When Coach Bobby Wallace was hired at the University of West Alabama, he said he would return the program to the playoffs.  In three seasons he has not only done that, but has also now chalked up a playoff victory with a 24-22 victory against #20 (#3 in SR2) Albany State.  All that just seven short days after knocking of top-ranked and undefeated North Alabama on their home field.  It took three blocked kicks today, but it’s a good time to be a Tiger.

UWA is now 8-4 on the season and was one of three #6 seeds to win in the playoffs Saturday.  #18 Abilene Christian (9-3) and #15 Hillsdale (10-2) also advanced.  They will travel next week to face #10 Carson-Newman (9-2) who is ranked #2 in SR2.  The winner will face the winner of #5 North Alabama vs. #21 Arkansas Tech.

BRACKET

D2 SCOREBOARD

First Round – NCAA Playoffs

SR1:

#22 California (PA) 42, Fayetteville State 13

Edinboro 31, East Stroudsburg 16

SR2:

#21 Arkansas Tech 41, #11 UNC-Pembroke 13

West Alabama 24, #20 Albany State 22

SR3:

#6 Nebraska-Kearney 35, #16 Saginaw Valley State 20

#15 Hillsdale 27, #8 Minnesota State-Mankato 24 [OT]

SR4:

#18 Abilene Christian 24, #7 Midwestern State 21

#12 Tarleton State 57, #13 Texas A&M-Kingsville 56 [OT]