The UAB Blazers hit a new low this season, suffering the worst loss in franchise history with a 71-20 blowout against the Tulane Green Wave. The defeat is emblematic of what has been one of the most disappointing starts to a season in recent memory. Under the leadership of head coach Trent Dilfer, the Blazers have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, raising concerns about the direction of the program and what the future holds.
Photo Cred: UAB
Missing starting quarterback Jacob Zeno, UAB turned to junior Jalen Kitna to take the reins. Unfortunately, Kitna’s debut was a disaster. He threw three interceptions and completed just 21 of his passes, with four rushes resulting in -18 yards on the ground—a brutal average of -4.5 yards per carry. This is far from the promising start Kitna had hoped for, especially with a golden opportunity to impress under Dilfer’s guidance.
Despite the overwhelming disappointment, one bright spot for UAB has been the emergence of running back Lee Beebe Jr. The former walk-on continues to shine, rushing for 78 yards on just nine carries and adding 20 receiving yards in this game. His tenacity and resilience stand out even as the team struggles, and Beebe’s growing fanbase in Birmingham sees him as a future icon for the program.
Photo Cred: Tulane
On the defensive side, the performance was nothing short of disastrous. While the players must take responsibility, much of the blame falls on the coaching staff and defensive coordinators. The play-calling was historically bad, with ineffective zone coverages and weak man-to-man schemes that left the Blazers vulnerable. Tulane capitalized by rushing for over 300 yards and scoring eight offensive touchdowns in front of 20,000 fans.
Looking ahead, UAB faces a crucial test next week as they travel to New York to take on the Army Black Knights. This game could be pivotal for the Blazers, not just in terms of their season but also for the future of the coaching staff. Extending their losing streak to five games would likely force the hands of the program’s executives, prompting significant changes in the offseason. For now, Dilfer and his team must find a way to rekindle hope and restore faith among their fans and supporters across the globe.
