NCAAF picks: South Alabama vs. Southern Miss, Central Arkansas vs. UAB

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While there are no Power 5 games for a couple weeks, we have some mid-major action Thursday. Central Arkansas will face off with UAB, and South Alabama will take on Southern Miss.

Let’s break down the games and provide some betting tips for this week’s college football action!

South Alabama vs Southern Miss

UAB quarterback Jack Abraham and wide receiver Tim Jones are both first-team preseason All-Conference USA selections and lead an offense that threw for nearly 3,500 yards last year. The passing attack should be more than enough against a porous South Alabama defense.

Defensively, the Blazers lost much of their starters, especially in the front seven, but South Alabama’s offense should not pose a massive rushing threat. It will be up UAB's secondary, where there are multiple playmakers, to keep South Alabama’s passing attack in check.

It is a new start for a South Alabama team that went 2-10 last season, and they will hope to perform much better defensively. Nine of the Jaguars' 12 opponents scored at least 30 points, and their first four opponents scored 35 points or more. They ranked 115th in the nation in total defense and will likely struggle to stop a UAB offense that averaged nearly 30 points per game last season.

South Alabama's offense should be able to put up some points, as they return eight of their eleven starters on an offense that scored 27 points or more in three of their last four games.

But it won’t be enough. Southern Miss should roll to a convincing victory.

Score prediction: Southern Miss 35, South Alabama 16

NCAAF picks: Under 53.5 (-112), Southern Miss -15 (-110)

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Central Arkansas vs UAB, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET

The Bears of Central Arkansas come into the game with a 1-0 record, after they defeated Austin Peay on Saturday, 24-17.

Their defense gave up a 75-yard touchdown on their first play, but they got an outstanding fourth quarter from quarterback Breylin Smith to overcome their poor defensive play. They were also aided by multiple mistakes that cost Austin Peay any hope of pulling out the victory.

UAB was a great running team last year and will look to capitalize where Austin Peay could not. Running back Spencer Brown and quarterback Tyler Johnston will look to gash a UCA defense that allowed more than 270 first downs last season.

UAB’s defense should also fare much better, as it returns many starters, including the best linebacker in Conference USA.

The Blazers should control this game from start to finish. They have superior talent and will play Central Arkansas just five days after its game against Austin Peay.

Look for Brown to have a big day running the ball, and for Central Arkansas to get some points late in the contest.

Score prediction: UAB 31, Central Arkansas 13

NCAAF pick: UAB moneyline