Blazers Shock No. 22 Memphis: UAB Rallies Behind Interim Coach Mortensen for 31–24 Upset

October 18, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - In one of the most improbable wins of the 2025 college football season, the UAB Blazers stunned No. 22 Memphis 31–24 on Saturday, delivering a signature victory in the debut of interim head coach Alex Mortensen. The win not only snapped a three-game losing streak but also marked UAB's first American Athletic Conference (AAC) victory of the season-and it came against a previously unbeaten Memphis squad.

The Blazers entered the game as 21.5-point underdogs. They exited with a program-defining win, powered by a breakout performance from quarterback Ryder Burton, a career day from receiver Iverson Hooks, and a goal-line stand for the ages.

A New Era Begins

The game marked a turning point for UAB, which had parted ways with head coach Trent Dilfer just six days earlier. Mortensen, the team's offensive coordinator and son of the late ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, was named interim head coach on Sunday. By Saturday night, he had orchestrated the second-largest upset of the 2025 season by point spread.

"It was a really tough week," Mortensen said after the game. "Our head coach that's been here is Trent Dilfer. And Trent did an outstanding job here with our team. I reminded everyone-he hired the staff, he recruited the players, and he created the culture. So really, a lot of people were hurting at the start of the week when we lost him."

Mortensen's message to the team was simple: effort, poise, and unity.

"We wanted to play with fanatical effort," he said. "The second thing was poise, and the third thing was staying together no matter what. And I think we saw all three of those things tonight."

Offensive Explosion

UAB's offense came alive under Mortensen's leadership, racking up 470 total yards-its highest output against an FBS opponent since 2023. Freshman quarterback Ryder Burton, making his first start, completed 20 of 27 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target, Iverson Hooks, hauled in 11 catches for 172 yards and all three scores.

"Ryder was calm, composed, and confident," Mortensen said. "He's a young guy, but he played like a veteran tonight. And Iverson-what can you say? He was electric."

The Blazers also dominated on the ground, rushing for 219 yards. The highlight came early in the third quarter when running back Solomon Beebe broke free for an 81-yard touchdown run, giving UAB a 10-point cushion and sending Protective Stadium into a frenzy.

A Wild Finish

Despite UAB's offensive fireworks, the game came down to a chaotic final minute. With just over a minute remaining and Memphis trailing by seven, Tigers running back Greg Desrosiers broke a 41-yard run and appeared to score the game-tying touchdown. But UAB safety Tariq Watson made a heroic tackle at the 1-yard line.

Memphis, aware that scoring too quickly could give UAB time for a final drive, tried to bleed the clock. But the Tigers unraveled under pressure. A false start pushed them back five yards. A short pass brought them back to the 1, but another false start and a delay-of-game penalty pushed them to the 11-yard line. On fourth down, backup quarterback AJ Hill's pass to Cortez Braham Jr. fell incomplete in the end zone.

The Blazers' sideline erupted.

"That goal-line stand was about heart," Mortensen said. "It was about belief. Those guys dug deep and refused to let this one slip away."

Memphis Meltdown

For Memphis, the loss was a gut punch. The Tigers entered the game 6–0 and were considered a frontrunner for the Group of Five's spot in the College Football Playoff's 12-team field. Now, they'll need to win out and hope for help.

"We got outcoached," Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield admitted. "This loss wasn't about effort. It was about execution and discipline, and we didn't have it when it mattered most."

Starting quarterback Brendon Lewis left the game in the third quarter with an injury after completing 9 of 10 passes for 68 yards. Backup AJ Hill finished 13 of 25 for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

A Win Beyond the Scoreboard

For Mortensen, the win was deeply personal. His father, Chris Mortensen, passed away in March 2024 after a long battle with cancer. The elder Mortensen was a beloved figure in sports journalism, and his legacy loomed large over the night.

"He would be excited for our team and our program," Mortensen said. "He covered football for a long time. He was always sensitive to coaches losing their jobs. I know he would understand how hard it was, what these guys went through this week."

The younger Mortensen's poise and humility were evident throughout the postgame. He repeatedly credited his players and predecessor.

"A lot of this was Coach Dilfer's messaging," he said. "He talked about reset all the time-keeping your poise. These guys brought that to life tonight."

What's Next

UAB (3–4, 1–3 AAC) will travel to UConn on November 1, looking to build on the momentum and push toward bowl eligibility. Memphis (6–1, 2–1 AAC) returns home to face No. 19 South Florida in a game that could determine the AAC title race.

For now, though, the Blazers are savoring a win that few saw coming.

"This is what college football is all about," Mortensen said. "Adversity, belief, and a group of young men who refused to quit. I'm just honored to be part of it."