UAB secured a hard-fought 31-28 victory over Akron in a high-scoring thriller at Protective Stadium. The Blazers started with a bang as Solomon Beebe returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, setting the tone for a back-and-forth first quarter that featured four lead changes. Quarterback Jalen Kitna threw two crucial second-quarter touchdown passes to put the Blazers up 31-20 at halftime, providing just enough cushion to withstand Akron's late comeback attempt led by Ben Finley and receiver Israel Polk.