UNA Football Night @ Lost Pizza w/Benjamin Ray 10/12/26

[0:00] It's time for UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza. For the next hour we'll go in-depth as we talk to your University of North Alabama Lions. UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza is brought to you by Lost Pizza Shoals, Burnley Spine and Sport, Singing River Brewery, Southern Pride Pest Control, Alabama Health Guidance, The Carriage Wine and Market, and Brown Equipment Company. Live from Lost Pizza in historic downtown Florence, here's the voice of the Lions, Benjamin Ray. Hello and welcome back down to Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence for another night of UNA Football Night. Benjamin Ray and Mike Ezekiel with you.

Coming off of the bye week, the excitement is still sky high for North Alabama football tonight. Brent Dierman's back in the house with him. We're going to hear from him, Leo Glover, Anthony Trey Young. We're going to taste some food from Lost Pizza here in just a little bit as well. Mike, packed house tonight yet again. Great to see everybody out. Wouldn't you know it, coming off of the bye week, the excitement for UNA is still high based on everybody here. But we also get more votes in the FCS media poll.

Yeah, second straight week. And even coming off a bye week, the votes continue to come in. In fact, there were more votes this time than last week. 14 votes, or sorry, 10 votes from the media, four votes from the coaches, 14 total. That's a lot of votes. It kind of puts you in that 25 to 30 range. And you got to think, things are really rolling right now. Four and two record. ACU is another team that's also receiving votes. So this is a highly touted batch up. Four and one in FCS games. First half of the year complete. And Mike, I think when you look back at those first six games, I mean, a four and one record in FCS games. You got the Arkansas game in that mix as well. I mean, you couldn't have asked for a better start to this season.

Yeah, absolutely. And you look at that one FCS loss, and that was against a southeastern Louisiana team that's also been receiving votes, kind of hovering in and out of the top 25. A really good program. And the four wins are against good programs as well. Western Illinois is looking like a really good win right now. And obviously, EKU is a good win. They're still a good team, despite their record. And now you got conference play to go. I mean, the back half of this schedule is going to be just as difficult, if not a little bit more, now that we're in league play.

This league is a good league. And North Alabama proved outside of the league, they represent very well. This league is a great league indeed. Tarleton State, number two in the media poll. All eyes are on the Texans right now. They're 1-0 in league play after knocking off Alston Peay in a top 10 matchup last week. But Mike, don't overlook our opponent on Saturday, Abilene Christian. They are 2-0 in league. They might have a 3-4 record, but they are the two-time defending champs in the United Athletic Conference.

And they are doing kind of what they've done each of the last two years. That's right. Don't look at the record. It'll fool you instantly because this is a team, in the Massey ratings, they've played a top five toughest schedule in the nation. To me, I think it is the toughest. They've played a lot of ranked opponents. They've also played Texas Tech. That was one of their losses. So 3-3 in FCS games. All three losses, I believe, are ranked opponents. So this is a team that's been battle-tested. And every year when they get to conference play, they are ready to go.

And they seem to always run the table. In 2024, UNA was their only loss in conference play. They went on to win the conference championship. So this is a dangerous team. They still got a lot of those weapons. That'll be Saturday, 6 o'clock. And Mike, it's a gold rush. That's right. I had to break out the gold hoodie. It's the first time I've wore it in quite a few months. It's been very hot, but I'm wearing it today. Good reminder to everybody, gold out. Wear your gold Saturday. In fact, that last game against Abilene Christian two years ago, that was at home.

That was also a gold out. So breaking back out the gold. Love it when the stadium's gold. And it'll be the first time in Bank Independence Stadium. 6 o'clock. We're back at home for the final six games or at home. We hope to see you at Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independence Stadium. So as we are coming back home, that means we are tailgating yet again on the pines. And we're back with more from the Lost Pizza tailgate specials. Let's bring Katie up here. This is everybody's favorite segment every single week.

Katie has more great food. We've had the pizza. We've had the wings. We've had the sandwiches. We've had the Chuck's cheesy bread done Chuck's way, which was delicious. And I'm liking what I'm seeing right here right now, Katie. Tell us what you've brought up here. All right. We've got two of our pastas today, two of our baked pastas. First, our baked chicken spaghetti, one of my all-time favorites. So good. Angel hair pasta with queso as the sauce. And then we've got our baked cheese spaghetti, and we added meatballs to this one.

