Birmingham, Alabama, October 23, 2025
News Summary
UAB football achieved a remarkable upset by defeating No. 22 Memphis 31-24, marking the debut victory for interim coach Alex Mortensen. The Blazers, previously struggling, showcased a powerful offense with over 450 total yards. Quarterback Ryder Burton excelled with 351 passing yards and three touchdowns, while receiver Iverson Hooks had a standout performance. The loss significantly impacts Memphis’ College Football Playoff hopes, reducing their chances from 43% to 19%. This game marks a pivotal moment for UAB’s football program following a challenging week.
Birmingham, Alabama – UAB football pulled off a stunning upset on Saturday, defeating No. 22 Memphis 31-24 in a game marking the debut of interim coach Alex Mortensen. This victory not only secured Mortensen’s first win as a head coach but also stands as the largest upset in American Athletic Conference history, and the second-biggest upset in FBS for the 2023 season.
The Blazers entered the game as 23.5-point underdogs after a challenging week that included the firing of head coach Trent Dilfer following a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic, leaving UAB with a 2-4 record. Under Mortensen’s leadership, UAB showcased a powerful offensive performance, gaining over 450 yards against an FBS opponent for the first time this season, and running for more than 200 yards, a feat not achieved since 2023.
Quarterback Ryder Burton excelled in the game, completing 20 of 27 passes for an impressive 351 yards and three touchdowns—all of which were caught by receiver Iverson Hooks, who had 11 receptions for 172 yards. UAB’s ground game also featured Solomon Beebe, who scored on an electrifying 81-yard touchdown run.
The game was dramatic until the end, with Memphis making a strong attempt to equalize in the closing seconds. The Tigers were unable to score despite reaching the UAB 1-yard line twice, as penalties stalled their efforts. Ultimately, Memphis threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-goal from the 11-yard line, sealing UAB’s victory.
This loss was a significant blow to Memphis, reducing their chances of making the College Football Playoff from 43% to 19%. Memphis quarterback AJ Hill contributed with 175 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception after replacing Brendon Lewis early in the matchup.
Following a tumultuous week, Mortensen successfully rallied the team with key messages focused on “fanatical effort,” “poise,” and unity during challenging moments. This win has generated substantial national headlines and attention for the UAB football program, while also serving as an emotional moment for Mortensen as he reflected on his father’s legacy, the late ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.
UAB’s victory is likely to have lasting implications on the program, providing a much-needed morale boost and reigniting hope for their season.
Key Game Statistics
- UAB Total Offense: Over 450 yards
- Burst of Rushing Yardage: Over 200 yards (First time since 2023)
- Quarterback Ryder Burton: 20 of 27 passes, 351 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Receiver Iverson Hooks: 11 receptions, 172 yards
- Touchdown Run: Solomon Beebe, 81 yards
Implications for Memphis
The loss significantly impacts Memphis’ ambitions for the College Football Playoff, drastically reducing their postseason chances.
Background Context
This game took place shortly after the resignation of UAB’s previous head coach, Trent Dilfer, marking a pivotal moment in the season for the Blazers. The upcoming challenges remain as UAB looks to build on this momentum moving forward.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the UAB vs. Memphis game?
UAB defeated No. 22 Memphis 31-24.
Who is the interim coach for UAB?
The interim coach for UAB is Alex Mortensen.
How did UAB perform offensively in the upset against Memphis?
UAB’s offense gained over 450 yards against an FBS opponent for the first time this season.
What impact did the loss have on Memphis’ playoff chances?
Memphis’ loss significantly reduced their chances of making the College Football Playoff, dropping from 43% to 19%.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | UAB 31 – Memphis 24 |
| Interim Coach | Alex Mortensen |
| Key Players | Ryder Burton, Iverson Hooks, Solomon Beebe |
| Offensive Performance | Over 450 total yards, over 200 rushing yards |
| Memphis Playoff Chances | Reduced from 43% to 19% |
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: UAB Upsets No. 22 Memphis
- USA Today: Alex Mortensen UAB Coaching News
- AL.com: UAB Quarterback on Mortensen
- Sports Illustrated: UAB’s Historic Upset
- CBS Sports: Alex Mortensen’s Coaching Debut
- Wikipedia: UAB Blazers Football
- Google Search: UAB Football
- Google Scholar: UAB Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UAB Blazers
- Google News: UAB Football
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
