DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
UAB defeated Memphis 31–24 in a one-score game. UAB covered by 30.5; Game went Under by 4.5. The market closed at Memphis -23.5 and the Blue Chip model made it Memphis -18.1 - a gap of 5.4 points toward UAB, of which 4.4 points were beyond the model's measured factors. That was an information gap - the market pricing something the model does not carry - rather than a measured edge. Blue Chip Analytics had rated Memphis 20.2 points stronger on a neutral field.
Memphis reached the 1-yard line twice in the final minute but was pushed back by two false starts and a delay-of-game penalty, ultimately failing to score on fourth-and-goal from the 11. This lack of discipline in high-leverage situations cost them the game.
Starter Brendon Lewis was replaced by AJ Hill early in the third quarter. Hill completed only 13 of 25 passes for 175 yards with a touchdown and an interception, highlighting ongoing instability at the quarterback position.
The loss removes any room for error in Memphis's pursuit of the AAC championship and a College Football Playoff berth. They must win out to have a realistic chance at either goal.
Memphis allowed UAB to surpass 450 yards of offense for the first time this season against an FBS opponent, including 219 rushing yards and an 81-yard touchdown run. The defense failed to contain a team that had been struggling offensively.
Memphis hosts No. 19 South Florida next Saturday in a game that will heavily influence the AAC championship race. A loss would likely end their conference title hopes.
UAB's offense exploded for over 450 total yards, their first time surpassing that mark against an FBS opponent this season, led by new starting QB Ryder Burton (20/27, 251 yards, 3 TDs) and WR Iverson Hooks (11 catches, 172 yards, 3 TDs).
UAB's defense held No. 22 Memphis at the 1-yard line twice in the final minute, forcing two false starts and a delay of game before an incomplete pass on 4th-and-goal from the 11, preserving a 31-24 win as a 21.5-point home underdog.
The Blazers rushed for 219 yards, their most against an FBS opponent since 2023, including an 81-yard TD run by Solomon Beebe. Two long possessions in the second half milked over 12 minutes off the clock, helping protect the lead.
In his debut after replacing fired head coach Trent Dilfer, Mortensen emphasized fanatical effort, poise, and staying together, which the team executed down the stretch. The win was especially poignant as Mortensen is the son of late ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen.
UAB (3-4, 1-3 AAC) will look to build on this momentum when they travel to face UConn. The offensive resurgence and defensive grit shown against Memphis could be key factors in predicting their performance.
At kickoff, conditions at Protective Stadium were Partly cloudy, 77°F with winds of 10 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Partly cloudy
77°F
| Measure | MemphisAway | UABHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 212 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Bye week | 1,271 miles |
| Season total | 3,212 miles | 3,114 miles |
| Body clock | 15:00 | 15:00 |
| Rest | 13 days | 7 days |
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