By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The UAB Blazers defeated No. 13 BYU Cougars in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. The Blazers won 31-28 over the Cougars at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.
With the win, the Blazers improved to 9-4 on the season. The Cougars fell to 10-3.
This was the 45th edition of the Independence Bowl. This was the first game since 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic.
In the last Independence Bowl before the pandemic, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs shut out the Miami (Florida) Hurricanes 14-0 on December 26, 2019.
This was the earliest the Independence Bowl had been held since December 15, 1990. The Bulldogs and the Maryland Terrapins tied at 34.
The Independence Bowl was the first meeting between the two teams.
Blazers quarterback Dylan Hopkins went 19 of 23 for 189 yards. He had three touchdown passes and one interception.
DeWayne McBride had 28 carries for 183 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Davis had three receptions for 50 yards.
Cougars quarterback Baylor Romney went 15 of 23 for 195 yards.
Tyler Allgeier had 27 carries for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Masen Wake and Gunner Romney led the receivers with three receptions for 55 yards.
Allgeier was the second straight running back to win the Offensive MVP of the game. Bulldogs running back Justin Henderson also received the honor following the 2020 game.
The Cougars outscored the Blazers 14-10 in the second half. Allgeier scored two rushing touchdowns in the second half.
His first touchdown went for 62-yards in the third quarter. He also scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Blazers’ Hopkins hit Trea Shropshire for a 14-yard touchdown reception. Matt Quinn also made a 38-yard field goal.
The Blazers led 21-14 at halftime. Hopkins hit Gerrit Prince for a 23-yard touchdown reception.
McBride also scored on a 64-yard rushing touchdown. Hopkins also hit Prince for a 10-yard touchdown reception.
Cougars’ Allgeier scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown. Samson Nacua also scored on a two-yard rushing touchdown.
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