UAB Blazers Prepare for Tough Road Test Against Navy Midshipmen

Annapolis, MD - After a thrilling 52–42 shootout win over Alabama State to open the season, the UAB Blazers are heading north for a Week 2 clash against the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday, September 6. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

This matchup marks UAB's first American Athletic Conference test of the season, and it's a steep one. Navy enters the game with an 88.2% win probability, fresh off a dominant 52–7 victory over VMI. The Midshipmen's triple-option offense and disciplined defense will challenge UAB's revamped roster under Head Coach Trent Dilfer.

Key Matchup Insights

• Quarterback Duel: UAB's Jalen Kitna impressed in Week 1, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns on 78.3% passing. Navy counters with Blake Horvath, who was efficient in his opener, completing 85.7% of his passes with a touchdown.

• Ground Game Battle: UAB's Jevon Jackson exploded for 166 rushing yards and two scores last week, but Navy's Braxton Woodson posted 180 yards on just seven carries. Expect both teams to lean heavily on their run game.

• Defensive Pressure: UAB's defense gave up 42 points to Alabama State, raising concerns about their ability to contain Navy's methodical offense. Navy, meanwhile, will look to exploit UAB's young secondary and test their tackling discipline.

Venue Spotlight

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is one of college football's most historic venues, and the Midshipmen rarely lose at home. For UAB, this will be a major test of composure and execution in a hostile environment.

What's at Stake

For UAB, a win would be a statement that the program's rebuild under Dilfer is ahead of schedule. For Navy, it's a chance to solidify their standing in the AAC and build momentum before conference play intensifies.