The University of Alabama Birmingham opened the season in fine fashion with a 31-0 drubbing of eastern neighbor Jacksonville State in the Montgomery Kick-off at the Cramton Bowl. UAB moves to 6-0 in season openers under head coach Bill Clark.

Jacksonville State’s offensive line could not get out of its own way. The offensive line committed six false start penalties on drives -three on third down. As a team, the Gamecocks committed nine penalties.

If the untimely penalties weren’t destructive enough, Gamecocks quarterback Zerrick Cooper and his receivers had 17 incompletions between them. The Jacksonville State offense never had a snap inside the Blazers’ 35.

It took an entire quarter before the Blazers could capitalize on the Gamecocks’ struggles. Quarterback Tyler Johnston III threw for 319 of the Blazers’ 518 yards of total offense. Eight receivers shared in Johnston’s generosity. Junior receiver Trea Shropshire led all receivers with 5 catches for 127 yards and a score.

RaJae Johnson-Saunders scored the first Blazers touchdown with a 3-yard reception from Johnston. The score capped a 9-play, 97-yard drive and ignited the Blazers’ offense. Remove the fumble on the second possession of the third and UAB scores on five straight offensive possessions.

The win makes it seven victories over in-state opponents for the Blazers.

Game Photo Gallery

All photos credit Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports

Jacksonville St v Alabama-Birmingham