Andrew Body had Alabama State in command for much of the first half, but one costly turnover and UAB’s ground game swung momentum in a 52-42 loss Thursday night at Protective Stadium.
Body finished with 312 passing yards and four touchdowns, adding 119 rushing yards and a 60-yard score. He set the tone with a 60-yard run in the first quarter and later found Ajai Harrell on a 31-yard touchdown pass with five seconds left before halftime, giving the Hornets a 21-17 lead.
Early in the third quarter, Body connected with Asa Gregg for a five-yard touchdown to push Alabama State’s advantage to 28-17. But UAB quickly responded, then turned a fumble by Body at midfield into points. The Blazers scored three straight times in the period, outscoring Alabama State 21-7 in the quarter to seize a 38-28 lead.
Despite the loss, Alabama State QB Andrew Body was SENSATIONAL against UAB 🔥
🐝 18/24
🐝 312 PASSING YARDS
🐝 119 RUSHING YARDS
🐝 5 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS@BamaStateFB @ANDREWBODY_ pic.twitter.com/44RTBmi5lR— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) August 29, 2025
UAB’s rushing attack proved decisive. The Blazers piled up 273 rushing yards and five touchdowns, with Jevon Jackson carrying 17 times for 166 yards and two scores. Solomon Beebe added 51 yards and two touchdowns, including the clincher with just over a minute to play.
Body kept the Hornets close, including a 69-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Jones that cut the deficit to 45-42 with just over four minutes remaining. Jones led all receivers with six catches for 174 yards. But UAB answered with a late scoring drive to put the game out of reach.
Alabama State finished with 514 total yards, nearly matching UAB’s 520, but the third-quarter swing proved the difference.
The Hornets may not have walked away with the win, but Body showed the “greatest show on turf” was more than just talk.
