The 2-7 UAB Blazers travel this weekend to play in the second rendition of the renewed “Battle for the Bones” rivalry game against the 8-2 Memphis Tigers.

The Blazers are coming off a 31-23 loss to the UConn Huskies where they suffered a second half collapse as they blew 17-point halftime lead.

However, this week offers another chapter in a rivalry with a very unique trophy.

The rivalry began in 1997 and became official with the iconic 100-pound trophy in the form of a bronze rack of ribs following in 2006. The game occurred every season until Memphis left Conference USA to join the Big East (now the American Athletic Conference) in 2013.

UAB’s entry into AAC reignited the rivalry and the teams faced each other for the first time in 11 years at Protective Stadium with Memphis winning 45-21.

The Blazers still lead the all-time series, 10-6.

Here’s the report on the Tigers:

The Team

The Tigers come into this game at 8-2 overall and 4-2 in AAC play.

While they haven’t quite been the Group of Five powerhouse to potentially represent the AAC like they were projected to, they’re still fourth in the league behind Army, Tulane and Navy.

The Tigers’ offense remains their strength, led by a core of some of the best players at their positions in the conference.

Their pass-heavy scheme produces 432.5 yards per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation, and are led by a top 30 passing attack with quarterback Seth Henigan and receiver Roc Taylor that nets them 270 yards a game.

Memphis gains 162 yards on the ground and average just under five yards per carry at 4.91.

Needing to be carried by their offense in recent weeks, the Tigers’ defense has given up 32 points per game over their last four contests.

Their rushing defense is top 30 in the country but is dragged down by their secondary that gives up 237 yards per game, which ranks 97th in the country.

The Coach

Head coach Ryan Silverfield is in the midst of his fifth season leading the Tigers and has been on the staff since 2016 in various roles.

In his tenure, they have seen some of the best seasons in program history including their 10-3 campaign in 2023 where they went on to win the Liberty Bowl over Iowa State.

Silverfield is 39-20 in his time at Memphis.

Calling the plays for what’s been one of the top offenses in America over the last two seasons is Tim Cramsey, who is in his third year with the Tigers.

His high-powered passing attack comes from his background as a college quarterback at New Hampshire, and his four seasons calling the plays and doubling as quarterbacks coach at Marshall.

Leading their recently struggling defensive unit is first-year coordinator Jordon Hankins, who took over defensive play calling after three years on the staff serving as their linebacker’s coach.

His defense is extremely aggressive, and while they haven’t been able to keep defenses from scoring lately, they excel at creating turnovers and are tied for eighth nationally having created 17 turnovers so far.

Players to Watch

Leading the air attack is senior quarterback Seth Henigan, who finished last season as arguably the best Group of Five quarterback and one of the best in the nation regardless of level.

So far this season, Henigan has thrown for 2,691 yards and 17 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Henigan’s best friend in the passing game is Roc Taylor, who has a team-leading 50 catches and 710 yards. He primarily plays outside receiver as an above-average sized receiver, standing at 6-3.

On defense, linebacker Chandler Martin leads the team in both tackles (84) and sacks (6). The do-it-all defender can cover, rush the passer and blow-up gaps. He has four passes deflected, an interception, one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries.