UAB Hosts No. 22 Memphis in Battle for the Bones Amid Coaching Shakeup and Heartfelt Tradition

October 14, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM, AL. - The UAB Blazers return to Protective Stadium this Saturday, Oct. 18, for one of the most emotionally charged and high-stakes matchups of their season: a showdown against undefeated and 22nd-ranked Memphis in the annual Battle for the Bones. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CT and will be nationally televised on ESPN2.

This year's edition of the rivalry arrives with added layers of drama, transition, and meaning. Just days before the game, UAB announced a major leadership change, parting ways with Head Coach Trent Dilfer on Sunday, Oct. 12. Offensive Coordinator Alex Mortensen has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season, marking his first career game at the helm.

A New Era Begins

Mortensen, who joined UAB's staff in 2023, expressed both gratitude and humility as he steps into the role under unexpected circumstances.

"I certainly did not expect to be in this position right now," Mortensen said during his introductory press conference. "Coach Dilfer really cared about our players and staff. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him, and now I'm focused on doing the right thing for our players and this university."

UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram praised Mortensen's leadership and rapport with the team.

"Our success offensively is well documented," Ingram said. "Alex is very well-liked by our players and staff, and we're excited to have him lead our program for the next six football games."

Mortensen acknowledged the challenges ahead, including balancing offensive coordination with head coaching duties. He emphasized time management and collaboration with department heads as key to navigating the transition.

Spotlight on Solomon Beebe

One of the brightest stars on the field for UAB this season has been running back Solomon Beebe. The dynamic playmaker is coming off a standout performance against Florida Atlantic, where he led the team in both rushing and receiving, scoring two touchdowns and racking up 119 all-purpose yards.

Beebe currently ranks 12th nationally in all-purpose yards per game (129.0) and has surpassed 100 all-purpose yards in five of six games this season. His season totals include 110 rushing yards, 236 receiving yards, and a staggering 428 kickoff return yards.

With Memphis boasting a perfect record and a top-25 ranking, Beebe's versatility and explosiveness will be critical to UAB's chances of pulling off an upset.

A Game with Heart: The Children's Harbor Tradition

Beyond the gridiron, Saturday's game holds deep emotional significance as UAB celebrates its ninth annual Children's Harbor game. The Blazers will wear alternate grey and lime jerseys adorned with the names of 100 patients from Children's Harbor-a nonprofit located on UAB's campus that supports families of seriously ill children.

Children's Harbor has been serving families since 1989, offering no-cost services at its Birmingham Family Center and Lake Martin retreat facility. The partnership with UAB football began a decade ago and has become a cherished tradition for players, coaches, and fans alike.

"This is something that means a lot to a lot of families and kids," Mortensen said. "Our players have really embraced it-playing for something bigger than themselves. It's a great opportunity to interact with those families and honor their strength."

Looking Ahead

As UAB prepares to face Memphis, the team finds itself at a crossroads-both competitively and emotionally. With six games remaining in the regular season, Mortensen is focused on rallying the team and sending seniors out on a high note.

"This thing is really about the players," Mortensen said. "Some of them are on their last stretch of college football. It's important we send them out the right way."

The Battle for the Bones trophy and bragging rights are on the line, but for UAB, this week is about more than football. It's about resilience, community, and honoring the spirit of those who fight battles far tougher than any faced on the field.

As the Blazers take the field under new leadership and in special jerseys, they'll do so with a renewed sense of purpose-and a chance to turn the page on a season filled with challenges and hope.