TAMPA, Fla. — UAB couldn’t have scripted a much better opening quarter Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for the Blazers, the remaining three quarters were a disaster.

After jumping ahead 10-0 against South Florida, UAB surrendered 30 unanswered points in a frustrating 30-10 loss to the Bulls.

The defeat dropped the Blazers to 4-4 overall and exposed serious concerns about an offense that struggled to move the football after its promising start.

UAB struck first when Rod Robinson II scored on a five-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter.

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Jonah Delange followed with a 30-yard field goal, giving the Blazers a double-digit advantage and putting South Florida under immediate pressure.

But the offense never found the end zone again.

South Florida began its comeback with a Nico Gramatica field goal before Jason Collins Jr. scored on a six-yard run to tie the game late in the second quarter.

Then came the mistake that changed everything.

With just 37 seconds remaining before halftime, Asani Redwood recovered a UAB fumble and returned it six yards for a touchdown.

Suddenly, a team that had controlled the opening quarter was heading into the locker room trailing 17-10.

And the second half offered no relief.

The Bulls extended their lead with another field goal before Grayson Howard returned a fumble 13 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown.

South Florida’s defense accounted for two touchdowns while keeping UAB scoreless over the final three quarters.

The Blazers finished with just 177 total yards.

Quarterback Ryder Burton completed 13 of 27 passes for 149 yards, while the rushing attack managed only 17 net yards.

That’s a troubling number for an offense attempting to establish any consistency against an American Conference opponent.

South Florida wasn’t particularly explosive offensively, finishing with 237 yards. Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek led the Bulls with 92 rushing yards.

But UAB’s inability to protect the football made the difference.

The Blazers committed two turnovers, both returned for touchdowns, while South Florida played without a giveaway.

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UAB also struggled to sustain possessions, converting just four of 16 third-down opportunities.

The Blazers return home to face Charlotte on November 7.

At 4-4, postseason eligibility remains attainable, but UAB can’t afford more performances like Saturday’s.

Building an early lead means very little when the offense disappears and turnovers hand the opponent two touchdowns.

For the Blazers, fixing those problems must become the immediate priority.