Those who were wanting some mid-Friday bowl fireworks down in the Bahamas were left wanting more. But that doesn’t mean the game lacked competitiveness. The first three quarters were lots of trading body blows between UAB and Miami (OH). But the action really picked up in the fourth quarter, including a down-to-the-wire finish. But in the end, UAB Defeats Miami (OH) to win the 2022 Bahama bowl by a score of 24-20
Both Offenses Struggled
Coming into this one, UAB boasted one of the best rushing attacks in all of college football. Behind DeWayne McBride and Jermaine Brown, the Blazers were expected to just run all over one of the better defenses in the MAC. However, even with UAB controlling the ball for over 33 minutes, they only ran for 138 yards on 38 carries. Miami (OH), who wasn’t known for having an explosive offensive attack, only generated 272 total yards of offense in this one.
One contributing factor could have been the heat. Dealing with a sunny 85-degree day at the beach in December sounds like the last thing anyone would complain about. But trying to play a football game, in which both teams have not played in that type of heat in a few months, was clearly taking a toll on both sidelines in this game. Through the first three quarters, the teams combined for only 23 total points. However, Chuck Martin watched his RedHawks find new life in the fourth quarter. And just when it looked like they were going to spring the upset, the Blazers were also able to find a second wave down the final 15 minutes of the game.
UAB Defeats Miami (OH) With Wild Finish
Fast forward to the last seven minutes of this game if you want to get to the good stuff. UAB took the field down 20-17 with 6:48 remaining in the game. On the second play from scrimmage, Brown fumbled the football, and Miami (OH) took over on the Blazers’ 28-yard line. The Redhawks had a chance to put this game away. Instead, the UAB defense stood tall forcing a field goal attempt that drifted wide-right with 4:16 left in the game. On the ensuing drive, the Blazer drove down to the Miami (OH) 12-yard line facing a fourth-and-one. Instead of settling to tie the game up, UAB rolled the dice and came up aces as Brown scampered into the endzone with only 1:33 left.
But the RedHawks offense, who for most of the day were limited, found a way back down the field with a chance to steal back victory. With less than 20 seconds left, Miami (OH) quarterback Aveon Smith scrambled and drew a face mask penalty with only one second remaining. It placed the ball on the UAB 15-yard line. On the last play of the game, Smith connected with Jalen Walker at the five-yard line. Walker broke one tackle but was unable to break the last tackle by Reynard Ellis two yards short of scoring the game-winning touchdown. The Blazers were able to send out interim head coach Bryant Vincent with a victory as UAB Defeats Miami (OH). This came even with new head coach Trent Dilfer roaming the sidelines observing his soon-to-be program.
Main Image Courtesy Bahamas Bowl
