Memphis Down UAB In First Battle For the Bones in A Decade

Saturday marked the first meeting between old rivals UAB and Memphis since 2012. In the latest chapter of the rivalry known as the Battle for the Bones, Memphis

© Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Saturday marked the first meeting between old rivals UAB and Memphis since 2012. In the latest chapter of the rivalry known as the Battle for the Bones, Memphis took home the uniquely-shaped trophy by a score of 45-21.

Usual UAB starting quarterback Jacob Zeno was a late scratch for the Blazers. Freshman Harrison Barker got the starting nod, but Trent Dilfer utilized three different quarterbacks over the course of the night. 

Despite the personnel change, the two teams were deadlocked for most of the contest, with a 21-21 deadlock at halftime. The second half, however, was all Tigers. 

The Memphis defense forced four turnovers throughout the game. That included a pick six from senior Malik Feaster in the second quarter. Cameron Smith and Simeon Blair also each had an interception for the Tigers. Blair also recovered a fumble by UAB quarterback Harrison Barker in the first half.

MALIK FEASTER FEASTS HIS WAY TO A PICK SIX‼️#AmericanFB x @MemphisFB pic.twitter.com/NmJpiMFrCy

— The American (@American_Conf) October 21, 2023

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UAB were unable to get the victory despite producing more total yards (381) than Memphis (352). However, the Blazers were three-for-twelve on third-down conversions and two-for-five on fourth-down conversions.

Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan completed 19 passes on 28 attempts for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Blake Watson, an Old Dominion transfer, carried 21 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Junior Brandon Thomas also carried for 17 yards and two touchdowns on five attempts for the Tigers.

Moving to 5-2 and 2-1 in AAC play, Memphis are one step closer to achieving bowl eligibility for the tenth season in a row. They also stay alive in the race for the AAC championship. They await a road date with North Texas on October 28.

UAB fall to 2-6. They'll host Florida Atlantic on November 4.