LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Football team is set for their home opener on Saturday as they welcome the Charleston Eagles for a 1:00 p.m. matchup, sponsored by Waste Management.

No. 17 West Alabama (2-0, 0-0 GSC) enters Saturday's home opener after a 38-28 road win over the Chowan Hawks last weekend. As for No. 18 Charleston (1-1, 0-0), they come into the weekend after a 19-16 road loss to No. 10 California PA.

Through the first two weeks of the season, UWA has been one of the top rushing teams in the nation. Led by Brayden Jenkins, the Tigers are averaging 199.5 rushing yards per game through their first two contests of the year. The blocking up front has been a big contributing factor to their success on the ground with Ben Newton, Mason Hiller, TJ Storey, Brandon Kirksey, and Barrett Cain all turning in a productive two weeks of play. 

West Alabama's offensive line has also been stellar in pass protection as they've only allowed one sack thus far. This has allowed Quarterback Spencer Arceneaux to find his rhythm through the air. The senior comes into Saturday's game after a career-day against Chowan last weekend. Arceneaux scored four touchdowns, with two coming through the air and two on the ground, while totaling 261 yards. The senior possesses a great arm but his X-Factor is his legs. Arceneaux's dual threat ability adds another element to the Tigers' offense and gives another thing for opposing teams to worry about.

Defensively for Charleston, they have allowed 16.5 points per game through two games. The Eagles are solid up front and possess run stoppers in Charvez Carter and Dyson Yuille who have combined for 3.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss. In the secondary, Charleston is led by Nick Williams who has registered 11.0 tackles. Ty Wickliffe is arguably the Eagles' best coverage DB as he's caught an interception and recorded two pass breakups. Through two games, Charleston's secondary has held opposing Quarterbacks in check, coming into Saturday's top-20 matchup allowing less than 175 passing yards to starting QBs through the first two weeks of the season.

Charleston is fully aware of West Alabama's rushing attack, and will most likely load the box to make Arceneaux and UWA's receivers make plays through the air.

Offensively for the Eagles, they are averaging 29 points and 420 yards per game through two games against Livingstone and California (PA). Similar to West Alabama, Charleston's rushing attack has been their biggest weapon on the offensive side of the ball as they bring an average of 227.5 yards per game on the ground into Saturday's contest. Zachariah Williams and Jaylen Butera are the Eagles' lead backs as the duo has combined for 332 yards and two touchdowns thus far in 2025. 

Charleston's Quarterback, Ean Hamric is a dual threat who has accumulated 459 yards  in two games. The junior has struggled with completion percentage thus far, but in return, has thrown for six Touchdowns, with five coming in the Eagles' 39-10 season opening win against Livingstone. 

UWA has the personnel to stifle Charleston's rushing attack as they possess a strong front seven. A defensive line group that consists of Anthony Oatis, Jalin Herbert, Jalen Thornton, and Marquis Robinson has carried the Tigers to 4.0 sacks this season which ranks seventh in the nation. A linebacker group consisting of Travon Nunn, Michael McGregor, JT Hooten, Devin Arrington come into a tough test against the Eagles after combining for 28 tackles last weekend.

Saturday's contest may come down to the trenches as both teams roster talented front sevens and a heavy offensive rushing attack.

Saturday's top-20 matchup between No. 17 West Alabama and No. 18 Charleston is set for 1:00 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.