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UAB shows its grit as Trent Dilfer’s Blazers survive Akron

Trent Dilfer did not pretend it was perfect. But after UAB edged Akron 31-28, the Blazers’ head coach made it clear that grit, not polish, carried the night.

“I don’t think we played our cleanest football,” Dilfer said. “But what I loved tonight was that our guys didn’t flinch. They kept responding. That has been the message since January reset and respond and tonight we finally did that in a tight game.”

Quarterback Jalen Kitna threw for 341 yards on 30 of 45 passing with two touchdowns. He also overcame an interception and constant pressure. “We asked him to manage chaos,” Dilfer explained. “It wasn’t always pretty, but he kept his composure, made smart throws, and protected the football. There were moments where, honestly, we looked like we were trying to melt down and he kept us from melting down.”

Receivers Iverson Hooks (5 catches, 84 yards) and Corri Milliner (6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD) gave Kitna steady options downfield. Dilfer called them “difference makers in critical moments.”

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— UAB Football (@UAB_FB) September 14, 2025

On the ground, UAB never found a dominant rhythm with just 81 rushing yards as a team but a short burst from Nate Rogers proved pivotal. “That’s the wrinkle we’ve talked about,” Dilfer said. “He’s a dynamic player, and that touchdown gave us a real spark.”

Defensively, UAB bent but did not break, with a final stand sealing the victory. “We’ve been talking about finishing since day one,” Dilfer said. “That last series was exactly what we needed guys playing together, playing assignment sound football, and refusing to give up the edge.”

With the win, UAB improves to 2-1 on the season. Next week, the Blazers face a massive test on the road in Knoxville against Tennessee. “We know we can be much better,” Dilfer said. “But winning while you’re still building, that’s huge. That’s how programs turn corners.”