Southward's career day leads Troy past UAB 39-29

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Shawn Southward ran for a career-high 204 yards and three touchdowns as Troy defeated Alabama-Birmingham 39-29 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Troy's win spoiled Garrick McGee's head coaching debut for UAB.

UAB's Jonathan Perry threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns but had two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter. Both led to Troy touchdowns.

With Troy up 25-23, De'Von Terry intercepted a Perry pass and the Trojans capped it off with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Corey Robinson to B.J. Chitty. On UAB's first play of the next drive, Perry was hit by Troy's Tyler Roberts and fumbled. Tony Davis recovered inside the 10-yard line.

After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against UAB, Southward scored from 5 yards out.

Robinson hit 12 of 21 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Chip Reeves had six catches for a career-high 125 yards and a 55-yard touchdown reception.

Updated September 1, 2012