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In a rivalry game where a 94-pound bronze rack of barbecue ribs serves as the prize, Memphis made sure it would be taking The Bones back home. The Tigers defeated UAB 38-13 on Saturday, using a 28-0 second-half run to secure the victory.
The Blazers entered the game as the defending holders of The Bones, having upset then-undefeated and No. 22 Memphis last October in Alex Mortensen's first game as interim coach. That win helped Mortensen secure the full-time job, while Memphis saw its College Football Playoff hopes dashed and lost five of its final seven games. Despite significant roster turnover in the offseason, the Tigers were determined to reclaim the trophy.
First Half: UAB Surges Ahead
UAB's improved defense, under first-year coordinator Todd Grantham, held Memphis's high-powered offense in check early. The Blazers scored on their opening drive and added field goals of 49 and 57 yards from star kicker Jonah Delange to take a 13-10 halftime lead on the road.
Second Half: Memphis Takes Control
Memphis flipped the script after halftime, scoring four touchdowns on five possessions. Jaylin Carter, who finished with a game-high 132 rushing yards, ignited the surge with a 24-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Marcus Stokes then connected with Tychaun Chapman on a 45-yard deep pass to extend the lead to 24-13. In the fourth quarter, tight end Hunter Tipton scored on a short wildcat run, and Stokes found fellow tight end Aidan O'Callaghan for the final touchdown, sealing the 25-point win.
Memphis relied heavily on its running game, needing only 11 completions on 21 attempts. Stokes protected the ball well, extending his touchdown-to-interception ratio to 16-to-3 with his third consecutive interception-free game.
UAB's Turnovers Prove Costly
UAB struggled with ball security, committing three turnovers (one interception and two fumbles) that led to 10 Memphis points. The Tigers' defense has now allowed just two touchdowns in two conference games this season. Defensive end J'Mond Tapp recorded a sack and a fumble recovery, while strong safety Dylan Smith added six tackles and his third interception of the year.
What's Next
UAB (3-3, 1-1 American) suffered its first conference loss of 2026 and will need to quickly move past the second-half collapse. The Blazers return home for a Thursday night matchup against East Carolina. Despite the loss, UAB still holds an 11-8 all-time series lead in the Battle for the Bones, but the ribs are headed to Memphis.
Memphis (5-1, 2-0 American) is off to a 5-1 or better start for the third straight season and remains on the cusp of bowl eligibility for the 13th consecutive year, which would extend the longest active streak in the American Athletic Conference. Under first-year head coach Charles Huff, the Tigers are perfect in conference play and have outscored opponents 97-21. Memphis will also face a short week, traveling to New Orleans for a Friday night showdown against Tulane.
Originally reported by yahoo.