Podcast Previews UAB's Season Opener Against Illinois

The TCR Podcast previews UAB's season opener against Illinois, discussing whether the Blazers can cover a 28.5-point spread. The game is the first for both teams.
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The TCR Podcast's season preview centers on the substantial 28.5-point spread favoring Illinois, with the discussion weighing whether UAB can keep the contest competitive. Since this marks the opening game for both programs, the matchup offers an early indicator of each team's trajectory for the season ahead.
The accompanying photo shows Alex Mortensen serving as interim head coach during a November 2025 home game against South Florida at Protective Stadium. That late-season contest from the prior campaign provides context for the coaching situation UAB carries into this new opener, as the program looks to