MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis scored 28 unanswered points after halftime and beat UAB 38-13 on Saturday night at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, reclaiming the Battle for the Bones trophy in a rivalry built around a bronze rack of barbecue ribs.
The Tigers improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in American Conference play under first-year head coach Charles Huff. UAB fell to 3-3 and 1-1. Memphis had lost the ribs trophy last October when UAB upset an undefeated ranked Memphis team, a result that helped reshape both programs heading into this season.
UAB led 13-10 at halftime after an opening touchdown and field goals of 49 and 57 yards from Jonah Delange. Memphis answered after the break with a four-touchdown surge, including a 24-yard run by Jaylin Carter and a 45-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Stokes to Tychaun Chapman that stretched the lead.
Carter finished with 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, his second career multi-touchdown and 100-yard rushing game. Hunter Tipton scored from a yard out of the wildcat formation, and Stokes later found Aidan O Callaghan for another touchdown. Memphis completed 11 of 21 passes while leaning on the run.
The Tigers defense has allowed only two touchdowns across two conference games. J Mond Tapp recorded a sack and fumble recovery, and Dylan Smith added an interception for his third pick of the season. UAB committed three turnovers that helped fuel the Memphis surge.
Memphis next visits Tulane on Friday, Oct. 16, for a short-week road game on ESPN. The University of Memphis is listed among the city major employers, and the Tigers call Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium home for American Conference Saturdays. Huff Memphis teams have outscored conference opponents by a wide margin through two league games.
