The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Turn the Page to Navy After Louisiana Loss
9/21/2026 6:00:00β―PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. β With a short week before its American Conference opener, UAB is working to carry its defensive progress into Friday night's game against Navy while correcting the offensive mistakes that contributed to Saturday's 21-14 loss at Louisiana.
At Monday's press conference, head coach Alex Mortensen said the defense played with toughness and improved as the game went on. The Blazers held Louisiana scoreless and allowed 108 yards in the second half, giving the offense a chance to tie the game on its final possession.
"I thought our defense played very well, definitely well enough to win the game," Mortensen said.
He was equally direct about an offense that scored one touchdown against the Ragin' Cajuns.
"Ultimately, we've got to do a better job, and offensively it was one of the poorer performances I've ever been involved with," Mortensen said.
Running back Rod Robinson said improvement in the passing game will require more than the quarterback and receivers. "We have to be able to protect the quarterback so we can get him into a rhythm to be able to throw the ball confidently," Robinson said. "We all have to do our part, and it all works hand in hand together."
For the defense, the immediate challenge is Navy's option attack, which tests whether each player can stay with his assignment snap after snap. Defensive lineman Tylin Jackson said the Blazers must carry their focus from the start of the game rather than settle in after an early score. "I think it starts in practice. We have to start fast," he said. "I feel like really attacking practice this week, starting off fast, and having good intensity is going to be the first step to being successful."
Linebacker Muaaz Byard said patience will matter as much as physical play against the Midshipmen. "How disciplined can we be for 60 or 70 plays? Can you do your job even if you're not making plays or if you are making plays?" Byard said. "They're banking on somebody to mess up."
Friday's game is also UAB's Salute to Service game. Robinson, whose parents both served in the Army, said the occasion carries a personal connection. "I have a lot of military history in my family," he said. "I have my dad, mom, cousins, aunts, uncles β everybody has been in the military in my family."
UAB and Navy kick off at 6 p.m. Friday at Protective Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH COACH MORTENSEN
Q: Where does the passing game stand after three games?Mortensen: "I have confidence that we can execute it going forward through the rest of the season, but I would say it's below the standard with which we expect. It needs to be better in every component."
Q: How does the offense balance its rushing identity with the need to adjust against Navy?
Mortensen: "We want an identity in what we do well, coupled with flexibility to adjust week-to-week and do whatever it takes to win. If you're balanced, you have the ability to pivot. We don't anticipate veering too far from who we are, but we just got to execute basic things better."
Q: What does last year's Navy game tell you about this matchup?
Mortensen: "Last year we had 24 points at the half, started 7-for-7 passing, and scored touchdowns on our first three drives. But after a fumble and a rain delay, we didn't handle that well. We talk about playing hard and playing smart with discipline, poise, and emotional maturity. This year's group has an emotional steadiness about them. Every team and dynamic is different year to year, so it's a new year and a fresh start with a new group of players."
