Some in the regional news media have billed this game as the D2 version of Alabama against Notre Dame. However, the home state would be the only similarity that UNA and Bama share in that analogy. Northwest Missouri has been the dominant force for the past two seasons and is continually in the discussion for the national championship on an annual basis while being tied for the most national titles in the division at five. North Alabama, though, also has a tradition of winning, being in the post-season mix most seasons, and is the holder of multiple national titles as well.

COMING FULL CIRCLE



The following year, Florence had won the bid to host the game and I was selected for a local area all-star marching band that took the field as the pre-game entertainment before the Bison faced off with South Dakota for another title. It was an awesome experience and would become a game I attended several more times while I was in high school. When I started UNA in 1992, the Lions came up just short in the playoffs against Jacksonville State, who would go on to win the title. I was also on the field that game with the UNA band and it was tough to watch our rivals win the title on our home field.

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It seems things have just about come full circle for me, especially with the recent announcement that UNA will only have one more year of D2 action after this game. What a ride it's been.

ROAR LIONS!


D2 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

North Alabama (11-1) vs. Northwest Missouri State (14-0) @ 4 PM EST on ESPN 2

When I started thinking about UNA entering the playoffs, I was worried about how far they would make it. We Lion fans have been there and done that for many years with wins and losses in each round of the post-season. I was leery of potentially playing GSC schools in the second and third rounds, which has always been a tough road in the past. When both of those schools went down in the first round, I started to become cautiously optimistic that the Lions would be regional champions.



I was excited for the program and conference to have a GSC team represented in the championship game this year. But, I knew what the winner faced. Goliath. From the perception of many - an unbeatable foe in Northwest Missouri.

Yeah, those guys. You know, the ones that were supposed to go 7-4 last season but went undefeated and won the title. This was, actually, supposed to be their year (more than last season) to shine and it has been. They have dominated every game, pretty much. Last week was the first time that the stats and score made them seem to be human. The Bearcats battled a capable Ferris State team and showed great character in the face of major adversity when they overcame numerous key injuries, including Harlon Hill Trophy finalist quarterback Kyle Zimmerman, and took down the Bulldogs in Maryville.

UNA Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 38.8
Avg. Points Allowed: 13.3
Offensive Yards: 437.8
Yards Allowed: 309.9
Turnover Margin: +13
Avg. Penalties: 65.6 yards
Third Down Conversions: 42.0%
Red Zone Scores: 83.0%
Field Goals: 14-17 (82.4%)

NWMSU Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 46.6
Avg. Points Allowed: 12.6
Offensive Yards: 480.6
Yards Allowed: 243.8
Turnover Margin: +6
Avg. Penalties: 63.9 yards
Third Down Conversions: 48.9%
Red Zone Scores: 96%
Field Goals: 18-21 (85.7%)



From what I saw last week, there are several keys to the game for the success of both teams. The Bearcats need to stay focused on execution and not let the injuries deter the team. I know some of those guys will want to play but they should make sure they are able to fully contribute or let another (very capable) player help the team. They will also have to keep the rumors of the coaching change at bay for one more game and potentially use it as motivation to get another title for Dorrel.



I think traveling to a colder climate last week really helped UNA better prepare for this contest rather than having played another home game. If I know Coach Wallace, he will have the team focused enough to give the Bearcats their best effort and, hopefully, a victory.

My pick: Lions by 8


GAME NOTES

* UNA Head Coach Bobby Wallace is tied with former NWMSU Head Coach and current Athletic Director Mel Tjeerdsma for having the most D2 national football titles with three each. Current NWMSU Head Coach Adam Dorrel could join this group with a win this Saturday while Wallace could lead this group with a Lions victory.

* This is the 17th time a GSC team has played for a national title since the start of the division in 1973. Six different teams have represented the Gulf South Conference in the D2 National Football Championship Game.

st* The Lions senior class of 2016 has a 39-9 overall record, with 10-3, 9-2, 9-3 and 11-1 marks over their four-year careers. They are the only class in GSC history to win the conference football title four straight years. They have also played in the NCAA Division II Playoffs every season that they have been at UNA.