectory of their AAC seasons.