Memphis (6-0, 2-0 AAC) visits UAB (2-4, 0-3 AAC) this afternoon in a Week 8 AAC matchup at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Tigers are off to their best start in years, sitting at No. 22 in the AP Poll with one of the league’s most balanced teams. Memphis averages 449.3 yards per game (28th nationally) and 40.5 points per game (13th), powered by a ground attack that ranks 13th in FBS (237.8 rushing yards per game).
Quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,269 yards (68.2% completion), 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, while running backs Sutton Smith (454 yards, 6 TDs) and Greg Desrosiers Jr. keep the chains moving.
Defensively, Memphis has been elite. The Tigers allow just 312.7 yards per game (30th in FBS) and 16.2 points per game (16th). They’ve been particularly stout against the run, holding opponents to 88.0 rushing yards per game (14th). In situational football, the Tigers dominate — converting 45.2% of third downs (35th), leading the FBS in red-zone scoring (100%), and maintaining a +5 turnover margin (20th).
UAB, meanwhile, is struggling to find its footing. After firing head coach Trent Dilfer, offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen steps in as interim coach, hoping to stabilize a team that’s winless in conference play.
The Blazers have offensive potential, ranking 58th in FBS with 406.5 yards per game, largely through the air. Quarterback Jalen Kitna has been a bright spot, completing 69.1% of his passes for 1,776 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Jevon Jackson (388 rushing yards, 3 TDs) and Iverson Hooks (388 receiving yards, 2 TDs) anchor the ground and air attacks.
But UAB’s defense has been among the nation’s worst. The Blazers surrender 452.5 yards (129th in FBS) and 41.3 points per game (136th). Opponents convert 50% of third downs (130th), score on 92.6% of red-zone trips (120th), and average 214.2 rushing yards (132nd). UAB’s -5 turnover margin (119th) and 67 penalty yards per game (111th) have compounded their struggles.
Memphis enters the “Battle for the Bones” — where the winner claims a trophy shaped like a rack of ribs — with clear statistical and momentum advantages. The Tigers also dominate time of possession (32:56 per game, 16th in FBS) compared to UAB’s 29:50 (73rd), reflecting their efficiency and control on both sides of the ball.
Prediction
Memphis’ two-way strengths, especially their defense against a vulnerable UAB unit, give them the clear edge here. Even with new leadership at UAB, the gap in consistency and execution looks too large to overcome.
Projected Score: Memphis 38, UAB 14
How to Watch Memphis vs. UAB
Kickoff for the Memphis vs. UAB matchup is set for 4:00 PM Eastern at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
The game airs live on ESPN2 and streams on the ESPN app and website.
If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
Memphis Tigers vs. UAB Blazers
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN app and website
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