Beebe Jr. was the driving force behind the Blazers’ victory, dominating the Owls from the very start. The Montgomery native delivered his best performance of the season, showcasing his exceptional skills and earning every bit of attention he’s been generating. With 16 carries, 161 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, Beebe Jr. averaged an impressive 10.1 yards per carry. His stellar performance significantly boosted his season stats and catapulted him into the conversation for conference honors. Beebe Jr.’s ability to power through the Rice defense demonstrated his physicality and playmaking ability, making him a key asset for UAB moving forward.
Photo Cred: UAB
While Beebe Jr. stole the show, credit also goes to junior quarterback Jalen Kitna, who had one of his most solid performances of the season. Though he threw for 174 yards, Kitna’s decision-making and execution were crucial in the win. He connected on two touchdown passes and only had five incompletions throughout the game. Kitna’s growth as a quarterback was evident, as he showed poise and maturity in reading coverages and making the right decisions. His performance highlighted how important the film room has been for his development, as an inexperienced starter, and how he is steadily improving by learning from his mistakes.
Defensively, UAB finally delivered a performance that matched the expectations placed on them throughout the season. The Blazers’ defense, which had struggled at times, was outstanding in this game. The defensive front, which had been porous in previous matchups, held Rice to just 115 rushing yards on 25 carries. They also made life difficult for Rice’s quarterback, E.J. Warner, who was under constant pressure and had a rough outing. Warner finished the game with an alarming 21 incompletions and three interceptions, with several of those mistakes coming on forced throws as the Owls played catch-up for much of the game. UAB capitalized on every opportunity that came their way, forcing turnovers and staying aggressive. This was a much-needed breakout performance for a defense that had been inconsistent throughout the season.
Looking ahead to their final game of the year, the Blazers will travel to North Carolina to take on the 4-7 Charlotte 49ers. A victory would cap off a strong finish to the season, with three wins in the final five games, signaling positive momentum heading into the offseason. Such a performance could be a game-changer for the program, providing a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future. If UAB can finish the season on a high note, it would likely secure head coach Trent Dilfer’s position for another season, giving him the opportunity to build on the progress made over the course of the year. However, a loss to Charlotte could spell trouble for Dilfer’s future, potentially prompting a complete overhaul of the program both on and off the field. This last game holds significant weight in determining the direction UAB will take in the coming months.
