Blazer Victory Podcast

John, Jimmy, and Darion recap UAB's win over Navy!

UAB football has to respond — and it has to do it quickly.

John Duncan, Jimmy Marion and Darion Smith break down what went wrong in the Blazers’ loss at Louisiana before turning the page to Friday night’s matchup with Navy at Protective Stadium.

Darion goes back to the film to examine UAB’s offensive line problems, Ryder Burton’s uneven performance, missed assignments and potential personnel changes. The guys also discuss the encouraging signs from the defense and which players stood out despite the loss.

Then it’s on to Navy. What does UAB have to do defensively against the Midshipmen’s run game? Can the Blazers create enough offense through the air? And with UAB working on a short week while Navy comes off a bye, how important is Friday night for the direction of the season?

Plus: Alex Mortensen’s candid assessment of the Louisiana performance, SP+ context, injuries, penalties, offensive explosiveness and what improvement needs to look like in Week 4.

Blazer Victory Podcast
Independent coverage and analysis of UAB Athletics.

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UAB is 1-1 after a 26-20 win over ULM, but how much progress did the Blazers really make — and can they carry it on the road to Louisiana? Jimmy, John and Darion break down what stood out from the ULM win before turning the page to Saturday’s matchup with the Ragin’ Cajuns. The guys discuss UAB’s developing rushing identity, the growth of young offensive lineman Donovan Lawrence, Jo Pierce’s impact on defense, the second-half adjustments against ULM and the mistakes that still need to be cleaned up. Then it’s time to preview Louisiana, led by dual-threat quarterback Lunch Winfield. What problems does his mobility create for UAB? Can the Blazers continue running the football effectively on the road? Does the defense have another adjustment-filled performance in it? And what would a win in Lafayette tell us about where this team is headed? Jimmy also introduces BVPI, Blazer Victory’s new performance metric designed to evaluate UAB beyond the final score and track the Blazers’ progress throughout the season. 🐲 Subscribe to Blazer Victory for UAB football coverage, analysis, recruiting and more. #UAB #UABFootball #GoBlazers #CollegeFootball #LouisianaFootball

The guys talk about UAB's loss to Illinois and preview the ULM matchup.

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Mark Ingram’s 11-year tenure as UAB’s Director of Athletics is over. So, was it the right move — and where does UAB Athletics go from here? Jimmy Marion, John Duncan and Darion Smith break down Ingram’s tenure, separating their personal experiences with him from their evaluation of UAB Athletics under his leadership. They discuss the successes of the Ingram era, the coaching decisions and controversies that accumulated over time, his relationship with Bill Clark, UAB’s struggles with communication and fan engagement, and whether the department adapted quickly enough to the changing landscape of college athletics. The conversation then turns to what comes next. What should UAB prioritize in its search for a new athletic director? Jimmy, John and Darion discuss the need for a leader who can generate revenue, embrace NIL and revenue sharing, build stronger relationships throughout Birmingham, communicate effectively with fans, advocate aggressively for UAB and help turn community support into greater resources, attendance and ultimately wins. Topics include: • Mark Ingram’s departure after 11 years • The successes and shortcomings of his tenure • Bill Clark and UAB football • Coaching hires and searches • NIL, revenue sharing and fundraising • Communication with fans and the Birmingham community • Institutional support for UAB Athletics • What UAB needs from its next athletic director • UAB fan feedback on the AD search Subscribe to Blazer Victory for UAB football, basketball, recruiting and athletics coverage. #UAB #UABFootball #GoBlazers #CollegeFootball

The 2026 UAB Position Preview Series concludes with a look at the secondary and special teams. Can Todd Grantham's secondary provide the coverage needed to unlock an aggressive defensive scheme? And can UAB's special teams quietly become a difference-maker by winning the hidden-yardage battle? In Episode 4, we discuss: Why the secondary may hold the key to Grantham's defensive philosophy. The outlook for UAB's cornerbacks and safeties heading into fall camp. How the pass defense can bounce back after a challenging 2025 season. The impact of Jonah Delange, Badger Hargett, and the special teams units. Biggest strengths and concerns entering the 2026 season. Join Jimmy Marion, John Duncan, and former UAB offensive lineman Darion Smith as they wrap up the Position Preview Series and look ahead to what could define the Blazers' defense this fall. ⬇️ Let us know in the comments: Which position group are you most confident in heading into the 2026 season? #UAB #UABFootball #BlazerVictory #AmericanConference #CollegeFootball #GoBlazers

