UAB Blazers vs #12 BYU Cougars 2021 Independence Bowl Pick

In the second day of bowl season, we have our UAB vs BYU prediction for the 2021 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. This is our third of six projection for this Saturday. The UAB Blazers (8-4) finished second in the C-USA West with a 6-2 record. They were one game behind #24 UTSA. The Blazers are 3-2 for their last five games. This season, the #12 BYU Cougars (10-2) finished with the second-best record amongst Independents. The #5 Fighting Irish of Notre Dame topped the group with a 11-1 mark. The Cougars have won five straight games.

BYU is favored. You can find the Cougars at -6.5 (-110). The Blazers are at +7.0 (-125). The best under is 55.0 (-110), while the over can be found at 54.5 (-108).

The Independence Bowl will be played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA. The game, which will be broadcast on ABC, will kick off at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Temperatures at game time will be in the mid-50s with a 67% chance of rain. Winds will be from the N at 15 mph with gusts at 28 mph.

Blazers vs Cougars Pick - Stats

The Cougars top the Blazers in average points per game (33.5-to-29.4). Their 458.0 offensive yards per game are 70 better than UAB. Of those, yards, 270 are passing and 188 rushing. On the other hand, UAB is averaging 384 offensive yards per game with 207 in passing. They are averaging 177 rushing YPG.

In terms of defensive, UAB is allowing 65 fewer yards per game than BYU. Plus, they are permitting 22.8 PPG to BYU’s 24.3. The Cougars and Blazers are giving up about the same in the air. However, BYU is allowing opponents 151.6 rushing YPG and UAB 104.1. On D, our UAB vs BYU prediction notes that the Blazers have recorded more sacks (31-17) and the Cougars more interceptions (14-10).

UAB vs BYU Prediction - Key Players

UAB quarterback Dylan Hopkins (64.2%, 2,085 YDs, 15 TDs, 6 INT, 28 SCKs) will battle BYU signal caller Jaren Hall (63.9%, 2,583 YDs, 20 TDs,5 INT, 13 SCKs). Hall, who’s more mobile than Hopkins, has the edge. Hall also has a deeper group of pass catchers. The UAB rushing tandem of DeWayne McBride and Jermaine Brown have run for over 1,500 yards and scored 19 TDs. Tyler Allgeier anchors the BYU running game. He’s recorded over 1,400 yards and has scored 20 times.

UAB vs BYU Prediction

In terms of the betting public, 70 percent are taking the Blazers. To a degree, I understand that. However, BYU is coming in with their full squad, including some of whom are returning after dealing with injuries. Our UAB vs BYU prediction likes the Cougars chances in this bowl game. Thus, we’re taking BYU at -6.5 (-110). Also, we’re going with the over at 54.5 (-108).

Remember, Sports Betting Smarts is picking all 41 college football bowls of 2021-22. Also, for today, please take a look at our Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Appalachian State Mountaineers 2021 Boca Raton Bowl pick and our UTEP vs Fresno State New Mexico Bowl prediction.

2021 Independence Bowl - UAB vs #12 BYU Summary

Spread - BYU Cougars at -6.5 (-110)

Over/Under - Over 54.5 (-108)