LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Football team hits the road for a 3:00 p.m. CST /4:00 p.m. EST matchup against Barton College on Saturday in Wilson, North Carolina.

West Alabama (3-1) enters the contest after suffering their first loss of the season last week at the hands of North Greenville, 24-14. As for Barton College (1-3), they come into Saturday's game after being shutout by Chowan, 34-0, last weekend. 

The Tigers and Bulldogs squared off against each other last season at Tiger Stadium. UWA throughly dominated the contest, winning 52-14, out-gaining Barton College, 591-271.

Coming into Week Three, West Alabama stands at 3-1 with a 3.0 scoring margin. The Tigers' offense enters Saturday's game averaging 24.7 points and 377.5 yards per game. Their defense remains the nation's leader in takeaways with 13, along with allowing just 21.7 points per game.

Offensively, Luther Richesson, TD Parker, Jaylon York, and Brayden Jenkins leads the way. Richesson is a 3x GSC Offensive Player of the Week winner and has recorded a team-high 10 touchdowns and 1,167 total yards. The Quarterback features an electric arm, but his running ability transcends his game to another level. Richesson is currently UWA's leading rusher with 203 rushing yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and 50.75 per game. 

Richesson continues to find Wideouts, York and Parker on a routine basis. York currently leads the team in receptions and receiving yards with 15 catches and 194 yards, respectively. Parker is right behind York as he's hauled in 13 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns. While York and Parker have been West Alabama's most consistent Wide Receivers, Madixx Morris has produced a handful of explosive plays for the Tigers. Morris is tied for the team-lead in receiving touchdowns with two while racking up 169 receiving yards on nine catches.

In the backfield, Jenkins leads the way. UWA's running game has lagged behind their passing attack through the first four games, but Saturday's matchup against the Bulldogs presents a perfect opportunity to get their running game going. Jenkins leads all backs with 191 yards on 56 carries. 

Defensively for West Alabama, they carry a plethora of playmakers on their roster, led by Joseph Harper, Legend Doggett, KC Bradford, and Chrissean Jones. Harper is the team leader in tackles with 25.0, with 4.0 tackles being for loss. Bradford is second on the team with 23.0 tackles as he continues to shine as a run support Safety. 

Doggett and Jones lead the Defensive Back room. Doggett remains the country's leader in defensive touchdowns with two and continues to take on the opposing team's WR1. Jones is rock solid as he's been responsible for two of West Alabama's 13 takeaways this season.

Up front, Ayden Gibson and Martavious Milan standout. Gibson is the team-leader in sacks and tackles for loss with 2.0 and 4.5, respectively. Milan is excellent as a run stopper which is crucial for a Barton College team that prefers to run the ball.

Through four games this season, Barton College has struggled offensively, averaging 16.5 points and 290.5 yard per game. The Bulldogs rank 130th and 137th nationally in those two categories. Barton's biggest pain point offensively has been their passing game. The Bulldogs have used three different Quarterbacks this season as all three have combined for a 42.3 percent completion percentage and five interceptions to four touchdowns. Senior Garrett Nazir has recorded the most snaps behind center thus far for Barton and is the projected starter for Saturday's game. Nazir has completed 21 of his 53 pass attempts for 208 yards and two touchdowns. 

Out Wide, Tyler Davis has impressed. The 6'0" Wide Receiver has recorded 15 receptions, 219 yards, and three touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs in all categories. 

The biggest strength to Barton's offense is their running game. The Bulldogs are averaging 167 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. Dakauri Davis, Jayden Brown, and Geronimo Sanchez are Barton's leading rushers, with Davis leading the way with a team-high 163 yards. 

Defensively for the Bulldogs, Linebacker Sean-Jacob Bethea is the leading tackler with 23.0 along with 5.0 tackles for loss. Alex Evans and Cameron Royal are right behind him with 22.0 tackles a piece. Evans has also recorded one of Barton's two interceptions on the season.

As a team, the Bulldogs are allowing 30.5 points and 433.8 yards per game. UWA scored 52 points in last year's matchup and are capable of replicating that performance with a 2026 offensive group led by Richesson, Parker, and company.

Kickoff for Saturday's contest between West Alabama and Barton College is set for 3:00 p.m. CST/4:00 p.m. EST from Truist Stadium in Wilson, NC.