FACTS & STATS: Site: Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250) -- Columbia, South Carolina. Television: None. Home Record: UAB 1-1, South Carolina 2-1. Away Record: UAB 0-2, South Carolina 0-1. Neutral Record: UAB 0-0, South Carolina 0-0. Conference Record: UAB 0-1, South Carolina 0-2. Series Record: South Carolina leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: The UAB Blazers continue their non-conference slate in Columbia this weekend, as they are set to tangle with the South Carolina Gamecocks. UAB notched its first win of the season in last week's 45-10 pasting of Alabama State. This will be the Blazers' final non-conference game of the season, as they resume their Conference-USA schedule at home against Memphis next weekend. Ever since a convincing, season-opening win over North Carolina State, the Gamecocks have fallen on hard times. They lost by a touchdown at 21st-ranked Vanderbilt, then lost by a touchdown to third-ranked Georgia. But last weekend, playing at home against FCS school Wofford, the Gamecocks had to scratch and claw their way to a 23-13 victory' leaving many scratching their heads. South Carolina won the only previous meeting with UAB, 13-3, during the 2003 season.

At his weekly press conference, UAB head coach Neil Callaway said that, despite the scoring outburst against Alabama State, his offense is still sloppy and not executing very well. He has spent the practice week preparing his players for the physical brand of football the Gamecocks are sure to bring. Blazer quarterback Joe Webb is coming off a big game in which he threw for 238 yards and two TDs, while running for 121 yards and another score. He has been the team's only real rushing threat (100.2 ypg), and ranks ninth nationally in total offense, averaging 325.3 ypg. Wideout Frantrell Forrest is another big-play guy, as he ranks eighth in the nation in all-purpose yardage (180.0).

Coach Callaway said he likes how his defense has played against the run, but he needs to see improvement in the passing game. While this unit has made strides each week, they often struggle to get off the field because they tend to give up big passing plays on third down. Of course, part of that has to do with pressuring the quarterback. The Blazers had to dial up safety blitzes for two of their three sacks against Alabama State. However, against an SEC squad like South Carolina, the Blazers are going to have to be able to apply some pressure without sacrificing coverage. If the defensive linemen aren't able to penetrate, it could be a long day for the UAB secondary.

Running back Mike Davis (54 carries, 267 yds, TD) is serving a one-game suspension and will miss this weekend's tilt for USC. In addition to his rushing duties, Davis has served as a nice check-down option out of the backfield, with 14 catches in four games. Coach Steve Spurrier said at practice this week that he may try some different starters all over the offense. Chris Smelley didn't exactly solidify his spot at quarterback, going 23-of-33 for 204 yards, one TD and two INTs against Wofford. Tommy Beecher, who was benched after throwing four picks in the opener, is Spurriers only other option at the moment. Jared Cook (17 rec, 246 yds, TD) and Moe Brown (15 rec, 235 yds, TD) are the primary targets in the passing game.

The Gamecocks rank ninth nationally in total defense (225 ypg) and 16th in scoring defense (12.75 ppg). They boast the nation's top-ranked pass defense, having allowed only 96.25 ypg through the air. That includes a fine performance against Georgia gunslinger Matthew Stafford (146 yards, four sacks), currently the SECs top-rated passer. Last week, they held Wofford to 100 yards through the air. The Gamecocks have allowed only one passing touchdown on the season. Strong safety Emanuel Cook headlines the defense with 35 tackles.

With the exception of last weekend, the Blazer defense has gotten lit up. While Spurrier's quarterback situation still isn't fully settled, his scheme will make things tough for the Blazers. UAB had no answer for SEC foe Tennessee two weeks ago (35-3), and will likely struggle to slow down the Gamecocks in this one.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: South Carolina 42, UAB 10

Saturday, September 27th, 7:00 p.m. (et)