UAB rallies from halftime deficit to beat Samford 33-14

UAB scored the game's final 20 points to beat Samford 33-14 Saturday at Protective Stadium, overcoming a halftime deficit created by Jalen Nelson's 95-yard fumble return. Jonah Delange made four field goals, and the Blazers added two fourth-quarter touchdowns to turn a close game into a comfortable finish.

The Birmingham programs were meeting for the first time in 34 years, according to Samford's official report. UAB improved to 3-2, while the Bulldogs fell to 1-4 after leading 14-13 at halftime.

A long return puts Samford ahead

UAB had a chance to extend a 13-7 lead late in the second quarter when Rod Robinson II lost a fumble near the Samford goal line. Nelson recovered it and ran 95 yards for a touchdown, putting the Bulldogs in front with 3:36 left before halftime.

It was Samford's second touchdown. Gabarri Johnson had earlier found Marquise Henderson for a four-yard scoring pass, answering Delange's opening field goal. Henderson finished with five catches for 57 yards and supplied the Bulldogs' only offensive touchdown.

UAB's first touchdown came on EJ Reid's 36-yard run in the opening quarter. Delange added a 46-yard field goal in the second, but Nelson's return meant those points were insufficient for a halftime lead. The Blazers lost two fumbles on the afternoon, keeping Samford close despite a substantial difference in total yardage.

UAB shuts out the Bulldogs after halftime

Delange's 23-yard field goal with 9:07 left in the third quarter restored UAB's lead at 16-14. The margin remained two points through the end of the period, with Samford still one successful possession away from moving back ahead.

Bam McReynolds supplied the next score, breaking a 28-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Ryder Burton later found CJ Smith for a 31-yard touchdown with 2:58 remaining. Delange's fourth field goal, from 26 yards, completed a 17-point fourth quarter and a 20-0 second half.

The Blazers finished with 400 yards, including 248 rushing. Robinson carried 14 times for 75 yards, while McReynolds added 46 yards on 10 carries. Burton completed eight of 18 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Smith caught two passes for 85 yards.

Samford gained 230 yards and converted three of 11 third downs. Johnson completed 17 of 29 passes for 140 yards, but UAB intercepted him three times. Ike Esonwune, Jeremiah Jordan and Delvon Gulley each had an interception. The Bulldogs' defense produced the game's longest scoring play, but their offense could not add points after halftime.

Samford coach John Grass said in the school's report that his team played with energy and had chances. The next opportunity comes at Chattanooga on October 10. UAB visits Memphis next Saturday, carrying forward a win that required it to recover from a costly first-half turnover before its running game and defense settled the result.