Birmingham Blazers Fall Short Against UConn in Heartbreaking Loss
In a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday afternoon, the hopes of the UAB Blazers were dashed as they fell to the UConn Huskies, 31-23. This game had the potential to be a turning point for the Blazers, who were looking for a way to gain some momentum in a tough 2024 season. A victory would have meant back-to-back wins for the first time since 2022 and brought them closer to the dream of a bowl game. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
First Half: A Spark of Hope
As the game kicked off, the energy on the field was palpable. The Blazers started strong, displaying one of their best performances of the year in the first half. With quarterback Jalen Kitna at the helm, the offense found its rhythm and put together a remarkable 17-point quarter. Lee Beebe Jr., the talented running back, made significant contributions that left UConn’s defense scrambling.
Defensively, the Blazers showed resilience, holding UConn to a mere 138 yards and forcing two turnovers. The home crowd at Protective Stadium was buzzing, and for a moment, it felt like the Blazers might just pull off the upset. Going into halftime with a solid 20-3 lead, fans were cautiously optimistic.
The Second Half: A Sudden Turn
However, the second half told a different story. The Blazers’ momentum fizzled out as the reliance on their successful run game vanished. In the first half, they had rushed 20 times for an impressive 128 yards at an average of 6.4 yards per carry. But as the clock ticked down, the team ran the ball just 13 times, putting more pressure on their passing game. UConn seized the opportunity, and it wasn’t long before they began to rally.
Things took a turn when a controversial call on a dropped pass by wide receiver Kam Shanks was ruled a fumble, allowing UConn to score again, narrowing the gap. More back-and-forth followed, and despite having chances to regain control, the Blazers fumbled again, resulting in another score for the Huskies. UConn finally took the lead, going up by eight points with just two minutes remaining.
A Learning Experience
This loss marked the first time this season that the Blazers had been so close, against a formidable opponent. For the players and fans alike, it was a reminder that success requires consistency and care—especially when it comes to protecting the football. Trent Dilfer and his coaching staff have been working tirelessly to improve the team, and while the defeat was hard to swallow, there were indeed visible strides made.
The Blazers showcased what they could do defensively, especially against a Huskies’ rushing attack that ranked 25th in the nation, averaging over 200 yards per game; UAB held them to 189 rushing yards. Veteran nose tackle Kevin Penn alongside linebackers Everett Roussaw and Michael Moore played crucial roles in this defensive effort. In recent weeks, the team’s spirit and energy have noticeably shifted, signaling a newfound determination.
Looking Ahead
As the Blazers prepare for their next challenge against the Memphis Tigers in the upcoming “Battle of the Bones” game, maintaining this momentum will be key. The players and coaching staff are keenly aware that taking better care of the football can lead them to victory. The passion from the sidelines has improved tremendously; coaches are involved and enthusiastic, and this has translated to the players as they fight to turn their season around.
Though this latest defeat is a tough pill to swallow, the Blazers have a chance to grow and learn from it. With three games left in the season, fans remain hopeful that the team can finish strong and create a lasting impression.
