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3 Things To Know About West Alabama Football vs. Lenoir-Rhyne Football

3 Things To Know About West Alabama Football vs. Lenoir-Rhyne Football

Here are three things to know about what should be a tremendous first-round matchup in the Division II playoffs between West Alabama and Lenoir-Rhyne.

Nov 20, 2024 by Cameron Belcher
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According to the official NCAA Division II bracket, one of the most anticipated matchups that fans should be eagerly awaiting is the clash between West Alabama football and Lenoir-Rhyne football.

Mark your calendars for Nov. 23, when the game kicks off at an early afternoon 1:00 p.m. ET start time at Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium.

This game already has the hype it deserves, but here are three things to know about this matchup.

1. Both Of These DII Playoff Teams' Offense Get It Done By Committee

  • The Tigers and Bears are currently in a strong position in their respective leagues, largely due to their impressive offensive performance. West Alabama averaged 31 points per game, and Lenoir-Rhyne averaged 26.45 points per game on the year. 
  • These numbers are a testament to their scoring capabilities and have contributed significantly to their current standings. After all, the team that scores the most points wins the game, and these teams have consistently demonstrated their ability to do so.
  • West Alabama and Lenoir-Rhyne also have balanced offenses. The Tigers have 17 rushing touchdowns and 18 passing touchdowns, while the Bears have 17 rushing touchdowns and 14 passing touchdowns.

2. Each Team's Defense Are Also Scary Good

  • Defense may not be discussed much in today's game, but fans and opponents will feel the impact when you have a good one.
  • West Alabama has only allowed 11.20 points per game through ten games this season. Two defensive backs (Issac Williams and Lamar Gray) have three interceptions on the year, which have contributed to the defense's 14 interceptions and six forced fumbles.
  • Lenoir-Rhyne also has a great defense. They have 20 interceptions, five of which were from Nic Cheeley, and seven forced fumbles. Opponents only averaged 16.82 points per game against the Bears this season.

3. The Winner Of This Game Will Likely Take On No. 1 Valdosta State Football

  • One thing you never want to do as a team is look past your opponent, but with the winner of this game either taking on Wingate or Virginia Union and Valdosta State facing Carson-Newman or Miles, if all things go as expected, it sets the stage for a matchup with the No. 1 in the entire division.
  • If West Alabama and Valdosta State can advance to the semifinals, this will be an even bigger game from a storyline standpoint because the two were scheduled to play each other on Sept. 28 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
  • Who knows how the result would have impacted the playoff bracket if the game happened?

AFCA NCAA Division II Football Rankings In Week 13

  1. Valdosta St. (Ga.) (27) 10-0
  2. Ferris St. (Mich.) (3) 10-1
  3. Kutztown (Pa.) 11-0
  4. Harding (Ark.) 10-1
  5. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) 10-1
  6. Charleston (W.Va.) 11-0
  7. Colorado St.-Pueblo 10-1
  8. Central Oklahoma 10-1
  9. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) 10-1
  10. Western Colorado 10-1
  11. Slippery Rock (Pa.) 9-1
  12. West Alabama 9-1
  13. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) 8-2
  14. Indianapolis (Ind.) 10-1
  15. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) 9-2
  16. Angelo St. (Tex.) 9-2
  17. Wingate (N.C.) 9-1
  18. Colorado School of Mines 8-3
  19. Central Washington 8-3
  20. California (Pa.) 8-2
  21. West Florida 7-3
  22. Augustana (S.D.) 8-3
  23. Southern Arkansas 9-2
  24. Carson-Newman (Tenn.) 9-2
  25. Central Missouri 8-3

Dropped Out: Minnesota St. (18), Findlay (Ohio) (22)

Others Receiving Votes: Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 65; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 45; Virginia Union, 38; Miles (Ala.), 36; Minnesota St., 34; New Haven (Conn.), 21; Findlay (Ohio), 18; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 9; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 4; Davenport (Mich.), 3; Ashland (Ohio), 2; Glenville St. (W.Va.), 1.

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