How to watch Memphis’ home game against UAB

Memphis returns to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Saturday for the Battle for the Bones against UAB. The Blazers lead the all-time series 11-7 and won last year’s meeting 31-24 in Birmingham.

The matchup last year was interesting, as it was a game against two completely different teams. The Tigers entered the game 6-0 and ranked No. 22 in the country, while the Blazers were 2-4 and had just fired head coach Trent Dilfer.

The Blazers promoted Alex Mortensen as the interim head coach, and he picked up his first win in his first win against Memphis.

Mortensen was awarded the permanent job in the offseason, and he returns starting quarterback Ryder Burton, who threw for 251 yards, three touchdowns and an interception against the Tigers last year. This season, Burton has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 791 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

The receiver room has a familiar face as former Tiger CJ Smith leads the team 223 yards on 10 receptions. 

Georgia transfer Rod Robinson II leads the team in rushing, and he has 338 yards on 74 carries, but he hasn’t found the end zone yet. UL-Monroe transfer Bam McReynolds has scored four touchdowns on the ground.

UAB has allowed the least amount of offensive yards by any team in the American conference, and it’s giving up only 301.4 yards of total offense. While they’ve been good against the pass, the Blazers rank No. 12 in rush defense, allowing 183 yards on the ground.

Here’s a look at how to watch the Battle for the Bones:

TV: ESPN2

Stream: WatchESPN

Radio: 98.9 The Roar of Memphis

Time: 6:00 p.m. CT

Line: Memphis -14

Total: 53.5

What to watch for in the Tigers’ game against UAB:

Most fans remember what happened in this game last year, but there aren’t many returning players on this year’s team. Charles Huff said during his weekly press conference that it was hard for the players to view this as a rivalry game because they haven’t experienced it, but they know how important it is to the fans.

Weather could be a factor in tonight’s game, and it will be interesting to see how Memphis reacts to the conditions. The Tigers played through some rain in Charlotte last year, and it looked like it didn’t bother Huff’s team.

The Blazers have played well against the pass, and it could give Marcus Stokes some issues. Stokes has been great over the last two games, including the first halves, and he’ll look to get out to a strong start again at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

The Tigers’ defense will look to get after Burton and force him to make mistakes. Memphis has recorded five interceptions, and Burton has thrown an interception in all but one of his games this year.

If the Tigers can force more takeaways, they should be able to roll in this game.