2026 Week 6 Battle for the Bones Preview: UAB Blazers @ Memphis Tigers
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Game notes
- Time and date: Saturday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET
- Network: ESPN2
- Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium — Memphis, TN
- Spread: Memphis (-14)
- Over/under: 56.5
- All-time series: UAB leads, 11-7
- Last meeting: UAB 31, Memphis 24 — October 18, 2025
- Current streak: UAB, 1 (2025)
Setting the scene
There are rivalry trophies, and then there is a 94-pound rack of ribs.
The bronze trophy, introduced in 2006, is a nod to the barbecue reputations of Memphis and Birmingham, birthing the name “Battle for the Bones” to the rivalry. The trophy resurfaced earlier this decade after Memphis and UAB did not square off once from 2013-22.
Last October featured one of the more notable entries of the Battle for the Bones, as UAB — labeled a three-touchdown underdog — stunned a ranked Memphis team in Alex Mortensen’s coaching debut. That result helped Mortensen secure the job in Birmingham, and he’s off to a 3-2 start in his first full season.
Despite the strong start, Mortensen’s Blazers remain overwhelming underdogs to Memphis. The Tigers are hungry for that rack of ribs, but as demonstrated 12 months ago, anything is truly possible when a 94-pound barbecue displays is on the line.
UAB Blazers outlook
UAB (3-2, 1-0 American) has a winning record through five games for its first time since 2022 and a 1-0 conference record for the first time since 2021, when it was a member of Conference USA.
Alex Mortensen previewed what this program can be last October when upsetting No. 22 Memphis, 31-24, in Birmingham. While the Blazers still have a long way to go, the progress is evident under the 40-year-old head coach.
Quarterback Ryder Burton made his first collegiate start in that Memphis game last year, recording 251 passing yards and three touchdowns on 20-of-27 efficiency. Even as a full-time starter now, that remains his best showing. Burton is averaging 158 passing yards per game on a 56.4 completion percentage, throwing four touchdowns and four interceptions. Pressure has prevented clean pockets, as UAB is allowing 2.6 sacks per game. But for the Blazers to pull off a second-straight upset over Memphis, Burton will need to throw it back to last October.
UAB ranks 125th in passing offense and 49th in rushing offense, getting most of its production through the running back trio of Roderick Robinson II, Bam McReynolds, and Ja’Vin Simpkins — all of whom are experienced first-year transfers. Robinson leads the group with 338 rushing yards, while McReynolds has accounted for four of UAB’s seven rushing touchdowns.
The other skill position players of note are wide receivers Ty Sims and C.J. Smith, who rank atop the team with 223 receiving yards. Smith is the explosive one of the duo. Among FBS receivers with 10 receptions, Smith ranks eighth nationally in yards per catch at 22.3. EJ Reid is another frequent target of Burton’s, entering Week 6 with a team-high 16 receptions.
The main difference between previous iterations of UAB and this year’s team can be found on defense. The Blazers have held four of five opponents to 21 points or below. Compare that to 2025 when not a single UAB opponent scored fewer than 24.
Veteran defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has shifted the narrative in his first season in Birmingham. UAB hasn’t finished better than 120th in scoring defense since 2022, and it currently ranks 69th. Playing Navy certainly skewed the stats, but the Blazers allow the second-fewest passing yards in the nation at 118 per game. They’ve forced a 59.2 completion rate and surrendered only four passing touchdowns, while intercepting four passes.
Part of that success can be attributed to the improved pass rush. Defensive end Marlin Dean leads the American in sacks (5.0), tackles for loss (8.0), and forced fumbles (3) as a midseason candidate for a first team all-conference nod. Defensive end Tylin Jackson and strong safety Jo’Tavion Pierce combine for an additional 5.5 sacks in a revamped unit that thrives on creating pressure.
The linebacker play has vastly progressed as well. Middle linebacker Muaaz Byard leads the FBS with 34 solo tackles, while Oklahoma State transfer Ike Esonwune — who followed Grantham from Stillwater — has 36 tackles and two interceptions. With all position groups contributing, UAB has forced eight takeaways this season, just one away from last year’s total of nine.
