The undefeated Memphis Tigers are gearing up to face the UAB Blazers in the much-anticipated “Battle for the Bones” rivalry game. Scheduled for October 18 at 3 p.m. on ESPN2, this matchup becomes even more intriguing following the recent upheaval in UAB’s coaching staff, with interim coach Alex Mortensen stepping in after the dismissal of head coach Trent Dilfer just days before the game.
Historically, this rivalry has seen significant turns, with UAB dominating in the early 2000s. However, since it was revived in 2023, Memphis has claimed two decisive victories, including a current season record of 6-0 and 2-0 in the American Conference. Memphis is coming off a bye week, positioning them as substantial favorites against the struggling Blazers, who currently stand at 2-4 with an 0-3 conference record.
Mortensen, who recently transitioned from being an analyst at Alabama to UAB’s offensive coordinator, faces the daunting challenge of leading a team that has struggled defensively. Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield expressed his respect for Mortensen, acknowledging that the coaching change could introduce unexpected elements into the game.
The Tigers, who boast a powerful rushing attack, are led by standout players such as running backs Greg Desrosiers and Sutton Smith, both exceeding 150 yards in multiple games this season. Quarterback Brendon Lewis has established himself as one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the country.
Conversely, UAB has shown some offensive prowess, with quarterback Jalen Kitna leading the conference in completion percentage and ranking second in passing yards. However, the Blazers face a steep uphill battle, needing to dramatically improve their defense, which currently ranks at the bottom in the conference, allowing an average of 450.8 yards per game.
As Memphis brings the iconic trophy—a 94-pound bronze rack of ribs—to Protective Stadium, the stakes are high. UAB aims to reclaim its historic advantage in the series, which stands at 10-7 in favor of the Blazers. Despite the current odds stacked against them, UAB will be looking for an extraordinary performance to upset the undefeated Tigers.
Experts predict a dominant win for Memphis, foreseeing a score of 45-14. While UAB may attempt to keep things interesting, the expectation remains that Memphis will pull away to secure another victory, setting up a crucial week ahead with a showdown against USF on October 25.