Teams bring out their best when a 94-pound bronze rack of barbecue ribs is on the line.
The Battle for the Bones features one of the most unique rivalry trophies in college football, and it’s one that was in UAB’s possession prior to Saturday. In Alex Mortensen’s first game as an interim coach, the Blazers upset an undefeated No. 22 Memphis team last October, seismically shifting the futures of both programs.
It allowed Mortensen to secure the full-time gig, while Memphis lost its CFP contention status
and dropped five of its final seven.
Even though Memphis’ roster almost entirely turned over this offseason, the barbecue ribs were certainly on the Tigers’ mind. Memphis ensured it would collect The Bones this time around, using a 28-0 run in the second half to handle UAB, 38-13.
The Blazers’ vastly improved defense, under the direction of first-year coordinator Todd Grantham, held an explosive Memphis offense in check in the first half. UAB scored on the opening drive, while star kicker Jonah Delange drained field goals from 49 and 57 yards out, handing the Blazers a 13-10 halftime advantage on the road.
Memphis turned the tide in the second half, scoring four touchdowns in a five-possession sequence. Jaylin Carter, who posted a game-high 132 rushing yards, started the scoring barrage with a 24-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Then, Marcus Stokes connected on a 45-yard deep shot to an open Tychaun Chapman to provide the Tigers cushion, putting them ahead 24-13.
In the fourth quarter, tight end Hunter Tipton handled a snap and scored a short touchdown out of the wildcat, before Stokes provided the finishing duties, connecting with the other tight end Aidan O’Callaghan for a 25-point victory.
Memphis only needed 11 completions on 21 attempts, as Carter and the run game were the defining feature of the offense Saturday. However, Stokes took great care of the ball, increasing his touchdown to interception ratio to 16-to-3 with his third-straight interception-free performance. UAB did not enjoy the same mistake-free outing. The Blazers committed three turnovers — one interception and two fumbles — which led to 10 Memphis points.
The Tigers’ defense has now allowed only two touchdowns in two conference matchups this season. Defensive end J’Mond Tapp stepped up with a sack and fumble recovery in the win, while strong safety Dylan Smith added six tackles and his third interception of the season.
UAB (3-3, 1-1 American) dropped its first conference matchup of 2026. The Blazers still hold an 11-8 all-time series lead in the Battle for the Bones rivalry, but the ribs are headed to Memphis. UAB must flush that second half performance in less than a week, as it returns home for a Thursday night matchup against East Carolina.
Memphis (5-1, 2-0 American) is 5-1 or better through six games for the third-straight season. The Tigers are on the fringe of bowl eligibility for the 13th-straight season, which would extend the longest active streak in the American. Memphis remains perfect in conference play under first-year head coach Charles Huff, outscoring its opponents by an aggregate score of 97-21. The Tigers also prepare for a short week, traveling to New Orleans for a Friday night showdown against Tulane.
