What To Know
- The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most intense in the conference and has a significant impact on the overall standings.
- The rivalry between UAB and North Texas is often referred to as the “Battle for Birmingham” due to the proximity of the two universities.
- The rivalry is likely to continue to be a major draw for fans and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the conference.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the University of North Texas (UNT) are two formidable teams in the Sun Belt Conference. Both universities boast impressive football programs with a rich history of success. In this blog post, we will delve into the rivalry between UAB and North Texas, exploring their head-to-head matchups, key players, and the overall impact they have on the Sun Belt Conference.
Head-to-Head Matchups
UAB and North Texas have faced each other 12 times since their first meeting in 2005. UAB holds a slight edge in the series, with a 7-5 record. The two teams have split the last four meetings, with UNT winning in 2019 and 2021, while UAB emerged victorious in 2020 and 2022.
Key Players
UAB:
- Dylan Hopkins (Quarterback): A dynamic playmaker who led UAB to a C-USA West Division title in 2022.
- DeWayne McBride (Running Back): A shifty and explosive runner who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.
- Jake Ganus (Linebacker): A tackling machine who led UAB in tackles in 2022.
North Texas:
- Austin Aune (Quarterback): A veteran signal-caller with experience in the Big 12 Conference.
- Ikaika Ragsdale (Wide Receiver): A talented pass-catcher who has been one of Aune’s favorite targets.
- Grayson Murphy (Linebacker): A hard-hitting defender who led UNT in tackles in 2022.
Impact on the Sun Belt Conference
Both UAB and North Texas have been major forces in the Sun Belt Conference in recent years. UAB won the C-USA West Division title in 2022 and advanced to the conference championship game. North Texas finished with a 7-6 record in 2022 and earned a berth in the New Mexico Bowl. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most intense in the conference and has a significant impact on the overall standings.
The “Battle for Birmingham”
The rivalry between UAB and North Texas is often referred to as the “Battle for Birmingham” due to the proximity of the two universities. Birmingham is located about 90 miles southwest of Huntsville (UAB) and 120 miles northeast of Denton (UNT). The rivalry has generated a lot of excitement and passionate fan support in the Birmingham area.
The Future of the Rivalry
The future of the UAB vs. North Texas rivalry looks bright. Both teams have talented rosters and are expected to be competitive in the Sun Belt Conference for years to come. The rivalry is likely to continue to be a major draw for fans and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the conference.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry Forged in Fire
The rivalry between UAB and North Texas is one of the most intense and competitive in the Sun Belt Conference. The two teams have a long history of memorable matchups and have consistently been among the top contenders in the league. As both universities continue to grow and improve, the “Battle for Birmingham” is sure to remain a highlight of the Sun Belt Conference football season for years to come.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Who has the better overall record in the series between UAB and North Texas?
A: UAB holds a slight edge with a 7-5 record.
Q: Who is the current head coach of UAB?
A: Trent Dilfer
Q: Who is the current head coach of North Texas?
A: Seth Littrell
Q: What is the name of the stadium where UAB plays its home games?
A: Protective Stadium
Q: What is the name of the stadium where North Texas plays its home games?
