FLORENCE, Ala. (October 17, 2025) – Homecoming week is in full swing at the University of North Alabama, as the Lions football team will take center stage on Saturday at 6 p.m. with a matchup against Eastern Kentucky at historic Braly Stadium.
For a list of "things to know" for Saturday's game,
click here.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
North Alabama vs. Eastern Kentucky
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Florence, Alabama
Stadium: Braly Stadium
Capacity: 14,215
TV: ESPN+ ("Voice of the Lions"
Benjamin Ray, Bryan Neece, Arielle Schafer)
Radio: Roar Lions Productions (Jordan Campbell, Jacob Tucker,
Chase Glover)
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets: Click Here
Social Media:
@UNAFootball
UNA Game Notes |
Opponent Game Notes |
UAC Notes
NOTABLES
ABOUT THE LIONS: North Alabama has a 1-5 record this season and will look to overcome an 0-2 start in United Athletic Conference play. Last week, the Lions suffered a 49-21 setback against Central Arkansas. UNA's offensive strength has been in the run game, ranking 30th in FCS with 184.0 rushing yards per game.
ABOUT THE COLONELS: EKU enters with an even 3-3 record and a 1-1 record in UAC games. The Colonels have won back-to-back matchups against Nicholls and No. 15 Austin Peay, earning a 34-20 upset of the Govs last week at home. Two of the three EKU losses are against FBS opponents Louisville and Marshall, while the other was to No. 22 West Georgia on the road. EKU brings one of the top defenses in the nation into Saturday, as it is tied for first in FCS with four defensive touchdowns, fourth in FCS with seven fumble recoveries and 12th in FCS in redzone defense with a 70.0 success rate.
SERIES HISTORY: Saturday will mark the fourth all-time meeting between UNA and EKU. The Colonels have won all three meetings over the last three seasons. All three meetings have come down to the wire, including a 56-53 thriller in 2022, a 32-22 homecoming loss for UNA in 2023 and a 21-15 loss in 2024 that ended with a hail mary pass that was intercepted in the end zone.
FRESHLY SQUEEZED: Redshirt senior running back
Jayvian Allen — commonly known as "Juice" — led the Lions last week with 150 all-purpose yards, including 81 reception yards. Allen leads the Lions with 65 carries for 373 yards and four touchdowns this season.
TACKLING MACHINES: Linebackers
Demarcious Robinson and
Seth Hampton have been the defensive leaders for UNA this season, combining for 87 tackles. Robinson has 48 tackles with 26 solo while also leading the team with 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Robinson had a career-high 13 tackles with eight solo and an interception in the UAC opener at nationally-ranked ACU. Hampton has 39 tackles.
BIG BOOT WATFORD: The Lions are one of the top 10 teams in net punting this season thanks in large part to
Adam Watford. The junior ranks eighth individually and atop the UAC with 46.8 yards per punt. Watford has landed at least one 50 yard punt in every game this season, including a FCS school record punt of 74 yards against Central Arkansas last week. The 74 yard punt is the second-longest in school history and longest since 1991.
BAND OF BROTHERS: Christian Burkhalter and
Bishop Burkhalter are one of the few sibling sets in FCS football. Against Central Arkansas, the Burkhalter brothers were both credited with a tackle on the same play. There are no other known FCS teams to do that this season.
UAC ROUNDUP: Six of the nine UAC teams are in action on Saturday, including a high-profile matchup between No. 23 West Georgia and No. 3 Tarleton State in Texas. North Alabama welcomes Eastern Kentucky for Homecoming, then the night ends with No. 13 Abilene Christian at Southern Utah. The three teams on bye this week include Utah Tech, Central Arkansas and No. 23 Austin Peay.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
