In their seventh contest of the season, the UAB Blazers faced a challenging matchup against the South Florida Bulls, ultimately suffering a 35-25 defeat in Tampa, Florida. For fans in Birmingham, this loss adds to a growing sense of frustration and disappointment, as the Blazers have not tasted victory since their season opener. Under the leadership of head coach Trent Dilfer, the team has struggled to find its footing, and this has become a harsh reality for supporters hoping for a turnaround.
Photo Cred: USF
Despite the overall setback, second-string quarterback Jalen Kitna delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. Although he faced challenges, resulting in 23 incompletions, Kitna showcased resilience by throwing for an impressive 384 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns found their target in sophomore wide receiver Amare Thomas, who emerged as a standout player. By the end of the game, Thomas led the Blazers with eight receptions for 97 yards, proving himself to be a vital asset in the offense.
Running back Lee Beebe Jr. also continued to demonstrate his significance to the UAB offense. He finished the game with 18 carries for 68 yards rushing and added three receptions for 17 yards. No matter the scoreboard, Beebe Jr. consistently exhibits his ability to break through defenses and contribute both on the ground and in the passing game. His versatility has become a cornerstone of the Blazers’ offensive strategy, allowing him to adapt and find ways to make impactful plays.
Unfortunately, the defense struggled once again, conceding a total of five touchdowns to the Bulls. UAB’s defensive line struggled to contain South Florida’s running back Kelley Joiner, who torched the Blazers for 128 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. The defensive backs also allowed a critical 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter, marking South Florida’s first points of the game. On a positive note, the Blazers did manage to record an interception— their first since facing Arkansas—offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing challenges.
Photo Cred: USF
At this point, UAB appears to be experiencing one of its most difficult stretches since the program’s revival in 2017. Each week presents a new form of defeat, leaving fans to speculate about what might be happening behind the scenes. There is a growing urgency to re-evaluate the team’s preparation techniques, practice schedules, and film sessions, as they are on track for a disappointing season. Given the talent present across the offense, defense, and special teams, the potential for success is evident. However, the Blazers must find a way to translate that potential into tangible results on the field.
