Following its ill-advised thinking that led to the dysfunctional Trent Dilfer era at UAB, leadership answered the wake-up call to rebuild the program from scratch.
That meant removing the interim title from head coach Alex Mortensen, who took over in 2025 when the UAB finally got tired of Dilfer's losing and antics. The early returns are encouraging.
At 4-3, the Blazers have already equaled their win total from last year. Two of those wins -- including a splash 31-24 upset of Memphis -- came after Mortensen took over.
They enter Saturday's game at South Florida with three wins in their last four games, including triumphs over Navy and East Carolina.
Well-traveled defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, in his first season with the Blazers, has instituted a marked improvement in the unit. They are surrendering 24.6 points per game, down from 38.3 in 2025.
Linebacker Muaaz Byard, younger brother of NFL safety and three-time All-Pro Kevin Byard, is someone the Bulls must be acutely aware of at all times. He leads the FBS with 43 solo tackles and 69 overall, which ranks seventh overall.
He transferred to UAB after spending time at Middle Tennessee, where his determination caught Mortensen's eye when Byard entered the Transfer Portal.
“For me, it’s about winning,” Byard told AL.com. “It’s about making the 10 guys around me better, and I feel like when you do those things, and you do your job and do your responsibility, the plays are gonna come to you.”
Mortensen runs the offense and calls the plays.
Quarterback Ryder Burton got the start last season after Dilfer fired and led the Blazers to that stunning win against Memphis. This year he has the job full time after taking over for Jalen Kitna.
The Blazers aren't particularly explosive. They average 23.3 points per game, which is 101st out of 138 FBS teams.
How to watch UAB at USF
Date: Saturday, October 31 at Raymond James Stadium
Time: 12 p.m.
How to watch: TV: ESPNU Play-by-Play: Mark Neely; Analyst: Leger Douzable
How to listen: Q105 FM & Tune-In Digital Radio – Bulls Unlimited. Play by play: Jim Lighthall. Analyst: Sam Barrington. Sideline: Joey Johnson. Pregame Show (1 hour prior to kick): Darek Sharp, Rock Riley and Joey Johnson
What are the betting odds for UAB at USF?
FanDuel Sportsbook favors USF by 7.5 points, although odds can change up until kickoff. The ESPN matchup predictor/ gives USF an 84.2 percent chance of winning.
Series between UAB and USF
The Bulls lead the series 3-2 and have won three of the last four, including 48-18 last year.
What's the weather forecast for this game?
Temperatures in mid-80s at kickoff with a. 20 percent chance of precipitation
Add us as a preferred source on Google