The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
UAB scores
August 28, 2025 – BIRMINGHAM, AL. - The UAB Blazers emerged victorious in a 94 point shootout with cross state rival Alabama State that thrilled fans of both teams.
The UAB Blazers lit up Protective Stadium with a dominating offensive performance.
UAB had 520 total yards, 273 rushing yards, 247 passing yards, seven touchdowns (5 rushing, 2 passing), and tird down efficiency: of 6-of-10.
The bad news for Blazer fans was that they needed all of that offensive fireworks to emerge victorious against the Hornets out of the SWAC.
ASU had 514 total yards, 202 rushing yards, 312 passing yards, six total touchdowns (2 rushing, 4 passing), 26 first downs: (11 rushing, 14 passing, 1 penalty), and a jaw dropping third down efficiency of 13-of-15 (86.7%). Alabama State won the time of possession: 33:55.
From the opening whistle, it was clear this wasn't going to be a defensive slugfest. UAB struck first with a 42-yard field goal from Jonah Delange, but Alabama State quickly answered with a 60-yard touchdown run from quarterback Andrew Body, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle.
The Blazers responded with a methodical 73-yard drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Kitna to Iverson Hooks. That drive showcased Kitna's poise and command of the offense-traits that would define his night.
By halftime, Alabama State held a narrow 21–17 lead, thanks to Body's dual-threat brilliance. But the third quarter belonged entirely to UAB.
Trailing by 11 early in the second half (to the horror of the home crowd), UAB flipped the script with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter. Running back Jevon Jackson ignited the comeback with a 46-yard touchdown run, followed by a 5-yard score from Isaiah Jacobs and a 3-yard plunge from Jackson again.
Solomon Beebe added his own fireworks with a 5-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion, giving UAB a 38–28 lead heading into the final frame. The Blazers' offensive line dominated the trenches, opening wide lanes and allowing the trio of Jackson, Beebe, and Jacobs to combine for 259 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
UAB quarterback Jalen Kitna, making his debut as UAB's full-time starter, was nearly flawless. He completed 18 of 23 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball efficiently and showing excellent decision-making under pressure.
His top targets were Corri Milliner, who hauled in five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, and Iverson Hooks, who added seven receptions for 73 yards and a score. Milliner's 49-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was a momentum-shifter, showcasing his speed and route-running precision.
ASU's Andrew Body threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 119 yards and another score.
UAB's defense had a poor performance overall but made key plays when it mattered. Sirad Bryant led the team with eight tackles, while newcomers Devin Hightower, Amorie Morrison, and Pierre Royster each contributed six. Hightower also recorded a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble, helping to stall a critical ASU drive in the third quarter.
UAB head coach Trent Dilfer's offseason strategy was on full display. With 49 new players on the roster-including 31 transfers-UAB looked deeper, faster, and more versatile than last season. Dilfer's emphasis on experience paid off, as the Blazers showed composure in high-pressure moments and executed a balanced offensive game plan.
The crowd at Protective Stadium was very disappointing. The stadium was only about 40 percent full and the crowd appeared to be slightly in favor of the Hornets. With kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and promotions like $5 domestic beers, fans packed the stands for what turned into a scoring spectacle. The "Party at Protective" theme lived up to its name, and the energy from the crowd seemed to fuel UAB's second-half surge.
With the win, UAB moves to 1–0 and sets its sights on a tougher opponent next week when they play Navy in Annapolis. The defense is going to have to play a lot better if UAB hopes to go to a bowl The offense looks like it is ready to compete with anyone, but the defense has to be able to get opponents off the field. They did not do that consistently with Alabama State.
Kitna's performance suggests he could be one of the breakout quarterbacks in the Group of Five this season, and the running back trio gives UAB a dynamic ground game that can wear down defenses over four quarters.
This is Coach Dilfer's third season as the head man in Birmingham and his seat could become hot if the Blazers struggle early.
(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)
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