Memphis crosses the goal line at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the 19th Battle for the Bones. Video: We Don’t Bluff.

The Blazers led at halftime. Memphis answered with 28 unanswered points and a second-half shutout.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The 19th Battle for the Bones brought another chapter of the Memphis–UAB rivalry to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Both teams entered the matchup unbeaten in American Conference play, and UAB came out making noise, striking first for a 7–0 lead.

Memphis works through pregame warmups before kickoff. Video: We Don’t Bluff.

With a little more than eight minutes left in the first quarter, Jaylin Carter answered with a 14-yard touchdown run to tie it at 7–7. UAB’s ground attack, led in part by Reynolds, threatened again deep in Memphis territory, but J. Ishmael forced a fumble to keep the Blazers from cashing in.

A Memphis player in a blue jersey crosses the goal line as UAB defenders trail behind him
Into the end zone in front of a standing home crowd. Photo: Bryant Warren/We Don’t Bluff.

The Blazers Take the Half

In the second quarter, D. Smith picked off a UAB pass and Memphis converted the opportunity into a P. LaForge field goal. The Tigers led 10–7 with 10:42 remaining. UAB responded with field goals from 49 and 57 yards, heading into the break ahead 13–10.

Inside the Memphis sideline as the Tigers regroup. Video: We Don’t Bluff.

Memphis Takes Over

Whatever the Tigers needed to straighten out at halftime, they found it. A nine-play, 81-yard drive ended in another Carter touchdown, pushing Memphis ahead 17–13 with 9:33 left in the third quarter. Marcus Stokes later hit T. Chapman for a 45-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 24–13.

Bodies pile up at the goal line as the Tigers push for the end zone. Video: We Don’t Bluff.

J. Tapp helped swing possession with a forced fumble as Memphis seized control. The Tigers added 14 more points in the fourth quarter to close out a 38–13 win. UAB never scored again after halftime.

We Don’t Bluff Players of the Game

Offense — Jaylin Carter: 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Carter brought the Tigers level early and put them back in front after the break.

Defense — J. Tapp: Three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. A disruptive performance when Memphis needed stops.

The Final Word

For 30 minutes, UAB had the lead and a chance to take the Bones home. Over the final 30, Memphis took the game away: 28 unanswered points, a second-half shutout and a statement win at the Liberty Bowl.

The Bones Come Home

Close view of the Battle for the Bones trophy, a bronzed rack of ribs mounted on an engraved base The engraved base of the Battle for the Bones trophy listing past winners from 1997 through 2025

The trophy’s engraved base runs from 1997 through 2025, when UAB last took it home. Photos: Bryant Warren/We Don’t Bluff.

FINAL: MEMPHIS 38 — UAB 13

We Don’t Bluff | Original game notes and reporting.