Your Picks on Louisiana-Monroe vs UAB

Two 0-1 teams meet in Birmingham

The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks visit the UAB Blazers at Protective Stadium in Birmingham on September 12 during the 2026 college football season. Both teams enter 0-1, with UAB opening its home schedule and ULM playing its second consecutive road game.

UAB lost 42-23 at Illinois despite leading 413-332 in total yardage. The Blazers rushed for 194 yards, collected 24 first downs and controlled possession for more than 41 minutes. Quarterback Ryder Burton contributed 219 passing yards and one touchdown through the air, plus 38 rushing yards and another score.

Production still needs to become points

ULM opened with a 62-13 defeat at Mississippi State, allowing 762 total yards, including 345 rushing yards on 37 attempts. Those numbers make UAB’s rushing attack a relevant matchup consideration, but performances against different opponents do not establish an expected margin here.

Third-down results also differed: UAB converted 10 of 19 opportunities, while ULM converted three of 16. Still, UAB coach Alex Mortensen identified missed scoring opportunities after the Illinois loss, emphasizing the need to turn red-zone field-goal situations into touchdowns.

The Warhawks lead the series 2-1 and won the most recent meeting 32-6 in 2024. That result provides history, but ULM’s 2026 roster includes 56 newcomers alongside 49 returning players, limiting its usefulness as a forecast.

Prices and final decision

UAB is -350 on the moneyline and -9.5 (-110) against the spread. Louisiana-Monroe is +280 on the moneyline and +9.5 (-110). Over 54.5 is -110, and under 54.5 is -110.

UAB’s opening production offers reasons for optimism, but the available evidence does not establish value at these prices or support a specific score. The final recommendation is Pass, with no winner or total selection.