FACTS & STATS: Site: Legion Field (72,000) -- Birmingham, Alabama. Television: None. Home Record: Tulsa 0-0, UAB 0-0. Away Record: Tulsa 0-0, UAB 0-0. Neutral Record: Tulsa 0-0, UAB 0-0. Conference Record: Tulsa 0-0, UAB 0-0. Series Record: Tulsa leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: Tulsa will jump right into Conference-USA action when the Golden Hurricane battle the UAB Blazers at Legion Field this Saturday afternoon. The Golden Hurricane are coming off one of their best seasons in school history. Tulsa finished with a 10-4 ledger, marking the sixth time in its 108-year history that Tulsa posted double-figure wins, and the first time since 1991. Tulsa has a strong record in season-opening matchups, posting a 63-44-1 ledger. As for the Blazers, not much went right for them in 2007, as the team stumbled through a horrid 2-10 campaign. This is the first home opener for UAB since 2004, but the schedule will get much tougher for the Blazers, as they will hit the road for three of their next four contests. Last year was the first meeting between Tulsa and UAB. It was a hard fought matchup, but the Hurricane was able to hold on for a 38-30 victory.

The Hurricane return nine starters on offense for the 2008 campaign, but one player that has moved one is quarterback Paul Smith. Smith was one of the top signal-callers in the country and will be extremely hard to replace. David Johnson will try his best to fill Smith's cleats, as the senior will take over under center. Johnson has seen limited action, as the senior only threw eight passes a year ago. Fortunately Johnson will have a slew of targets at his disposal, including Brennan Marion and Trae Johnson. Marion set a NCAA record with an amazing 31.9 ypc, while Johnson finished with a team-high 70 catches and 13 touchdowns. The ground game will once again be led by Tarrion Adams. Adams was sensational in 2007, rumbling for 1,225 yards and eight scores, but the tailback will definitely be relied on more since Johnson will need time to get acclimated under center.

The 2008 season will rest on the defense for Tulsa, and that does not bode well for coach Todd Graham. Last year the Hurricane surrendered 33.4 ppg, and with only five starters back in the mix, it could be another long season for this defensive unit. The team's top three in tackles from a year ago are gone, leaving the linebacking corps filled with inexperience. Junior Mike Bryan made 25 tackles and contributed on special teams and he will be counted on to man the middle of the field as a starter this season. True freshman Zack Wallace and sophomore Kenny R. Sims will also assume starting roles alongside Bryan. George Clinkscale, who played linebacker last season for Tulsa, will move to the defensive end position giving the Hurricane much needed help on a front line that was abused for 185 rushing ypg. The defensive backfield was also a major problem in 2007, but with Roy Roberts moving over to the bandit position, the Golden Hurricane should been much improved in 2008.

The Blazers have been unable to put forth a consistent effort offensively for two years now, but with seven starters returning for the new campaign it is possible UAB will finally get this unit back on stride. Joe Webb will start the year under center for UAB, and while the junior only played sparingly, he should be able to put forth a solid season, especially with the return of the top three receivers from last year. The sophomore tandem of Frantrell Forrest and Mario Wright are coming off impressive seasons respectfully, and are in line to put up even better numbers this year. Forrest led the team in receptions (49), yards (563) and touchdowns (5), while Wright also found the end zone four times. The ground game was unsuccessful last year, averaging just 3.7 ypc, and with a very inexperienced backfield, the Blazers could be in line for more of the same. Jim Mitchell will open the season against Tulsa in the backfield, but the junior only ran the ball 18 times last year and is still very raw.

A major reason for the Blazers' 2-10 ledger from a year ago was the play by the defensive unit. UAB was pounded for 35.1 ppg in 2007, but fortunately the team returns nine starters, and hopefully for coach Neil Callaway, the unit will perform at a much higher level. On the line, sophomore Bryant Turner has plenty of upside and he could be one of the top pass rushers in C-USA. Last season, the 6-2, 260-pound Turner notched 31 tackles and eight TFLs and he has the speed and a year of experience to improve on those numbers. The linebacking corps should also be sound and this group is led by senior Joe Henderson. Henderson was a bright spot for the defense last year, leading the team with five sacks and ranking second with 109 tackles. The return of senior safeties Will Dunbar and Matt Taylor, give the Blazers hope for a turnaround as the new campaign begins. Dunbar is physical with outstanding ball skills and he was an all-league choice after recording a team-high 122 tackles in 2007.

The Blazers should definitely be a much tougher opponent in the new season, but the team still has plenty of holes on both sides of the ball. Expect the Hurricane to roll into town and leave with the victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Tulsa 31, UAB 21

Saturday, August 30th, 4:00 p.m. (et)