The Tigers travel to Birmingham for The Battle for The Bones in a must win rivalry game to try and recapture some momentum for the rest of the season.
Game Information
When: Saturday, October 21, 11 AM CT
Where: Protective Stadium, Birmingham Alabama
TV: ESPN2
Betting Odds: (Per BetMGM)
Spread: Memphis -6.5 (-110)
Money Line: Memphis -275, UAB +210
Total (O/U): 61.5, -105
Rivalry History
Until 2013, Memphis and UAB both competed in Conference-USA, creating a rivalry between the two schools. The esteemed trophy for winning the rivalry match? A 94 pound rack of ribs. This monstrous memento was created in 2009 to give a football element to a historically basketball rivalry. The Tigers and Blazers met every single year from 1999-2012 with UAB leading the all time series 10-5. Memphis won the most recent matchup in 2012 in blowout fashion.
About UAB
In the Blazers first year in the American Athletic Conference they have played to expectations. In his quest to win back the “baddest trophy in college football”, first year head coach and former super bowl champion quarterback for the Ravens Trent Dilfer will have the Blazers ready to play Saturday.
Although they have a subpar 2-5 record, the Blazers offense has shown to be more than competent. The Blazers boast an 85.9 run offense grade per PFF which is good for 25th in the nation. Along with that, QB Jacob Zeno has completed an incredible 74.4% of his passes along with 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The defense however, has been quite the opposite. The Blazers 69.5 PFF defensive grade ranks 115th out of 133 qualifying FBS teams. They also allow 428 yards per game which ranks 112th in the nation.
Coach Silverfield’s Thoughts (Via @MemphisFB on X)
“Looking ahead, we are obviously very excited about this game against UAB. We know it’s going to be a great atmosphere in a new stadium, and we welcome them to our conference. This is going to be a great challenge with what they are able to bring to the table.”
Coach Silverfield knows this will be a challenge. This game is a monumental one for Silverfield on account of a loss putting the Tigers conference championship aspirations out of reach. If the Tigers stumble to 4-3 in “The Battle For the Bones”, the Tiger faithful will begin to question the man at the helm: Ryan Silverfield.
Score Prediction
UAB 38, Memphis 27. After an emotional loss to Tulane last Friday, the Tigers can not reel it back in. Costly turnovers, the inability to dominate the trenches, and coaching mishaps force Memphis to leave the 94 pound rack of ribs trophy in Birmingham.
