UAB Makes History With First Bowl Game Win

BOCA RATON, FL - One of the most improbable stories in college football this year ended Tuesday night as UAB won its first bowl game in school history with a resounding 37-13 victory over Northern Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl. The Blazers finish the season at 11-3 overall, marking their first 11-win season in program history just two years removed from being reinstated. UAB is now 19-8 since the return.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Johnston III threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns, both career-highs, while offensive MVP Xavier Ubois set the Boca Bowl record with 227 yards receiving yards on seven receptions, three of which were touchdowns, also all career highs. His 227 receiving yards were the third most in school history.

Defensive MVP Anthony Rush anchored the line with five tackles, a sack and 1.5 TFL, while Mar'Sean Diggs had a team-high 10 tackles, followed by Chris Woolbirght with nine. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

UAb took the lead in the game immediately, as Johnston found Ubois for a 70-yard touchdown on the game's first play to give the Blazers a 7-0 lead 18 seconds in. UAB compiled 476 yards of total offense and held NIU to just 287.

This senior class of 35 goes out as bowl champions and has helped bring UAB to national prominence for resurrecting one of the greatest comebacks in college football history. The season has included a Conference USA championship, and head coach Bill Clark being named Coach of the Year by multiple organizations.

Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images