After months of speculation and doubt, college football is back.
One of the first games of the 2020 season happened right here in Birmingham. The UAB Blazers took on the Central Arkansas Bears at Legion field on Sept. 5.
The Blazers, coming off of a 9-5 record last season, defeated the Bears 45-35. This impressive victory set the record for most consecutive Conference USA home consecutive victories with 19.
UAB’s offense put up 459 total yards against the Bears, which was a balanced attack of 233 yards rushing and 226 yards passing. The Blazers executed a dual-quarterback system against the Bears with returning starter Tyler Johnston III and redshirt freshman Bryson Lucero. As the season progresses, Head Coach Bill Clark could either continue with the dual-quarterback system or choose one of the two, who are both similar in style.
Though the Blazers have returned to action, all other Alabama NCAA teams have yet to start their season.
The SEC season is less than two weeks away from opening day. The Alabama Crimson Tide will start its season on Sept. 26 on the road against Missouri. The Auburn Tigers will also begin their season on Sept. 26, but at home against Kentucky.
Though primetime football is soon to return, each university has its own plans regarding stadium capacity numbers.
UAB allowed for 50% fan capacity for its game against Central Arkansas, which is currently the highest capacity amount approved by any C-USA program. Both Alabama and Auburn have set a 20% capacity limit to begin the season.
The Samford season outlook is not looking as promising as many fans hoped it would. On Aug. 13, the Southern Conference canceled inter-conference games for the 2020 season. The concept of moving the season to the spring are in discussion, but there will not be any fall football for the Bulldogs, both in conference and non-conference contests.
