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Memphis Tigers vs UAB Blazers Betting Preview
The Memphis Tigers enter Week 8 as one of the top-ranked teams in the American Conference and will look to stay unbeaten when they visit the UAB Blazers on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, with the game televised on ESPN2.
Memphis comes in ranked No. 22 in the AP Poll after a dominant 6-0 start, while UAB will debut interim head coach Alex Mortensen following the dismissal of Trent Dilfer. The matchup carries intrigue — not just for the Tigers’ undefeated run but also for how the Blazers respond to their coaching change.
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Coaching Change Creates Uncertainty
UAB (2-4, 0-3 AAC) made headlines this week after parting ways with Trent Dilfer and promoting offensive coordinator Alex Mortensen to interim head coach. Mortensen, a former Arkansas quarterback and son of the late ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen, will look to stabilize a team that’s struggled defensively, ranking last in FBS in points allowed (41.3 per game).
Despite those issues, the Blazers’ offense has shown flashes. They average 29.5 points per game, tied for 58th nationally, and quarterback Jalen Kitna has been one of the most efficient passers in the conference. His 69.1% completion rate and 1,776 passing yards rank among the AAC’s best.
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield acknowledged the unpredictability that comes with facing a team under new leadership. “It gives you a little bit of angst,” Silverfield said. “We’ve got to be prepared for possibly everything.”
For bettors tracking team trends and projections, the college football picks page provides model-driven insights across the American Conference slate.
Memphis on a Mission
Memphis (6-0, 2-0 AAC) continues to impress with a balanced offense and one of the stingiest defenses in the country. The Tigers average 40.5 points per game, good for 13th nationally, while allowing just 16.2 points — second-best in the AAC and 16th in FBS.
Their 45-7 victory over Tulsa before the bye week highlighted that balance. Quarterback Brendon Lewis threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Running back Sutton Smith and wideout Roc Taylor have been consistent playmakers, while the offensive line has paved the way for the nation’s 10th-ranked rushing attack (238.7 yards per game).
Defensively, the Tigers force turnovers in bunches. Linebacker DeMarco Ward has returned two interceptions for touchdowns, while cornerback Omarion Cooper leads the league in passes defended. That opportunism has helped Memphis cover the spread in eight straight games.
More team data and advanced metrics are available through the college football odds section.
UAB Searching for Stability
The Blazers are averaging nearly 30 points per game, but their defense has been a liability all season. Opponents have scored at least 50 points twice in the last four games. Mortensen’s first order of business will be improving fundamentals and effort — both areas that faltered under Dilfer.
Quarterback Jalen Kitna has been one of the few bright spots, throwing 10 touchdown passes to just four interceptions. Wideout Fred Farrier and running back Isaiah Jacobs provide reliable targets, but the offensive line has allowed 13 sacks, the most in the conference.
Playing at home could provide a lift, as UAB is 2-1 at Protective Stadium this year. However, they’ll be facing a Memphis defense that thrives on pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes.
Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college football odds, Memphis opened as a -21.5 favorite, with the total set at 63.5. The Tigers’ moneyline sits at -1870, while UAB is a +952 underdog.
The spread reflects the stark difference between Memphis’ elite offense and UAB’s defensive struggles. Bettors have leaned toward Memphis early, expecting the Tigers to extend their perfect start against a rebuilding Blazers team.
For matchup models and expert projections, check out the NCAAF betting guide.
Key Edge
Memphis holds every statistical advantage in this matchup. The Tigers rank top 15 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense, while UAB ranks 129th in points allowed. Even if the Blazers generate offense through Kitna’s passing, they’re unlikely to match Memphis’ firepower over four quarters.
Silverfield’s disciplined approach and Mortensen’s first-game transition could also result in conservative play early, making the under a possible value pick.
Betting Trends
Memphis is 24-2 straight-up as a favorite in its last 26 games and has covered eight straight spreads. The Tigers are also 21-2 straight-up in games with totals above 50 points.
UAB, meanwhile, tends to play high-scoring contests, going over the total in 18 of its last 23 games after a loss. The Blazers are 17-5-1 to the over as an underdog over their last 23 matchups.
Best Bets and Prediction
Memphis is one of the most consistent programs in the American Conference, while UAB faces uncertainty with a new head coach and a collapsing defense. Expect the Tigers to control both lines of scrimmage and pull away after halftime.
Projected Score: Memphis 42, UAB 17
Best Bet: Memphis -21.5
Secondary Lean: Under 63.5
For more weekly previews, betting insights, and game breakdowns, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.
