Memphis’ Late Offensive Surge Falls Short at UAB

Saturday, October 18

Birmingham, Ala.

3 p.m.

University of Memphis

UAB

Oct 18, 2025 | Football

Box Score Postgame Notes vs. UAB Box Score (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The 22^nd-ranked University of Memphis football team fell on the road to UAB, 31-24, Saturday evening at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.

Redshirt senior running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. led the team with 74 yards on the ground, 114 all-purpose, and one score while Sutton Smith added a team-high 130 all-purpose yards. After starting quarterback Brendon Lewis left the game in the third quarter, freshman AJ Hill made his collegiate debut and went 13-for-25 for 175 yards and his first-career passing touchdown.

The Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 47-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021.

Dating back to a win over UAB during the 2023 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 23 of its last 27 games. Over that stretch, the Tigers have created 52 takeaways (30 INT, 22 FR). Memphis has multiple takeaways on defense in each of its last eight road games against UAB. That is the Tigers' longest road streak against a single opponent in the last 30 years.

After UAB marched down the field to start the game, Memphis answered right back with a 99-yard kickoff return from Sutton Smith, the first of his career, to make it a 7-7 game midway through the first quarter.

Following a William Whitlow Jr. and Sam Brumfield sack of UAB's Ryder Burton, the Blazer's drive ended with Brumfield picking off Burton at Memphis' own 38-yard line – the first-career interception for Brumfield.

Memphis regained the lead late in the second quarter when Greg Desrosiers Jr. hit paydirt on a one-yard run for the 14-10 advantage.

Starting off the third quarter, the Tigers ate up over seven minutes of time driving down the field for place-kicker Gianni Spetic to nail a 25-yard field goal to get Memphis within seven of the Blazers.

A big defensive play early in the fourth quarter got Memphis the ball back with 12:45 left on the clock. Kamari Wilson punched the ball out just before Nate Rogers hit the ground as Drue Watts scooped it up. On the first play of the drive for Memphis, Hill scrambled in the backfield to find Cortez Braham Jr. down the sideline for a 30-yard pickup.

UAB extended its lead in the fourth quarter on Burton's third passing touchdown of the game to make it a 31-17 game.

With just over two minutes left in the game, Hill found Christian Ross in the middle of the field for a 37-yard score, cutting the Tigers deficit to seven. It was the first-career touchdown for Ross.

When the Memphis defense held the Blazers to a three-and-out, the Tigers came back down the field on a Desrosiers Jr. 41-yard carry to the one-yard line with less than a minute left on the clock. But costly penalties hindered Memphis from getting in the endzone, turning the ball over on downs.

UP NEXT:
Memphis will return to the Bluff City next Saturday, Oct. 25, for a top-25 matchup with South Florida at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. with a television designation to come at a later time.

New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week and again by an additional $5 on game day at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week.

Season ticket prices remain unchanged from 2024, following a perfect 7-0 home campaign. With prices averaging under $25 per game, season tickets remain the best value for Tiger fans. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.