Lastly, UAB’s kicking game is essential. Jonah Delange was the American Special Teams Player of the Year in 2024 and remains reliable. He has sunk 12-of-13 field goals this year, including 6-of-7 in the 40 through 49-yard range.
Memphis Tigers outlook
Memphis (4-1, 1-0 American) eyes its first American Conference Championship Game appearance since 2019, and early returns suggest the Tigers are contenders. First-year head coach Charles Huff enjoyed a strong non-conference showing, defeating UNLV on the road and cruising past Arkansas State. Just one bad second half at Boise State prevented the Tigers from a third-straight season of sweeping out-of-conference play.
The Tigers ensured their first conference matchup of the Huff era wouldn’t even be competitive. Memphis obliterated Charlotte 59-8, generating 674 yards of offense, allowing 209 on defense, and dominating the turnover battle 4-0 on the road. That will likely be their easiest conference opponent of the year, but the Tigers’ sheer dominance cannot be dismissed.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes is the reigning American Offensive Player of the Year. The former Division II standout has seamlessly adjusted to the FBS level. Three of his last four starts featured completion rates of 80.0 percent or better and his last two starts featured nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. Stokes’ 1,371 yards rank third in the conference and his 14 passing touchdowns are tied for sixth in the FBS. Although not a focal point of the Memphis offense, Stokes is a capable runner as well, churning out 152 rushing yards in five starts.
But Memphis is just a dominant rushing team in general. A program that has become a factory for NFL running backs may have several more on its hands right now. Jaylin Carter is 15th in the FBS with 571 rushing yards, and he’s quite the home-run hitter — cashing in two 70+ yard touchdowns this season. Manny Covey, Dallan Hayden, and Jordan Thompson have been effective rushers when called upon, and as a unit, the Tigers collect 6.1 yards per carry, which is the eighth-best mark in the FBS.
Speaking of dominance on a national level, Hunter Tipton has been a perfect fit for the receiving game. The Middle Tennessee transfer ranks third among all FBS tight ends with 367 receiving yards, and he’s only seven yards out of first place. Tipton corralled a team-best fifth touchdown reception last week, and he did it on an impressive one-handed snag. Stokes’ other primary targets include wide receivers Jermane Hayes (team-high 22 receptions), Tychaun Chapman, and deep threat Stonka Burnside.
Memphis’ defense, greatly comprised of Southern Miss transfers who played under Huff last year, has demonstrated championship-caliber play at times this year. The unit is strongest in the defensive line, which creates enough pressure to the point blitzing is often unnecessary. Of the Tigers’ 12 sacks this year, 11 belong to defensive linemen. The trio of Elijah Kinsler, J’Mond Tapp, and Taylor Burton have been the most disruptive defenders, combining for seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
The run defense could use some progress, however. Memphis ranks 111th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game, and this was the facet Boise State exploited the most during its 38-20 Week 2 victory. Charlotte managed its lone touchdown last week on a 75-yard run where the Tigers’ defense was out of position. Only four FBS teams have allowed more 50-yard rushes than Memphis, and most of those breakaway runs were directed toward the boundary.
When Memphis’ defense forces turnovers, it forces avalanches. The Tigers have failed to secure a takeaway in three of five games this year. But in the other two, they forced four each, setting Memphis at a plus-3 in turnovers heading into this Week 6 matchup.
Prediction
Hardly any Memphis players and coaches remain from the Tigers’ stunning defeat at UAB one year ago, but they are well aware that the 94 pounds of barbecue ribs reside in Birmingham.
Memphis is 2-0 at home this season and 14-2 across its last 16 outings at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers have a degree of offense that UAB hasn’t shown the ability to match yet, especially in the passing game. Memphis offers a tremendous balance on offense, and both the rushing and passing elements are explosive. Huff’s team owns the most 60-yard pickups in the country this year and averages more than one per game. Meanwhile, UAB has zero and will likely have to move downfield in a more methodical manner.
The Tigers’ defense should see an advantage in the trenches against a UAB offensive line that has struggled in pass protection. Memphis leaves no doubt and avenges the 2025 defeat. The Tigers regain the ribs in the Battle of the Bones.
Prediction: Memphis 42, UAB 22
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