The Army Black Knights and the UAB Blazers recently faced off in a highly anticipated college football matchup. Fans were eager to see how both teams would perform, with Army relying on its disciplined ground attack and UAB bringing a balanced offensive strategy to the field. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the key player stats and standout performances from the game.
Game Overview
The game between Army and UAB lived up to the hype, featuring intense action, big plays, and key moments that defined the outcome. Army’s dominant rushing attack was on full display, while UAB’s passing game showed flashes of brilliance. The battle between Army’s disciplined defense and UAB’s high-powered offense made for an exciting contest.
Final Score:
- Army: 27
- UAB: 24
First Half Highlights
Army opened the game with a strong rushing drive, setting the tone early. Their triple-option offense put immediate pressure on UAB’s defensive line. UAB responded with a quick passing attack, driving down the field for an early touchdown.
Key moments from the first half included:
- Army’s 12-play, 75-yard drive ending with a 5-yard touchdown run by Tyrell Robinson.
- UAB’s 45-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Zeno to Tejhaun Palmer, tying the game at 7-7.
- Army’s blocked field goal attempt at the end of the second quarter, keeping the score tied at halftime.
Second Half Highlights
Army took control in the second half with a combination of clock management and tough defense. UAB struggled to maintain offensive momentum as Army’s defense tightened up.
Key second-half moments included:
- Army’s 65-yard touchdown run by Tyson Riley, giving Army a 21-14 lead.
- UAB’s 50-yard field goal by Matt Quinn to narrow the gap to 21-17.
- Army’s game-winning drive, capped off by a 30-yard field goal by Quinn Maretzki with 2 minutes left on the clock.
Key Player Stats
Army Black Knights
Tyrell Robinson (RB)
- Carries: 18
- Yards: 122
- Touchdowns: 1
Tyson Riley (RB)
- Carries: 15
- Yards: 98
- Touchdowns: 1
Jemel Jones (QB)
- Passing Yards: 45
- Completion Percentage: 60%
- Rushing Yards: 47
Andre Carter II (LB)
- Tackles: 8
- Sacks: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 1
UAB Blazers
Jacob Zeno (QB)
- Passing Yards: 225
- Completion Percentage: 68%
- Touchdowns: 2
Jermaine Brown Jr. (RB)
- Carries: 14
- Yards: 76
- Touchdowns: 1
Tejhaun Palmer (WR)
- Receptions: 6
- Yards: 90
- Touchdowns: 1
Desmond Little (LB)
- Tackles: 10
- Sacks: 1
- Pass Breakups: 2
Offensive Breakdown
Army’s Rushing Attack
Army’s offense relied heavily on the run game, sticking to their signature triple-option strategy. They racked up over 250 rushing yards as a team, controlling the pace of the game and wearing down UAB’s defense.
UAB’s Passing Game
UAB leaned on quarterback Jacob Zeno, who threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. While Zeno showed accuracy and poise under pressure, UAB’s offensive line struggled to protect him consistently.
Defensive Impact
Army’s Defense
Army’s defense made critical stops in the second half, including a pivotal fourth-down stop with under five minutes left in the game. Andre Carter II led the defense with eight tackles and two sacks, putting constant pressure on Zeno.
UAB’s Defense
Despite giving up significant yardage on the ground, UAB’s defense forced two fumbles and held Army to just one touchdown in the second half. Desmond Little was a standout, leading the team in tackles and making key plays in coverage.
Special Teams Performance
Special teams played a major role in the outcome of the game:
- Army’s Quinn Maretzki hit two field goals, including the game-winner from 30 yards.
- UAB’s Matt Quinn nailed a 50-yard field goal, keeping UAB in striking distance late in the game.
- Army’s blocked field goal at the end of the second quarter prevented UAB from taking the lead.
Turning Point of the Game
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Andre Carter II sacked Jacob Zeno on third down, forcing UAB to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown. This allowed Army to retain a slim lead and set up the game-winning drive.
What This Means for Both Teams
Army’s Outlook
Army’s victory reinforces their identity as a tough, run-first team with a dominant defense. Their ability to control the pace of the game and wear down opponents makes them a dangerous matchup in the coming weeks.
UAB’s Outlook
Despite the loss, UAB showed promise, especially in the passing game. Jacob Zeno’s performance under pressure is a positive sign, but the offensive line will need to improve to protect him more effectively in future games.
Post-Game Reactions
Army Head Coach Jeff Monken said after the game:
“We knew it would be a battle. Our guys stuck to the plan and executed when it mattered most. Proud of how our defense stepped up late in the game.”
UAB Head Coach Trent Dilfer reflected on the game:
“We had opportunities to win this game, but we didn’t capitalize when it counted. We’ll go back, watch the tape, and make adjustments moving forward.”
Conclusion
The matchup between Army football and UAB Blazers football lived up to expectations, with both teams showcasing their strengths and resilience. Army’s ground game and defensive toughness ultimately secured the victory, while UAB’s passing attack kept them in the fight until the final moments. Fans can expect both teams to build on this performance as the season progresses.
