LEGION FIELD - Marvin Burdette intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown, and Greg Franklin scored two first-half touchdowns as UAB romped past Southeastern Louisiana 52-3 at homecoming for the team's first win of the season.

The defense got things started. Burdette intercepted a SE LA pass at the 36 and took the ball into the end zone for a touchdown and a 7-0 UAB lead.

The offense took over on their first possession, marching 68 yards in four plays for the score. Quarterback Austin Brown hit Franklin with a 53-scoring pass and a 14-0 UAB lead.

On the next possession, Franklin scored again. This time he did it on a 16-run off the right side for a 21-0 lead.

UAB didn't score again until the 8:20 mark of the second quarter. Darrin Reaves scored on a one-yard plunge, set up by a 42-yard pass from Brown to Reaves on the previous play.

The next score came with 1:25 remaining in the half. Ty Long hit a 53-yard field goal to give UAB a 31-0 lead. Southeastern Louisiana hit a 33-yard field goal as time expired for a 31-3 halftime score.

Jonathan Perry took over at quarterback on the Blazers' second possession of the second half and led UAB to three more touchdowns. The first was an 15-play, 82-yard drive that was capped with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jay Davis that gave UAB a 38-3 lead.

He followed that with a 38-yard, four-play drive that was capped with a 18-yard touchdown pass to Nick Adams for a 45-3 UAB lead. The third second-half touchdown came on a 35-yard run by Bashr Coles.

Starter Austin Brown hit 16-of-22 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown. Franklin was his top receiver, catching four passes for 86 yards and a score. Jonathan Perry completed eight-of-ten attempts for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Reaves led the ground game with 53 yards on 14 carries. Diaheem Watkins led the defense in tackles with nine, including 1.5 sacks. Burdette added eight tackles plus his interception.

With their first win under their belt, the Blazers will next travel to Houston to resume Conference USA play. That game is scheduled for an 11:00 am kickoff.


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