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After riding a high for the past two weeks, UAB was brought down to earth on Saturday with a 38-19 defeat at UConn. UAB has now lost its last 16 games on the road, dating back to the 2023 season. In their first road game under interim coach Alex Mortensen, the Blazers reverted back to their previous mistakes, digging themselves into an early hole thanks to turnovers and defensive lapses. That proved fatal against a UConn team that prides itself on ball security and a steady ground game. UConn played turnover-free football for the eighth time in nine games. The Huskies (6-3) forced UAB (3-5) into three turnovers, scoring 10 points off them while also capitalizing on favorable field position. Kitna gets the start before Burton takes over After missing UAB’s win over Memphis two weeks ago with a shoulder injury, Jalen Kitna resumed his role as the Blazers’ starting quarterback. That return was short-lived, as the redshirt senior was substituted by reshirt sophomore Ryder Burton after two unsuccessful possessions. Kitna led UAB to the UConn 21-yard line on the Blazers’ first drive of the game. However, an ugly interception saw UAB come away with nothing, as UConn took over at its own 17-yard line. Kitna and the Blazers then proceeded to go three-and-out on their second possession, prompting UAB to switch to Burton on its third drive. The redshirt sophomore didn’t fare any better, tossing an interception on his first play from scrimmage. Burton led the offense on UAB’s fourth possession. After picking up a first down with his feet, he took back-to-back sacks, forcing UAB to punt from its own end zone. Burton was able to lead UAB down the field on this third drive, but he couldn’t convert on fourth-and-4 from the UConn 13-yard line, sending the Blazers into the half trailing 24-0. Burton was able to find his footing in the second half, finishing the day 21 of 30 for 209 yards and two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Kitna was 2 of 5 for 9 yards and an interception on his two drives. Early turnovers prove costly Preventing turnovers was one of Mortensen’s points of emphasis heading into the game. UAB was unable to do that, killing any chance of early momentum while setting up UConn for easy scores. Kitna’s interception came after a promising start for the Blazers. UAB’s defense stopped UConn on fourth-and-5 from the Blazers’ 20-yard line on the opening drive of the game. From there, Kitna led the Blazers 59 yards down the field on eight plays before tossing an interception under pressure. UConn proceeded to drive 83 yards on seven plays, finding the end zone on a 26-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Fagnano to receiver Skyler Bell. UAB nearly stopped UConn following Burton’s first interception, as the Huskies took over at the Blazers’ 37-yard line. However, after UAB came up with a stop on third down, UConn kicker Chris Freeman drilled a 50-yard field goal to put the Huskies up 17-0. Cam Chadwick came away with all three of UConn’s interceptions on the day. The redshirt sophomore cornerback also recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, to go with a pass breakup. Can’t get off the field UAB’s defense was able to get stops on early downs, but the Blazers struggled to get off the field when it mattered most. UConn converted on 8 of 13 third-down attempts, netting 142 yards and two touchdowns on those plays. Fagnano hit Bell for a 9-yard touchdown on third-and-5 to put UConn up 24-0 with 3:56 left in the half. The two then connected on a 39-yard score on third-and-10 in the third quarter. UAB also had a couple of third-down lapses that led to touchdowns shortly after. UConn’s first score of the game came after Fagnano picked up a third-and-13 with a 26-yard pass to John Neider. The 39-yard score from Fagnano to Bell was set up by a third-and-5 conversion two plays earlier, as the two connected for 28 yards. Fagnano finished the game 23 of 30 for 267 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Bell caught eight passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Milliner returns After returning to practice this week, previously suspended receiver Corri Milliner made the trip to UConn with UAB. The redshirt sophomore did not get the start but recorded four receptions for 26 yards on a team-high nine targets. Milliner missed UAB’s previous four games due to conduct detrimental to the team. He had been the Blazers’ top receiver to start the season, recording 17 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns in his three games. Next up UAB will have another opportunity to end its road losing streak next Saturday when it travels to Rice for a 1 p.m. CT kickoff. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ After securing bowl eligibility, UConn will remain at home, as it will host Duke at 2:30 next Saturday. That game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
