University of Alabama Birmingham opened the 2024 season scoring 14 points off turnovers and added another after blocking a punt to spark a 41-3 rout of Alcorn State at Protective Stadium in Birmingham Thursday night.
“I was super pleased with the defense and special teams especially after last year being those areas weren’t real productive for us,” said Blazers Head Coach Trent Dilfer.
UABs defense registered five sacks, recovered one of the three forced fumbles, and an interception while holding the Braves to 177 yards of offense and one field goal.
The second-year head coach countered his praise for the defense with dissatisfaction with the consistency of the Blazers offense. “We have an incredibly high standard and tonight we weren’t even close to that,” said Dilfer.
In his first year at the helm, the offense set a single-season school record for yards per game (450.0). Quarterback Jacob Zeno finished seventh nationally in completions per game (25.4) and second in completion percentage (73.6)
Against the Braves, Zeno finished 23-33 for 215 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His total was nearly two had redshirt freshman Geoffrey McKelton held onto the Zeno’s pass intended for Kam Shanks inside the 10.
UABs offense put up gaudy offensive stats despite the two fumbles and interception. Along with the 215 yards Zeno put up through the air, he rushed for 37 of the 302 yards the Blazers gained on the ground.
McKelton put in work in his first start leading the Braves defense with nine tackles including one for a loss.
On the other side of the defensive backfield, teammate Markel McLaurin finished with five tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception that halted a Blazers’ drive.
The Braves defense forced the Blazers into three consecutive turnovers (2 fumbles, 1 interception). After the four touchdowns in the first half, Alcorn State held the Blazers offense to two field goals in the second half.
Alcorn State’s offense dominated the third quarter clock possessing the ball for nearly 10 minutes.
The Braves have a week to get ready for Vanderbilt from the SEC. UAB travels west to face Louisiana Monroe a 30-14 winner over Jackson State.
GAME PHOTOS
All photos by Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports