DeWayne McBride delivered a standout performance for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) during the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 18, 2021. In a matchup held at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, McBride, who was a running back for the Blazers, helped secure a 31-28 victory over the No. 13 ranked BYU Cougars.
According to a report from Conference USA on December 18, 2021, McBride achieved a career-high during the game, carrying the ball 28 times for 183 yards and scoring one touchdown. This performance was a key factor in UAB's 9-4 season record and marked the program's second-ever bowl win. One of his most significant plays occurred during the first quarter when, according to BYU Cougars game notes from December 18, 2021, McBride took a handoff and ran 64 yards for a touchdown to extend the Blazers' early lead to 14 points.
Prior to the bowl game, UAB entered the postseason with a ground attack that featured McBride, who was identified as a sophomore at the time of a December 5, 2021, UAB Athletics press release. That same document noted that McBride held the fifth-most single-season rushing yards in the school's history, with 1,188 yards. The victory in Shreveport was notable because BYU entered the game as the highest-ranked team to ever play in the 45th edition of the Independence Bowl, according to the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl website on December 5, 2021.
During the contest, the Blazers faced a significant challenge from the BYU offense, which included running back Tyler Allgeier. According to BYU Cougars game notes from December 18, 2021, Allgeier finished the game with 192 rushing yards on 27 carries and three touchdowns. Despite the comeback efforts by the Cougars, UAB managed to secure the win through an efficient offensive drive and a strong defensive showing. A report from Conference USA on December 18, 2021, noted that the Blazers' defense was led by defensive lineman Antonio Moultrie, who recorded nine tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.
In addition to McBride's rushing success, the UAB offense was supported by quarterback Dylan Hopkins. According to Conference USA on December 18, 2021, Hopkins completed 19 of 23 passes for 189 yards, including three touchdowns and one interception. The victory ensured that UAB finished the 2021 season with a 9-4 record, according to the postgame reports from December 18, 2021. The game took place in heavy rain and wind, adding difficulty to the play on the field, as noted by BYU Cougars game notes from December 18, 2021.
What this means for Independence
For the residents of Independence, the performance by DeWayne McBride on December 18, 2021, serves as a documented highlight of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. His career-high rushing yardage and touchdown helped secure a significant victory for the UAB Blazers against a highly ranked opponent during the 2021 college football season.