The 2026 UAB Position Preview Series continues with a look at the Blazers' front seven. Can Todd Grantham's defensive line generate the disruption UAB has been missing? Will the linebacker room provide the leadership, communication, and physicality needed to anchor the defense? In Episode 3, we discuss: Why improving the pass rush may be one of the biggest keys to UAB's season. New additions and returning talent along the defensive line. The outlook for the linebacker room and its role in Grantham's scheme. Statistical trends from recent seasons. Biggest strengths, concerns, and bold predictions heading into fall camp. As always, we're joined by former UAB offensive lineman Darion Smith and Blazer Victory's John Duncan to provide analysis and perspective as we preview the 2026 season. ⬇️ Let us know in the comments: Can UAB's front seven become the strength of this football team in 2026? #UAB #UABFootball #BlazerVictory #AmericanConference #CollegeFootball #GoBlazers

Can Ryder Burton and UAB’s passing attack take the next step in 2026? Episode 2 of our 2026 UAB Position Preview Series shifts the focus to the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Jimmy Marion, Darion Smith, and John Duncan break down the players, position battles, returning production, transfer additions, and why the success of UAB’s aerial attack could determine just how high the Blazers can climb this season. 🏈 Topics include: * Ryder Burton’s development entering Year 2 as the starter * The quarterback room behind Burton * Can UAB’s wide receivers become one of the American’s most improved groups? * Impact newcomers and returning playmakers * The role of the tight ends in Alex Mortensen’s offense * Predictions and expectations for the 2026 season If you missed Episode 1, be sure to check out our breakdown of the offensive line and running backs. Stay tuned as our 2026 UAB Position Preview Series continues with in-depth looks at the defense and special teams leading up to kickoff. 💬 What position group are you most confident in entering the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like the video, subscribe to Blazer Victory, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the series

Can the offensive line and running back room become the foundation of UAB’s offense in 2026? That’s the question we’re answering in Episode 1 of our 2026 UAB Football Position Preview Series. Jimmy Marion, Darion Smith, and John Duncan take an in-depth look at the Blazers’ offensive line and running back room, discussing returning starters, transfer additions, position battles, depth, leadership, and why these two position groups could ultimately determine UAB’s ceiling this season. 🏈 Topics include: * Can the offensive line become a strength? * Adam Lepkowski’s importance to the offense * Competition along the offensive line * Rod Robinson and the running back room * Why UAB’s backfield may be one of the deepest in the American * Predictions for the 2026 season Be sure to subscribe as our Position Preview Series continues with quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, defense, and special teams leading into the start of the 2026 season.

Welcome back to the Blazer Victory Podcast! On this episode, John Duncan, Darion Smith, and Jimmy Marion are joined by Darrien Starling, one of the fastest-growing independent voices covering the American Conference. A former UTSA football player and creator of the Before Saturday Substack, Darrien shares his unique perspective on the state of the AAC, explaining how coaching, roster continuity, resources, revenue sharing, and administration are reshaping college football. We discuss: * Why the American Conference is more competitive than ever * Which teams are legitimate championship contenders * Sleepers and surprise teams for the 2026 season * How Darrien evaluates teams in the transfer portal era * Why continuity matters more than ever in college football * UAB’s outlook entering the 2026 season * What the Blazers must overcome to exceed expectations * Why the American remains the premier Group of Six conference * + Before Saturday’s AD Survey and Darrien’s Initial Interaction w/ the UAB Administration Whether you’re a UAB fan or simply follow the American Conference, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of the most unpredictable seasons the league has seen. Be sure to subscribe to Darrien’s Before Saturday Substack for outstanding American Conference coverage and follow him on X: ➡️ https://x.com/DarrienStarling ⸻ 🏈 Follow Blazer Victory 🌐 Website: https://blazervictory.com 🐉 X: https://x.com/BlazerVictory 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlazerVictory 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/BlazerVictory 🎙️ Support Blazer Victory Join our Patreon for exclusive podcasts, recruiting coverage, film breakdowns, and bonus content: https://patreon.com/BlazerVictory If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment with your predictions for the 2026 American Conference season. Which team do you think will win the AC?