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

2. Offensive balance made the difference for UAB in the title game

While Stockstill had little support from the backfield, UAB was far more successful in generating balance in their offensive productivity. Spencer Brown was a huge presence on the ground for the Blazers, as he went into triple digits in the third quarter and finished the day with 156 yards and a touchdown against the Blue Raiders. Brown averaged five yards per carry as he gashed Middle Tennessee for one hard gain after another.

Tyler Johnston III was nowhere near as productive passing the ball as his Middle Tennessee counterpart, but the UAB quarterback was a dual threat on the road in a way that Stockstill will never provide. Johnston ended with 140 yards through the air on 9-of-15 passing with a touchdown and a pick, and added 57 rushing yards and a score on 19 carries.

Balance on offense allowed UAB to more effectively move the chains, as they finished with 21 first downs against 18 for Middle Tennessee. The Blazers controlled the clock, finishing with just over half the possession. Unlike the Blue Raiders, UAB was able to churn out hard yards on the ground and keep the clock running to dictate the pace of the game.

It was an impressive performance in the end by a team that was on the verge of extinction just a few years ago. The running game helped steer UAB to the first conference championship in any league in school history.