Ja’Vin Simkins emerged as the decisive force for the UAB Blazers, rushing for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal a 23-12 victory over Charlotte on Saturday night in Birmingham. The game remained tightly contested through the first three quarters, with the Blazers failing to score until Jonah Delange kicked a 42-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the second half to tie the match at 3-3. After exchanging field goals in the third quarter, Delange’s third kick of the game early in the fourth quarter gave UAB a 9-3 lead, setting the stage for Simkins’ late surge.
Late-game heroics secure fifth home win for Blazers, keeping bowl hopes alive
Simkins capitalized on the momentum shift with an eight-minute mark 1-yard run and a 5-yard score with approximately two minutes left, effectively ending the game. Rod Robinson II provided crucial support on the ground, amassing 101 rushing yards to keep the Blazers’ offense moving. The Charlotte 49ers managed only one touchdown, coming when Jaden Barnes caught a 14-yard pass from Conner Harrell with 61 seconds remaining, but it was insufficient to overcome UAB’s defensive stand and offensive execution in the final minutes.
The win improves UAB to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the American Conference, marking their fifth consecutive home victory. This performance keeps the Blazers in contention for a bowl berth, a milestone they have not achieved since their six-year streak of postseason appearances ended in 2022. With the season nearing its conclusion, UAB’s ability to close out tight games at home positions them strongly for a potential return to postseason play.
Source: Yahoo Sports
