UAB upsets No. 22 Memphis in Mortensen's debut as Burton throws 3 TDs

UAB upset No. 22 Memphis 31-24 on Saturday at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala., handing interim coach Alex Mortensen a victory in his debut less than a week after the program fired head coach Trent Dilfer. The Blazers, heavy underdogs, rallied behind a breakout performance from quarterback Ryder Burton and a career game from receiver Iverson Hooks to overcome a Memphis team that entered the day unbeaten.

Burton, making his first collegiate start after taking over for an injured Jalen Kitna, completed 20 of 27 passes for three touchdowns. Hooks caught 11 passes for 172 yards and all three of Burton’s scoring strikes. UAB also turned in a strong rushing effort, gaining 219 yards on the ground and controlling the clock with extended possessions that wore down a Memphis defense that had ranked among the national leaders against the run.

Memphis, which entered the game 6-0 and ranked 22nd, mounted a late comeback bid but could not convert in the final minute. Running back Greg Desrosiers broke free for a 41-yard run with just over a minute remaining and appeared to reach the end zone, only to be ruled down at the UAB 1-yard line after review. Memphis then committed two false...