UAB loses to Connecticut – IN FOOTBALL

November 9, 2024- BIRMINGHAM – the University of Connecticut proved to be too much for the UAB Blazers in a football game that UAB led in in the fourth quarter. UAB dominated UConn for three quarters; but had no answers in a fourth quarters where the Blazers were outscored 21 to nothing. The final score was 31-23 and cements a second year in a row losing season for the Blazers and second year coach Trent Dilfer.

UAB Quarterback Jalen Kitna threw for 233 yards and one touchdown; but it was his two interceptions that did in the Blazers. Three second half turnovers helped fuel the furious UConn comeback that left UAB 2 and 7 on the season.

The game was tied 3 to 3 after one quarter. UAB appeared to have broken the game over in the second quarter, forcing two turnovers, and scoring two touchdowns and a field goal to go up 3 to 20 at halftime. UAB added another field goal in the third quarter while holding UConn to just one touchdown – their first of the game. Then the 21 to 0 fourth quarter happened – ending any hope that the Blazers could win two weeks in a row.

"We keep finding new ways to lose," said UAB Coach Trent Dilfer. "We had that one and played pretty well for a while; then we had had turnovers. Mistakes killed us in the second half. Give UConn credit they did a good job of capitalizing on them and that drive they had coming out in the second half was really impressive."

UAB only ran the ball five times in the third quarter after having tremendous success on the ground in the first half. Dilfer blamed the second half turnovers for decreasing their number of plays and runs.

"I wish I had called more runs," said Dilfer. "Just blame me. I deserve it."

UAB is not expected to make a coaching change after just two seasons, despite the two disappointing seasons. Dilfer is a former NFL quarterback and ESPN pro football analyst. This is his first college football coaching job. He previously coached high school football in Tennessee. Dilfer is now 6 and 15 in his tenure at UAB.

UAB travels to Memphis (8-2) on Saturday, November 16. Kickoff at the venerable old Liberty Bowl will be at 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

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