Blazers crazy feat in Alex Mortensen’s coaching debut

ByNBAUSA



The The UAB Blazers pulled off a remarkable 31-24 loss to the Memphis Tigers at the Protection Stadium for only six days after head coach Trent Dilfer was fired. Alex Mortensen, interim head coach and son of the late journalist Chris Mortensen, claimed what was his first victory, breaking multiple records along the way.

Blazers win over No. 22 Memphis was the most upset (+23.5) win in first career game for coach since 1978 per ESPN. The win is also the second most in the FBS this season.

UAB finished with 470 yards to Memphis’ 362, controlled the ball for 35:05 and closed the game with a last-second goal-line stand after the Tigers got to the 1 twice in the final minute. However, they committed two false starts before an incomplete pass from the 11 on fourth-and-goal broke it up.

Freshman starter Ryder Barton went 20 of 27 for 251 yards and three touchdowns, all the way to Iverson Hooks, who caught 11 passes for 172 yards and five third down scores. The running game added 219 yards, highlighted by Solomon Beebe’s 81-yard touchdown run, the longest rushing TD in program history.

UAB’s defense, which allowed 41.3 points per game on the day, limited Memphis to 115 yards in the first half. Memphis lost quarterback Brandon Lewis early in the third quarter and turned to true freshman AJ Hill, who finished 13-of-25 for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The loss severely damaged Memphis’ AAC title and CFP hopes and likely forces a win-win scenario. Mortensen said after the game that the plan was “fanatical effort, poise and staying together no matter what,” according to ESPN.

“He would be excited for our team and the program. … He’s always sensitive about coaches losing their jobs. I know he would understand how difficult it is for what these guys went through this week,” he said of his father.

UAB will now travel to UConn for an 11:00 a.m. CT start on Nov. 1.





2025-10-19 12:40:00

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