Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

UAB’s first game back included a damn Piesman Trophy play

Anthony Rush’s 27-yard rumble for a touchdown will earn him serious consideration.

The UAB football program is back from the dead after missing two seasons. Here’s a brief read on how that all went down. It’s great to have the Blazers back.

The new UAB’s first game was Saturday against Alabama A&M. And in that first game back, the Blazers pulled off a Piesman Trophy nomination:

The Piesman is SB Nation’s trophy for linemen who do decidedly un-linemen-like things, such as getting the ball and running with it to score touchdowns.

Enter UAB nose tackle Anthony Rush. The 6’5, 340-pounder from Raleigh, N.C., tipped an A&M pass to himself, corralled it, and rumbled 27 yards for a touchdown. The play was smoother than silk, and Rush made the whole thing happen himself.

The year’s young. More Piesman noms will come and go. But Rush has secured himself consideration in Week 1, and that’s a hell of a valuable thing.

Last year’s winner was Pitt offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, who managed to score on a designed play:

College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?
NFL

Brendan Sorsby calls out NCAA hypocrisy as his football future is uncertain

By Mark Schofield
College Football
NAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered statesNAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered states
College Football

The NAACP is asking athletes to take up the fight for voting rights.

By James Dator
College Football
Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes senseOregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense
College Football

Oregon coaches have a strange question for potential recruits.

By Mark Schofield
NFL
Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RBWhy Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB
NFL

The Notre Dame star is the rare running back worth a top-10 or even top-5 pick.

By Mark Schofield