Whoa. All right. These are popular items. I've had the chicken spaghetti before. I have not had that one. So I'm looking forward to trying both of these. But again, they want to get these orders in as part of their Saturday tailgate. What do they need to do? They need to call us here at Lost Pizza Shoals. You can ask for me, Katie, or Jaina, our other manager. We'll get you set up. We've got our tailgate playbook online, Instagram, and Facebook. And we've got menus in store. You can look at what we've got.

[5:09] Hey, how slammed has life been on Saturdays for you guys? Pretty crazy. The first game we were out there, we were tailgating pretty much, walking up and down Pine Street, giving out fans and stuff. And then the second week, I was back and forth about four times. That's what we want to hear right there. While Mike and I sample this and tell you how delicious it is, we're not done. She brings us the food, and we're bringing something to you all tonight. We are giving away 20 tickets on tonight's show to Saturday's game.

We just set the stage, 6 o'clock, Abilene Christian. They've been signing people up for tickets for the last week or so. Katie's going to do our first drawing. We're doing four rounds of drawings. We're giving away five tickets each time. If you're listening at home, we'll post it on social media. They'll contact you if you win. If you're here tonight, you can come up here and get the tickets. Let's go for the first drawing. All right, so five total? Five total. You're just going to do one, though.

This is for five tickets. You're going to do the first drawing. Got it. Good to know. Who we got? First one, Autumn Richardson. Autumn Richardson, are you here tonight? If somebody knows Autumn, call Autumn and let her know she won five tickets to Saturday's football game. I know Lost Pizza will reach out to her indeed. We're going to give away more tickets tonight. Mike and I are going to dive into this pasta right here. Look at that queso coming up right there. Yeah, I've never tried this one.

I'm excited. It is on point. It's delicious. You can't get much better than that. Good sauce ratio right there. I really like the ratio. I'm going after the meatball next. The meatball's an addition, but it's a good one. And you said it was queso on the top of it. Yes. Queso is in the chicken spaghetti and then our marinara for the baked cheese. Yeah, that was delicious right there. I took home the queso one last week. It's very good. Very good indeed. Look up these items.

Give them a call. Add this to your tailgate order for Saturday. Katie, our favorite segment. You didn't just hook Mike and I up. You also hooked Autumn up. I guess you guys will reach out to her, let her know she won some tickets. We're giving away three more sets of tickets. We're going to let Coach Dierman draw when he comes up here. And when we come back, we're going to hear from the head football coach at the University of North Alabama, Britt Dierman. We're off and running.

This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9. Game day's coming and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate.

Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple. So stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic. Located in downtown Florence, we offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life.

One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger points. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best. Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage. All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day.

Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, perhaps some mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence. Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes.

[10:13] Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated, protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. We're back with it. Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence. Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel, and back with us here at UNA Football Night. It's North Alabama head football coach Brent Dierman. Coach, coming off the bye week, did you get some rest? Did you get some R&R?

Did you get to do some of that honey-do list you told us about? I'll tell you, I wanted to get a little rest on Friday. I got to get home a little bit early. I cut my grass. And then I don't know if through cutting grass, I got the sinus infection that's been going around. So all day Saturday, I was laying on the couch, laying in the bed, kind of in a bad mood because of the sinus infection. But I got to watch a lot of football games.

Yeah, who all did you get to watch? I know you talked about you were willing to watch Missouri. So I watched Missouri and my buddy Chip Lindsey. They had a big game. I watched EKU, West Georgia. I watched Austin Peay, Tarleton State. Then I watched Abilene and UCA. So I went back and forth between a couple other games, Texas and Oklahoma. I took a nap in the middle of the day, took some medicine that knocked me out. But I would say I watched probably seven or eight games.

So when you're watching football, are you watching it as a fan like us? Are you watching it almost like it's a film session? Are you getting inspiration on play calls? Are you able to just sit back and enjoy it? Yes. Yes. All above. You know, you enjoy good play callers, guys that you're similar to. You know, Sarkeesian's known for his offensive play calling. Chip Lindsey, I messed with Connor yesterday. Their quarterback almost threw an interception on Y-Cross. We have the exact same play. And I watch the game probably different than the normal fan does.

You know, I'll come in and I'll talk to Clint about some blitzes that I'll see in NFL games. And he'll say, man, that's an awesome blitz. It basically means leave me alone. Get away. But I just watch for the scheme of things more than anything. And then for me, it was a fun Thursday night. Jalen Daniels, a kid that I recruited to Kansas, is starting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time in my career having a quarterback playing in the NFL and watching him play.

I got to do that Thursday night, so that was fun. Yeah, he looked very good, too. A big win for the Bucs. And maybe they're trending in the right direction now. Coach, last thing on the bye week, kind of came at a good time. I mean, it's not every day you get six games, bye week, and then your next six games. So kind of split down the middle. I mean, how did it feel knowing that it was at that point in the season? I mean, it worked out perfect for us.

