UAB Football: 3 takeaways from C-USA title game vs. Middle Tennessee

1. Brent Stockstill couldn’t do it alone on offense for Middle Tennessee

Nepotism alone cannot explain why Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill has opted to go with his son, Brent, as his starter at quarterback over the past four years. As the younger Stockstill demonstrated in carving up the Blazers secondary in the showdown against UAB, he is one of the top 25 passers in the country.

Stockstill finished 29-of-45 for 362 yards and two touchdowns, keeping pace with a Blazers squad he dominated the previous week as well. But unlike the game at the end of November, the December 1 showdown for the C-USA title was a sloppier performance with more mistakes from the senior gunslinger. Middle Tennessee’s quarterback tossed two interceptions in the defeat, costing the Blue Raiders several shots at a comeback after falling behind 24-16 at the half.

An ineffective ground game that managed to net only 94 total yards proved costly, as everything fell upon Stockstill’s shoulders. Other than a 48-yard scamper in the fourth quarter by Zach Dobson, the Blue Raiders averaged just two yards per carry as a team.

Stockstill was pivotal in putting the Blue Raiders in position to have a shot at the victory, but he was also a big reason why they never were able to get over the hump. Still, Stockstill did everything he possibly could to drag the hosts to victory. The effort was in vain, but it was impressive nonetheless and will put Middle Tennessee’s bowl opponent on notice to game plan for a tough passing attack.