FBS-CFB Game Preview: Memphis Tigers (6-0) vs. Alabama-Birmingham Blazers (2-4)

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Venue & Game Details

Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. ET)

Conference: American Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup

Broadcast: ESPN2 / Fubo streaming

Weather Forecast: Birmingham – ~71°F at kickoff, partly cloudy, light winds 6–9 mph,

Team Recent Form

Memphis Tigers:

Wins: Tulsa (45–7), Nicholls, Arkansas State, Navy, Temple, Tulane

Trend: Memphis is undefeated, averaging 40.5 PPG (13th nationally) and allowing just 16.2 PPG (16th nationally).

UAB Blazers:

Wins: Arkansas–Pine Bluff, Louisiana Tech

Losses: FAU (53–33), Tulane, Memphis (last season), others

Trend: UAB allows 41.3 PPG (136th nationally), one of the worst defenses in FBS.

Injury Report

Memphis:

QB Brendon Lewis – Healthy, coming off 266 yards and 3 TD vs. Tulsa.

RB Sutton Smith – Probable (minor ankle), leads team with 454 yards, 6 TDs.

UAB:

QB Jalen Kitna – Healthy, AAC leader in completion percentage (69.1%).

RB Jevon Jackson – Probable (shoulder), 388 yards, 3 TDs.

Key Player Matchups

QB Brendon Lewis (Memphis): 1,269 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INTs, plus 420 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs.

RB Sutton Smith (Memphis): 454 yards, 6 TDs – faces UAB’s 132nd-ranked rush defense (214.2 YPG allowed).

WR Cortez Braham (Memphis): 408 yards, 5 TDs – red-zone weapon.

QB Jalen Kitna (UAB): 1,776 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs – efficient passer but pressured often.

WR Iverson Hooks (UAB): 388 yards, 2 TDs – top target.

Series History

Memphis leads the all-time series 11–10.

Memphis has won the last two meetings by an average of 29.5 points.

Betting Trends:

Memphis is 6-0 ATS in 2025.

UAB is 2-4 ATS.

Memphis has covered every time as a 21+ point favorite this season.

UAB has covered in 2 of 2 games as a 21+ point underdog.

Historical Betting Results

Memphis has covered in 3 straight games.

UAB has failed to cover in 3 of last 4.

Memphis games average 56.2 total points, slightly under the posted line.

Game Odds

Memphis Tigers                               – 23.5

Alabama-Birmingham Blazers    58.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, October 17, 2025

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NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.