BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Akron Zips faced a tough challenge against the UAB Blazers, losing 31-28 despite a strong second half where they kept UAB scoreless.
Quarterback Ben Finley threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Israel Polk for a stunning 75-yard touchdown, marking Akron’s first scoring play of the season. Polk shined with 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns, both career highs. Myles Walker also made notable contributions, racking up 69 yards on four receptions.
On the ground, Sean Patrick led Akron’s rushing attack with a career-high 81 yards and his first college touchdown. Jordan Gant supported with 67 yards, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Zips were relentless, making 66 tackles, continuing their trend from the previous game. Rodrick Hunter topped the defensive stats with eight tackles, while Markus Boswell achieved his second interception of the season, returning it 44 yards into UAB territory.
Akron’s defense managed to contain the Blazers’ rushing game effectively, limiting them to just 81 yards on the ground while the Zips outperformed UAB with 159 rushing yards.
Key Moments in the Game
After falling behind early, Akron quickly responded. Finley’s throw to Polk tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter. They took a brief lead with another touchdown before UAB equalized. Akron regained the lead with a field goal, but UAB surged ahead again.
A late rushing touchdown from Patrick narrowed it to a 31-28 game, but neither team found the end zone thereafter.
Noteworthy Stats
- Akron outgained UAB 441-422 in total yards.
- Akron converted 6 out of 16 third downs, while UAB managed just 3 of 12.
- With a career-high 1.5 sacks, Bruno Dall particularly stood out for the Zips.
Looking ahead, the Zips will return to InfoCision Stadium on September 20 to take on Duquesne. They remain determined to improve from their 0-3 start this season.
As we follow this season, it’s worth noting that many college football teams this year show diverse strategies in both offense and defense. A trend observed from recent reports indicates that teams are prioritizing balanced attacks, combining effective rushing with strategic passing to secure victories.
In the wake of complex strategies and varying team dynamics this season, experts stress the importance of adaptability. As teams assess their opponents and adjust their gameplay, consistency becomes key. This was particularly evident in Akron’s defensive performance against UAB, showcasing their need for improvement while highlighting the potential for growth.
