UAB Heads to Memphis for Saturday Night ESPN2 Contest

Saturday, November 16

Memphis, TN

7 p.m.

UAB

Memphis

The Battle For The Bones Trophy - UAB leads the overall series vs. Memphis 10-6

UAB Heads to Memphis for Saturday Night ESPN2 Contest

11/14/2024 3:49:00 PM | Football

UAB Game Notes at Memphis Memphis Game Notes at UAB

BIRMINGHAM – The UAB football team travels to Memphis for a primetime contest against the Tigers this Saturday, Nov. 16. Kickoff from Liberty Stadium is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

Saturday marks the 17th edition of the Battle For The Bones with UAB leading the all-time series 10-6. Memphis currently has possession of the Bones Trophy following last year's 45-21 victory in Birmingham.

Who: UAB (2-7, 1-4 AAC) at Memphis (8-2, 4-2 AAC)
Where: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium – Memphis, Tenn.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16 – 7 p.m.
Watch: ESPN2
On The Call: Brian Custer (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (analyst), Tori Petry (sideline)
Listen: WJOX 94.5 FM
On The Call: David Crane (play-by-play), Bryant Turner (analyst), Landrum Roberts (sideline)
Series: UAB leads, 10-6
Last Meeting: Oct. 21, 2023 – Memphis, 45-21

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

The Blazers look to win on the road for the first time this year and a UAB victory would be the first home loss for Memphis this season. The Tigers are 6-0 at home and are celebrating 35 seniors prior to kickoff.
Memphis' only two losses of the year have come on the road in AAC play, sustaining a 56-44 defeat at Navy and a 44-36 loss at UTSA.
UAB will have to contend with a Memphis team that ranks 33rd nationally in total offense (432.5), 28th in passing offense (270.5) and 64th in rushing offense (162.0). Veteran quarterback Seth Henigan has thrown for 2,691 yards and 17 touchdowns this year, while running back Mario Anderson Jr. has compiled 977 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

Protecting the ball will be key for the Blazers as Memphis ranks 15th nationally in turnover margin. The Tigers are +9 in the turnover category and have recovered 10-of-19 forced fumbles and have seven interceptions.
Desmond Little and UAB's defensive front will play a critical role in the outcome of the game on Saturday. Little has been getting to the quarterback at a high level and leads the American Athletic Conference in sacks (6) and sacks per game (0.67).
Wide receiver Kam Shanks has tallied 447 all-purpose yards in his last two games (223.5/game) and continues to lead the nation in punt return yards (312), punt return average (22.3) and touchdowns (2).
Shanks has established himself as a legitimate contender for All-America honors in special teams. Along with his return stats, he has 46 receptions for 536 yards and 51 rushing yards for a team-best 914 all-purpose yards (101.6/game).
Amare Thomas moved into eighth place on UAB's career receptions list last week and enters the Memphis game with 101 career catches. Thomas leads the team in catches (48), yards (542) and touchdowns (8) this season.
Lee Beebe Jr. tallied his first 100-yard rushing game of the year and the second of his career last week against UConn. Beebe has been the lead back for the Blazers the entire season and enters the contest 119 carries for 599 yards and four touchdowns (5.0 YPC).
Michael Moore ranks seventh in the AAC in tackles per game (7.66, 69 total tackles), while fellow linebacker Everett Roussaw Jr. has led the team in stops each of the last two games. Roussaw Jr. has 53 total tackles and ranks second on the team behind Little in TFL (5.5).
Jonah Delange continues to be a candidate for the Lou Groza Award and enters this week's game having made 18-of-19 field goals and all 23 of his point after attempts. He ranks fourth nationally in field goal percentage and third nationally in field goals made per game.

Following the game at Memphis, UAB returns to Protective Stadium for the final time this year to host Rice on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. for Senior Day. Tickets are available by clicking here.

For more information on the UAB football team, be sure to follow @UAB_FB on Twitter and Instagram.