The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
4-4 , 2-2
South Florida
6-2 , 2-2
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAB | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| South Fla. | 0 | 17 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
10/31/2026 3:04:00 PM | Football
BOX SCORE | GAME PHOTOS | SEASON STATS | POST-GAME NOTES
TAMPA, Fla. – UAB jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead, but South Florida scored 30 unanswered points, including two defensive touchdowns, to defeat the Blazers 30-10 Saturday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.
The Blazers fell to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in American Conference play, while South Florida improved to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the league.
UAB started fast, marching 67 yards in seven plays on its opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. The drive was highlighted by a 41-yard completion from Ryder Burton to CJ Smith that moved the Blazers to the South Florida 3-yard line. After a 2-yard loss on first down, Rod Robinson II punched it in from 5 yards out for his first rushing touchdown of the season. Jonah Delange added the extra point.
The Blazers extended their lead to 10-0 on a 30-yard field goal by Delange with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter. UAB covered 43 yards in nine plays, highlighted by a 33-yard completion from Burton to KJ Daniels.
South Florida responded following a missed UAB field goal, putting together an 11-play, 64-yard drive that consumed 7:11. Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek broke free for a 42-yard run before Nico Gramatica connected on a 31-yard field goal to cut UAB's lead to 10-3 with 5:03 remaining in the first half.
The Bulls then scored 14 points in a 10-second span late in the second quarter to take a 17-10 halftime lead.
Jason Collins Jr. tied the game at 10 with a 6-yard touchdown run with 47 seconds remaining in the half, capping a six-play, 52-yard drive that took 2:44 off the clock.
On UAB's ensuing possession, C.J. Hicks sacked Burton and forced a fumble that Asani Redwood recovered and returned 6 yards for a touchdown, giving South Florida its first lead of the game with 37 seconds remaining before halftime.
South Florida extended its advantage to 20-10 with 4:53 remaining in the third quarter as Gramatica connected on a 30-yard field goal to cap a nine-play, 45-yard drive.
The Bulls added their second defensive touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Hicks again sacked Burton and forced a fumble. Grayson Howard recovered the ball and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown, pushing South Florida's lead to 27-10 with 12:28 remaining.
UAB responded with a 16-play, 61-yard drive that reached the South Florida 14-yard line, but a 32-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide, ending the Blazers' opportunity to cut into the deficit.
Gramatica closed the scoring with a 33-yard field goal with 1:36 remaining, sealing the 30-10 victory for the Bulls.
South Florida's defense finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, holding UAB to 177 yards of total offense, including just 17 rushing yards. Hicks led the Bulls with four sacks and two forced fumbles, both of which resulted in defensive touchdowns.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat it. We did not control the line of scrimmage, and it was bad," head coach Alex Mortensen said. "We gave them 14 points on offense. That's completely unacceptable."
Despite the loss, UAB's defense turned in another strong performance, limiting South Florida to 237 yards of total offense, including just 46 passing yards. The Bulls completed eight passes on 12 attempts and were held to one offensive touchdown, with their other 16 points coming on three field goals and two extra points.
"Our defense played awesome today," Mortensen said. "They really struggled to score on our defense today."
Jeremiah Jordan and Jo'Tavion Pierce led the Blazers with 11 tackles apiece, while Ike Esonwune added nine. Marlin Dean recorded 2.5 sacks and five tackles, increasing his season total to 7.5 sacks.
Offensively, Burton finished 13-of-27 passing for 149 yards, while Nate Rogers completed his lone pass attempt for 11 yards. Smith led UAB with 53 receiving yards on two catches, while Daniels added 33 yards on one reception.
Bam McReynolds led the Blazers with 22 rushing yards, while Robinson finished with 14 yards and a touchdown. UAB was held scoreless over the final three quarters after accumulating 119 yards of offense in the opening period.
Kromenhoek paced South Florida with 92 rushing yards on 15 carries, while D.J. Crowther added 60 yards on 16 attempts. Gramatica finished a perfect 3-of-3 on field-goal attempts.
The Blazers return home next Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2:30 pm, hosting Charlotte in the 10th annual Children's Harbor game.
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY TICKETING: UAB Athletics is making it easier and more affordable for families to cheer on the Blazers with discounted youth tickets for children ages 4-12 at football and men's and women's basketball home games. Youth tickets start at just $15 for football, $10 for men's basketball and $8 for women's basketball, with children ages 3 and under admitted free with a required complimentary ticket. Additional purchase requirements and seating restrictions apply.
Click here for the Family Four Pack for the Nov. 7 Charlotte game. Click here to join the Blazer Buddies Kids Club.
For complete ticket information, click here to visit the UAB Athletics Ticket Office or call (205) 975-8221.
FOLLOW UAB FOOTBALL: Follow us at @UAB_FB on Instagram and X.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
UAB 7, USF 0
UAB - Robinson II,Roderick 5 yd run (Delange,Jonah kick), 7 plays, 67 yards, TOP 03:57
UAB 10, USF 0
UAB - Delange,Jonah 30 yd field goal 9 plays, 43 yards, TOP 04:39
UAB 10, USF 3
USF - Gramatica,Nico 31 yd field goal 11 plays, 64 yards, TOP 07:11
UAB 10, USF 10
USF - Collins Jr.,Jason 6 yd run (Gramatica,Nico kick), 6 plays, 52 yards, TOP 02:44
UAB 10, USF 17
USF - Redwood,Asani 6 yd fumble recovery (Gramatica,Nico kick)
UAB 10, USF 20
USF - Gramatica,Nico 30 yd field goal 9 plays, 45 yards, TOP 05:07
UAB 10, USF 27
USF - Howard,Grayson 13 yd fumble recovery (Gramatica,Nico kick)
UAB 10, USF 30
USF - Gramatica,Nico 33 yd field goal 7 plays, 26 yards, TOP 03:00
