Blazers take advantage of second half collapse

If the game was scheduled to last two quarters, Southern Miss would have captured their first win of the season. Unfortunately a football game lasts for four quarters. The Eagles went into halftime up 16-0 against the UAB Blazers but allowed UAB to score the final 20 points in a 27-19 comeback victory.

The loss drops Southern Miss to 0-9 on the season and 0-6 in C-USA play. The offense was once again placed in the hands of freshman quarterback Anthony Alford. For the sixth time this season, that offense failed to score more than 20 points.

Alford connected on 10 of his 26 pass attempts for 112 yards and an interception. He also ran it 14 times, a team-high, for 55 yards and a touchdown. Running back Jalen Richard led the way for the Eagles on the ground with 86 yards. Wide receiver Francisco Llanos hauled in a team-high five catches for 47 yards.

The Southern Miss defense roughed up UAB quarterback Austin Brown as they recorded five sacks, three by senior Jamie Collins. Brown only passed for 228 yards and one touchdown. His 228 yards is his lowest output since the Blazer’s third game of the season against Ohio State.

The Blazers found their offense after their defense held Southern Miss to only 117 yards and three points in the second half. The UAB defense opened the door and running back Darrin Reaves ran right through it. Reaves ran for a season-high 223 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Blazer comeback.

Southern Miss hits the road for their next game. The Eagles head to Dallas in search of their first win against the 4-5 SMU Mustangs, who are also 3-2 in conference play.