LIVINGSTON, Ala. – While it may sound strange coming from an offensive minded head coach, West Alabama's Will Hall knows that the key to the Tigers coming away with a win in the first round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs is playing to the strength of the top defense in the Gulf South Conference.
 
“We have to put our defense in a position to be a great defense like we always try to do,” Hall said following Thursday afternoon's workout at Tiger Stadium. “When we don't turn the ball over and don't allow a big return we have been successful.
 
“I hope we play well in the kicking game because it has been a big factor all year and we put a lot of time and effort into it,” said Hall, who was named by league coaches as the GSC Coach of the Year on Thursday. “Even if you don't score on offense, if you can pick up some first downs and punt the football, then our defense has been able to lead us to wins.”
 
West Alabama (8-3) leads the Gulf South Conference and is fourth in the nation in total defense at 265 yards allowed per game. The Tigers lead the country in pass defense, allowing just 127.7 yards per game. UWA's defense is anchored by GSC Defensive Player of the Year Ridge Wilson, who leads the conference with 11 sacks and has 10 tackles for loss.
 
“Coach (Robert) Henry has put together a great game plan once again this week,” said Tiger linebacker Ben Brooks. “We have been focused this week on correcting the things that needed correcting over the course of the season, the things that led to the three losses we had.”
 
Statistically, the Tigers and the Golden Bears (8-2) are similar, with UWA scoring 36.2 and allowing 17.8 points per game. Miles scores 37.0 per game while giving up 16.3. The Tigers average 412.4 yards of total offense, Miles 424.5. UWA has a stats advantage in the yards allowed category, 265.1 to 293.1.
 
“Offensively we need to protect the football, be real physical and try to create some big plays,” Hall said. “They have a lot of team speed and I know they are hungry. Both teams have a lot to prove. It's going to be a great matchup.”
 
UWA leads the all-time series 8-1, but this is the first meeting between these two teams in the playoffs. A few tickets are still available for the noon kickoff at Tiger Stadium by going to www.uwaathletics.com or by calling 205-652-3784.