Texas A&M Football: Ranking Aggies’ 2018 opponents by toughness

This game will be much tougher than people are giving it credit for. Just a couple of years ago, UAB didn’t even have a football program, but the school reinstated it and it was successful, to say the least, in 2017 with an 8-5 record and a Bahamas Bowl berth — though it lost 41-6 to Ohio.

The Blazes return eight starters on offense which should help improve them from a lackluster showing a year ago — ranking 71st nationally in points and 98th in total yardage.

Spencer Brown leads one of the best run games in the C-USA, though. The Blazers ranked 44th nationally in rushing and Brown’s 1,329 yards and 10 touchdowns as a true freshman put him on the map. He will be a name to watch for in the Group of Five Heisman race.

A.J. Erdely is back at quarterback after passing for 2,331 yards and 16 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. He could afford some improvement, though.

Defensively, the Blazers return six starters, including Broderick Thomas at free safety who finished with 95 tackles and two interceptions last season. The Blazers’ defense ranked 41st in the nation and 22nd against the pass.

Not a cakewalk here, by any means.