Sports

Vegas Challenges Trent Dilfer’s Non-Existent Defense With Insulting Line Vs. Scoreless Football Foe

#College Football
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Trent Dilfer UAB Football Crowd

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The UAB football team will face Akron in Week 3 action as the Blazers look to move to 2-1 on the season. Oddsmakers don’t have much faith in the defense.

Las Vegas challenged Trent Dilfer’s leaky unit with an embarrassing opening line ahead of the matchup with the Zips. They do not believe the Blazers will present a challenge.

There are a few statistics to be aware of with kickoff approaching.

The first involves the UAB defense, which has been unable to stop anyone during Dilfer’s tenure. The second references the Arkon offense, which we’ll get to later.

The Blazers ranked 130th in the nation in scoring in Dilfer’s debut season, giving up 36.9 points per game.

The group improved in Year 2 but was still rated near the bottom of college football in the category. UAB surrendered 34.2 points a contest, good for the 15th-worst mark in the sport.

Dilfer is coaching for his job in 2025. He’s been on the hot seat thanks to both on- and off-field failures.

The Blazers are 8-18 under Dilfer’s guidance. It’s resulted in an inability to recruit top talent, which he credits to NIL deficiencies.

UAB started the season 1-0, avoiding an upset scare against Alabama State. They fell in their conference opener to Navy last week.

UAB football needs some defense.

Through two games, the Blazers again rank near the bottom of college football in points allowed. They’ve given up an average of 40 points per game to a pair of offenses that are far from being considered juggernauts.

The unit was hit for 42 on the scoreboard by what should’ve been an overmatched FCS foe. The Midshipmen then racked up 38 points while rushing for 295 yards. The Blazers were also gashed with big plays through the air.

Tackling was an issue. UAB could not get Navy ball carriers to the ground.

With that being said, UAB did show improvement in their most recent setback. They recorded more first downs than their opponent. The offense put up 24 points. Three turnovers proved to be the difference in the two-score loss. Dilfer has a positive mindset moving into his next challenge.

“We’re excited about the chance to get better this week,” he said ahead of the matchup with Arkon.

“We’re excited about some of the things that went well up at Navy… A lot of effort, a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of buy-in, a lot of accountability and ownership (by the defense). Guys want to get better.”

There is a sense of confidence following the last performance. The team is getting closer to where it hopes to be. It will now look to build on the momentum in Game 3. A chance to pick up a win awaits.

Vegas has little faith.

That outlook is not in reference to the final outcome. The Blazers are an 11.5-point home favorite. It relates strictly to the defense.

Akron has not scored a point in the 2025 season. Yes, you read that correctly.

The Zips have been shut out in back-to-back contests by Wyoming and Nebraska. They are the only team in America that can claim that unwanted honor.

The offense is averaging just 100 yards through the air and 101 on the ground through two games. It’s yet to cross the goal line or convert a field goal attempt.

Still, oddsmakers believe the Zips will break out in a big way on Saturday. They’ve set the opening team total at 21.5 points.

UAB is giving up 40 points per football game. Akron remains scoreless. Vegas essentially split the difference in this battle of ‘stoppable force vs. moveable object.’

Can the Blazers answer the bell or will the Zips become the next offensive unit to light up Trent Dilfer’s defense? It could be must-see TV!