What a difference four weeks can make.  In late October of 2009, West Alabama’s football team was dejected after a tough loss to then-winless, cellar-dwellar West Georgia with what looked like would be a season-ending loss to undefeated, top-ranked North Alabama.  UWA Coach Wallace knew the opponent well as he had led them to three consecutive national titles in the early 90′s.  His focus was continuing to promote the positive of what had been a roller-coaster of a year for the Tigers.  Over the next month, West Alabama did the unthinkable as they defeated #1 UNA in over-time, made the playoffs and earned their first playoff victory, both for the first time since 1975.  The run came to a close in the second round, but rest assured the taste of success stokes the summer heat of Livingston.

The Tiger offense will be a talented group coached by OC and former Harlon Hill winner, Will Hall.  They are anchored by All-GSC returning wide receiver/return specialist Terry Allen along with All-GSC tackle Jarod Porter and the returning starter at quarterback Deon Williams.  He was 197-355-12 for a 58.8 completion percentage, 2804 yards and 25 touchdowns.  He also ran for over 350 net yards on the season with rushing touchdowns.  The West Alabama defense will be led by Shontral Ford, the Gulf South Conference Defensive Freshmen of the Year.

UWA starts the season vs. NAIA Shorter College before starting their ten-game GSC schedule at UAM.  They will have a chance the next week to avenge one of last season’s losses when NAIA Lambuth visits town before being tested on the road against Delta State just two weeks later.  The season wraps up with key contests vs. in-state rival North Alabama and tough GSC foe Valdosta State.

D2 Sports Network predicts the UWA Tigers will finish the season with a record of 11-2 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs.