FACTS & STATS: Site: Legion Field (71,594) -- Birmingham, Alabama. Television: American Sports Network. Home Record: LA Tech 3-1, UAB 3-1. Away Record: LA Tech 3-2, UAB 2-3. Neutral Record: LA Tech 0-0, UAB 0-0. Conference Record: LA Tech 5-0, UAB 3-2. Series Record: Louisiana Tech leads, 4-0.

GAME NOTES: One of the hottest teams in Conference USA will attempt to continue their reign atop the West Division standings on Saturday afternoon, as the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs travel to Legion Field to take on the UAB Blazers.

Louisiana Tech has reeled off four straight victories to move to 6-3 overall, earning bowl eligibility for the third time in the past four seasons. The Bulldogs had one of their most dominant performances of the season last week in a 59-10 blowout of Western Kentucky to improve their league record to 5-0.

UAB had lost two straight heading into last Saturday's contest but managed to salvage a three-game road trip with a 31-28 victory at Florida Atlantic. The Blazers are now 5-4 overall (3-2 C-USA) and have won three of four on their home field.

Louisiana Tech has defeated UAB in all four previous meetings in the all-time series, most recently in 1999, 41-20.

The Bulldogs' offense has been very efficient this season, putting up 35.8 ppg and 394.6 ypg. Last week's effort was their best yet as they amassed more than 500 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Cody Sokol was outstanding in the win over WKU, completing 30-of-42 for 335 yards while accounting for a career-high six touchdowns (one rushing). Sokol's season as a whole has been stellar, as he's throwing for 257.0 ypg with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The biggest beneficiary of Sokol's performance last week was Trent Taylor, who hauled in nine passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor leads the way in receptions (41), yards (538) and touchdowns (five), and the deep receiving corps boasts five players with at least 250 receiving yards.

Kenneth Dixon is an outstanding three-down back. He not only has 758 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, but he's also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield with 21 grabs for 257 yards and five scores.

Louisiana Tech's defense shined just as brightly as the offense last week in allowing just 10 points and forcing five turnovers, a performance that went a long way in helping the unit's year-to-date numbers (24.1 ppg, 344.8 ypg).

The defense is tied for second in the nation in turnovers gained with 25 (16 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries). Kentrell Brice is the leading tackler with 58 stops to go with three forced fumbles and an interception. Terrell Pinson (40 tackles) has made plays all over the field with 7.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Xavier Woods and Adairius Barnes have combined for seven picks.

UAB has also performed well offensively, scoring 34.6 ppg while ranking third in the league in yardage (440.3 ypg).

Most of the Blazers' production comes out of the backfield. Jordan Howard has been outstanding, ranking fourth in nation in carries (205) and 14th in yards (1,009), while scoring nine touchdowns, with 167 yards and two of those scores coming last week. D.J. Vinson has also been actively involved with 549 yards and four touchdowns on 74 attempts.

With UAB having nearly twice as many rushes than passes, Cody Clements isn't asked to do much, but he's still been efficient in completing more than 68 percent of his passes for 1,724 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding solid rushing totals as well (159 yards, four TDs).

J.J. Nelson has been an excellent deep threat with 571 yards and three touchdowns on just 26 catches (22.0 ypc). Kennard Backman has a team-best 27 receptions for 297 yards and three scores.

While the Blazers' offense has played well, the defense has let them down by allowing 30.2 ppg and 396.7 ypg.

Jake Ganus is the unit's top playmaker with 49 tackles, 11.5 TFL and 5.0 sacks. Diaheem Watkins (8.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks) and Shaq Jones (8.0 TFL) have been solid up front. Lamarcus Farmer has a pair of interceptions.

UAB has the rushing attack to keep Louisiana Tech's offense off the field, and on its home field it should be able to keep this one close, but the Bulldogs have been rolling of late and will likely be able to take advantage of the Blazers' leaky defense.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Louisiana Tech 41, UAB 33