An ugly game of football was played on an ugly day in Birmingham. The undefeated and AAC-leading Navy Midshipmen marched into Protective Stadium on Saturday morning and left with a 41-18 victory against the UAB Blazers. UAB, coming off a near-upset of the Arkansas Razorbacks in week three, felt like they were due for another good game considering what happened in Fayetteville just a few weeks ago. Those thoughts were quickly put to rest.
Navy’s offense continued their hot streak, putting up over 450 yards of offense. UAB continued their rush defense woes, giving up 227 yards on the ground. The Blazers’ only touchdowns on the day came on a 39-yard pass by Jacob Zeno and a short touchdown in the fourth quarter with the game already out of reach.
Zeno struggled today, only completing 14 of 21 passes for 202 yards and the touchdown and two interceptions. The offense in its entirety put up 390 yards on the day. The Blazers dropped to 1-3 on the season.
Here are the takeaways from Saturday morning’s game:
The Blazers’ offense has taken a sizable step back since 2023
Despite the 4-8 record in 2023, the UAB offense set an array of school records for the entire offense’s production as well as individual accolades. After an offseason of adding new pieces, it looked like the Blazers were ready to have another impressive season on that side of the ball. So far, it’s been anything but that.
The loss of Tejhaun Palmer last offseason to NFL Draft was always going to leave large shoes to fill to whoever was next up but UAB looks completely lacking deep threats this season.
Wide receivers only touched ball seven times entire game.Amare Thomas caught one pass for eight yards.Kam Shanks added sixteen yards four catches.The Blazers needed strong game pass today hang clock-controlling team like Navy.It didn’t happen.
One bright spots offense continues be Lee Beebe Jr.The redshirt sophomore running back rushed eighty-two yards fifteen carries touchdown.
Undisciplined play continues for UAB
Down seven-zero second quarter,UAB defense stuffed run stop driving Navy offense fourth one.After play,UAB linebacker Michael Moore charged personal foul,resulted Navy getting new life moving half distance goal line scoring next play.
In third quarter,UAB defense looked finally slowing Navy offense drive where they’d gotten past mid-field,safety Ray Thornton took frustration late hit bounds Blake Horvath,gave Midshipmen extra fifteen yards.
Those just couple many instances where Blazers shot themselves foot today.In totality,the team racked eleven penalties which handed Navy additional hundred four yard.Four fumbles today luckily recovered by offensive or fumbled bounds,but could’ve easily ended hands Navy player.The only turnover day came bad deep ball Zeno trying hit Kam Shanks corner route,but undercut intercepted by Navy Mbiti Williams Jr.
Blazers will face Tulane home next week followed road trips Army USF.They absolutely must play more discipline over stretch,tough season may get worse.
Navy’s Offense is Going Take Midshipmen Long Way
Horvath passed two hundred twenty-five yard nine completions two touchdowns added another touchdown along seventy-eight yard twelve carries ground good leading rusher Navy’s Offense.Navy receiver Eli Heidenreich caught three passes hundred eight yard including seventy-four-yard touchdown third nine screen play slipped multiple UAB defenders third quarter.They’ve now scored thirty points every game twenty-four face Air Force Charlotte next.If this Offense Horvath continue play level,could be talking about not only AAC contender end season,potential Group-of-Five bid twelve-team playoff
