#9/10 West Alabama (6-0, 3-0) vs. #5/4 Valdosta State (5-0, 2-0)
Oct. 16, 2021 | Tiger Stadium | Livingston, Ala. | FloSports
1:00 p.m. CT | SLY104.9
Tiger Game Day Information

THE SERIES
This is the 40^th meeting between West Alabama and Valdosta State. The Blazers lead the series 34-5. In their last face-off, Valdosta defeated UWA, 44-21 in Georgia. The Tigers last hosted VSU in 2018 and fell 58-24.

WEST ALABAMA
The Tigers are 6-0 for the first time in the program's 83-year history and 3-0 in conference play for the eighth time (also in 1972, 1975, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017). Last week, UWA defeated Shorter University on the road, 44-7. In the polls, West Alabama remained at No. 9 in the NCAA Power Rankings and No. 10 in the American Football Coaches Association Poll. UWA is one of 12 remaining unbeaten teams in Division II, including three GSC teams (Valdosta and West Florida).

VALDOSTA STATE
The Blazers are also undefeated this season, 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the GSC. Valdosta enters Saturday's competition after defeating Delta State, 55-0. VSU is No. 5 in the NCAA Power Rankings and No. 4 in the AFCA Poll.

THE COACHES
Tigers head coach Brett Gilliland is 51-26 in his eighth season at West Alabama and 1-5 against Valdosta. Blazers Head Coach Gary Goff is 53-51 and 15-1 in his third season at Valdosta. Goff is 1-0 against the Tigers.

RADIO
SLY 104.9: Robert Upchurch and Will Atkinson on the call. The Tiger Tailgate show starts at noon. To listen to the Tiger radio broadcast of the game, tune into SLY 104.9 via the SLY1049 app.

FLOFOOTBALL.COM
The Gulf South Conference signed a partnership with FloSports for all GSC football and postseason play. FloSports will carry all Tiger football home games at FloFootball.com. Month access starts at $12.50. The live video feed will incorporate the radio call of plays.

HOMETOWN TICKETING
UWA has switched to an all-digital platform for ticketing services. To purchase your ticket, visit UWAAthletics.com, click Fans and Tickets. For a more convenient way to buy and access your tickets, download the Hometown Fan app on any IOS or Android device. 

THE D-BLOCK DOMINATES
Over five countable games, the Tiger defense has racked up some impressive stats to rank second in the Gulf South Conference. The D-Block has held its opponents to just 13.8 points per game, allowing just nine touchdowns, two field goals, seven extra points, and one two-point conversion so far this season. The Tigers rank fifth nationally in tackles for a loss, averaging 3.20 per game, 10th in scoring defense, 14th in first down defense (81), and 15th in blocked kicks (3).

MARTIN LEAVES A MARK
Tyriq 'Smiley' Martin has racked up six 100+ yard games, including two this season.  He has also scored touchdowns in every game but one this season. Against Shorter, Martin had nine receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown. He ranks 14th in the nation in receptions per game (7.0) and 24th in receiving yards per game (97.2). He is currently ranked 8th in program history in career receiving yards with 1,716. His teammate Bayley Blanchard is third with 1,934.

UWA OFFENSE UP

The Tiger offense ranks fourth in the GSC in scoring, averaging 38.8 points per game minus the North American game. Nationally, UWA is 4th in 4th down conversions (.800 pct) and 18th in total offense  (462.0 yards per game).

NO. 2 DEFENSE VS. NO. 2 OFFENSE
The Blazers are currently ranked 2nd in the GSC in scoring offense, while the Tigers rank 2nd in the conference in defense. VSU has played in five games for 31 touchdowns, four field goals, 29 extra points, and one safety. Valdosta averages 45.8 points per game. Blazer Seth McGill leads the GSC in rushing yards, averaging 111.6 yards per game. The Tigers limit their opponents to 13.8 points per game. Undraez Lilly leads the conference in tackles for a loss with six solos, two assists for 30 yards to average 1.40 per game. De Mays ranks first in passes defended with eight breakups to average 1.60 per game. Shamar Lewis is No. 1 in the conference and 15th nationally for interceptions with three on the season.

HISTORIC SEASON
The Tigers are 6-0 for the first time in program history, and Head Coach Brett Gilliland, the winningest coach in UWA history, landed his 50th career win.

HALL OF FAME DAY
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1971 NAIA National Football Championship, the 1971 Tiger Championship Football team will be inducted into the West Alabama Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Class of 2021 and 2020 will also be honored during the game on Saturday. Jana Fields (softball), Bobby Wallace (football coach and director of athletics), and Larry Lightfoot (football)  join as the 2021 Class. Malcolm Butler (football), Kyle Caldwell (football), Kent Partridge (administrator and athletic communications), Tanner Rainey (baseball), and Houston Young (track and field)  will also receive recognition as the 2020 class.

HONORING THE 1971 TEAM
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Tiger 1971 Football National Championship, Head Coach Brett Gilliland and his staff will be wearing Livingston Football shirts and throwback L hats on Saturday. The student-athletes will also have the LU logo on one side of their helmets and a 71 sticker on the back of the helmet. 

UP NEXT
The West Alabama football team will host Delta State University in its annual homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 23. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. inside Tiger Stadium.