UAB’s offense faces tough test in South Florida’s stout defense

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UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) looks for a pass against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers fans boo the referees during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers fans cheer for their team against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers fans cheer for their team against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers wide receiver CJ Smith (1) runs the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

The UAB Blazers score a field goal against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers running back Braylon McReynolds (3) is brought down by East Carolina Pirates defensive lineman Kieran Davis (5) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers running back Braylon McReynolds (3) runs the ball against East Carolina Pirates defensive back Ashton Levells-Mitchell (7) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) yells towards the sideline after a negative play against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers defensive lineman Blanche Gold (7) tackles East Carolina Pirates quarterback Emory Williams (9) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers running back Roderick Robinson II (2) runs the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A UAB player’s helmet seen during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

The UAB Blazers runs out of the tunnel as they go to play the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers head coach Alex Mortensen seen on the sideline during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A lone UAB fan stands for the national anthem ahead of a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

The UAB Blazers runs out of the tunnel as they go to play the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers head coach Alex Mortensen seen on the sideline during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB cheerleaders cheer for their team against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers safety Jo Pierce (0) brings down East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Jason Dickerson (24) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers wide receiver KJ Daniels (6) celebrates after a successful play against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers fans cheer for their team against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers wide receiver Ty Mims (0) completes a fair catch against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A UAB fan boos the referees during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers running back Nate Rogers (16) watches from the sideline during a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers wide receiver CJ Smith (1) completes a pass against East Carolina Pirates defensive back Zyeir Gamble (3) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers punter Oliver Straw (46) punts against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers safety Anta'veon McKenzie (11) causes East Carolina Pirates tight end Ismael Smith Flores (8) to fumble the ball during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) dives against East Carolina Pirates defensive back Angelo Ross (22) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers safety Jo Pierce (0) celebrates after a successful play against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans react to the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers running back Roderick Robinson II (2) hurdles over East Carolina Pirates defenders during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) runs the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A lone UAB fan stands for the national anthem ahead of a game against the East Carolina Pirates at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) passes of the ball to UAB Blazers running back Braylon McReynolds (3) during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) throws against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB Blazers quarterback Ryder Burton (5) runs the ball against the East Carolina Pirates during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

East Carolina Pirates head coach Blake Harrell directs his team against the UAB Blazers during a game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans gather as ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcasts live ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

ESPN’s Matt Barrie seen broadcasting live for SportsCenter ahead of UAB’s homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans cheer during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans cheer during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A UAB fan holds up a sign from the crowd as ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcasts live ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

ESPN’s Matt Barrie seen broadcasting for SportsCenter ahead of UAB’s homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

ESPN’s Matt Barrie seen broadcasting live for SportsCenter ahead of UAB’s homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A young UAB fan holds up a sign from the crowd as ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcasts live ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans gather as ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcasts live ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB’s marching band performs during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB students seen licking their lips after an eating contest on ESPN’s SportsCenter ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans seen during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans cheer during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans Mercedes Ivey, Leah Phalo and Geneice Thompson pose for a portrait ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

A UAB cheerleader seen as ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcasts live ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

ESPN’s Matt Barrie and Chase Daniel seen broadcasting for SportsCenter ahead of UAB’s homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB cheerleaders seen during ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans and cheerleaders walk past tailgaters ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans tailgate ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

Amanda and Pete Pritchard pose for a portrait ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

An inflatable Blaze the Dragon seen outside of ahead of Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB fans seen ahead of their homecoming game against ECU at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

An inflatable Blaze the Dragon seen outside of ahead of Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Will McLelland/AL.com)

UAB’s offense spent most of its last two games searching for answers. Saturday, it faces the top defense in the American Conference.

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