LIVINGSTON, Ala. – After beginning the year 3-0, the University of West Alabama football team is ranked No. 18 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 19 in the D2Football.com Top 25.
The Tigers make their debut in the AFCA rankings and move up in the D2Football.com rankings after defeating Pittsburg State, 24-23, on Saturday in their home opener.
Through three games, UWA has defeated Tuskegee, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Pittsburg State, with the Bears and Gorillas both being ranked teams at the time of the contests.
Early in the season, West Alabama has been led by its tenacious defense. The Tigers have forced 13 turnovers through three games, which currently leads the country. UWA also leads the country in defensive touchdowns with two, both of which have been scored by Legend Doggett. The Tigers also lead the nation in fumble recoveries with seven. Joseph Harper has already forced two fumbles, which ranks fourth in the nation, individually. West Alabama has also recorded six interceptions, which currently ranks third in the country.
Offensively, Luther Richesson continues to lead the way. Richesson has racked up eight passing touchdowns, which is tied for the seventh-most in the country through three games. The quarterback carries a 68.2 percent completion percentage, ranking 12th in Division II in that category.
West Alabama is rolling as the Tigers remain at home this weekend for a 6 p.m. matchup against North Greenville.
