Watson, Henigan help Memphis dominate second half in 45-21 win over UAB

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- — Blake Watson ran for 125 yards, Seth Henigan threw his second touchdown pass in a dominating third quarter and Memphis went on to a 45-21 win over UAB on Saturday.

Watson also had a third-quarter touchdown, one play after Simeon Blair returned an interception 41 yards to the UAB 8 for a 31-21 lead.

The Tigers opened the second half with an 11-play drive to a 42-yard Tanner Gillis field goal for a 24-21 lead after Watson's TD, the defense forced a three-and-out and the Tigers went 82 yards in 12 plays with Henigan hitting Anthony Landphere with a 4-yard toss for the score.

Memphis had 136 yards in the third quarter to 14 for the Blazers, who held the ball for just 3:47 after doubling the Tigers (332-157) in total yards in the first half when they forged a 21-21 tie.

Although UAB had a 381-352 advantage in total yards, Memphis forced four turnovers, good for three touchdowns and the Tigers went six-for-six in the red zone.

After the third interception, Memphis chewed up 9 1/2 minutes going just 53 yards for Brandon Thomas' second short touchdown run to close out the scoring.

Henigan was 19 of 28 for 159 yards for the Tigers (5-2, 2-1 American Athletic Conference).

Three quarterbacks combined for complete 15 of 28 passes for 173 yards for the Blazers (2=6, 1-3). Tejhaun Palmer and Bryce Damous had receiving touchdowns and Jermaine Brown Jr., a rushing touchdown.

The teams were playing for the Bones Trophy, a 94-pound sculpture of a rack of ribs, with a pregame tailgate barbeque cookoff where the winning school wins money. The teams were Conference USA rivals but hadn't met since 2012 as both are now AAC members.

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