UAB’s Historic Victory
On Saturday, October 19, 2025, the UAB Blazers stunned No. 22 Memphis with a 31-24 win at the Blazers’ home stadium. The victory marked interim head coach Alex Mortensen’s debut after the firing of Trent Dilfer a week earlier. The win was a significant morale boost for the program and showcased the resilience of the team.
Ryder Burton’s Key Performance
Quarterback Ryder Burton was central to the Blazers’ success. The 5-foot-8-inch, 180-pound quarterback, who had been in the spotlight since his early days at a Fayetteville, Georgia Chick-fil-A, stepped up in a high-pressure game. Burton’s leadership and playmaking helped the Blazers maintain a lead in the fourth quarter and secure the victory.
A Turning Point for the Program
The upset over a ranked opponent was a turning point for UAB. With Mortensen’s arrival, the team’s confidence surged, and Burton’s presence at the helm of the offense proved to be a catalyst for success. The win also set the stage for future matchups, as the Blazers look to build on this momentum and continue their upward trajectory in the conference.
Looking Ahead
Following the victory, Burton expressed his commitment to the program, stating he plans to follow Mortensen wherever he goes. The Blazers will now focus on maintaining their performance level as they face a challenging schedule ahead.