Coming off of a win, you love going into your bye week off a win, so you don't have to sit on a loss for two weeks. We were banged up. We've got some guys, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that are banged up that needed some rest. We had some offensive skill players that had some nagging injuries that allowed us to kind of rest them and heal them back up. We've got some old linemen that played a lot of football. I think Colin Wright, I've seen him in the room tonight.

He's played a lot of football in his life, so we shut him down a little bit last week as well. And then for coaching staff, I mean, we've been going at it since early July. So it gave us an opportunity to go be dad a little bit. It gave us an opportunity to catch up on some things in the office, catch up on some recruiting. We went out and watched some high school football games. So we got a lot done last week still. Four and two start, Coach.

As you look back at the first half of this schedule, we've got six more games to go all in UAC play. But just what is your feeling of how the first six ballgames went? Should be 5-1. That's my biggest takeaway is you've got a five-point loss on the road in a game that we didn't play very well, a game that we both sides of the ball we didn't tackle well on defense, probably our worst game defensively, offensively. Had too many turnovers. It cost us that football game.

And you're really close to being 5-0 in FCS play. But I think we can compete with anybody in FCS football. I think we've got to continue growing and getting better. We've got to get better at some things in all three phases. And we were able to focus on some of those things last week during the bye. For us fans and for some of the media people, it's a lot of fun to look when you see North Alabama receiving votes in the national poll. Second straight week doing that.

I know for you, you don't put a lot of weight into that. I've shaken my head at you already. I mean, that's something. End-season polls mean nothing. There's one poll that matters, and that's the end-of-the-season poll. I told our guys, I said, you know, the more you win, the more recognition you're going to get, the more individual awards you're going to get. I mean, Leo Glover winning an award last week. Avery Howard, I think, is in the room as well. He won an award two weeks ago.

All those things are going to happen to winning football teams. But we've got to continue to keep grinding, continue to stay as hungry as we were when we were winless, when we were a nobody. So I don't look into those things very much. Abilene Christian, the opponent this week, Coach. Saturday, 6 o'clock. And before we kind of preview that one, let's back up just a little bit. Last time out, a win against Eastern Kentucky. On the road, 20-16. And talk about a tale of two halves, Coach.

[15:39] I know the first half, you were not pleased. Second half, though, it looked like a different offensive unit came out almost. Come down, what, 13-3 at the break. Come back to win that ball game. And what about that road perseverance? Yeah, the biggest thing, we didn't really change much schematically. We just went in in the halftime and woke a couple guys up that needed to get woken up. I probably got more fired up at that halftime speech than I have in a really long time. And I did not tell my wife the words that I said, so she would not get mad at me.

But it helped our quarterback. It helped our skill guys, our offensive line. We came out and played a lot better defensively. We've got to help them out earlier in that football game. You create turnovers that early in the game. We've got to capitalize on those things. So there's a lot of things that we had to get better at. But we came out in that second half, and I thought we moved the ball. We ran the ball, which we struggled at the week before. And when you can run the football, you can establish the line of scrimmage, and the defense is playing real well.

It's a good formula for winning. And let's go back to that defensive side of the ball. The four interceptions in that game, first time with four interceptions since 2017. That's a rare thing to have that many, and to have two players have two apiece, and that was their first two, Leo Glover, Trey Young. We're talking to them tonight. But just to create that early in the game and then to end it with an interception, too, had to be big. Yeah, it is. It's a confidence level that they're playing with right now on that side of the ball.

They're very stingy. They're being very greedy. The ball's in the air. You know, early in the season, we were kind of trying to find turnovers, and now here recently they're doing a good job of creating those with tip passes. You know, Leo's, I don't remember. I think it was Dallas Johnson maybe that created the first one. But there's guys that are creating those opportunities by playing very tight coverage. You know, it's tough to get interceptions and man coverage unless you have that free hat like Leo was in those coverages that he got here.

And then Trey had some really good ones as well. One was in man coverage and one he was sitting in cover, too, and the quarterback didn't see him. So I think all the different looks that our defense does, it confuses quarterbacks at times, and it's going to give us opportunities to have those. Coach, you look at those two individuals you just mentioned, Anthony Trae Young and Leo Glover, both in their third seasons at North Alabama, both getting their first interceptions, both key contributors on this defense right now.

And you've got a good mix on this team of transfers, a good mix of guys that have been here with you all three, four seasons. How rewarding is it seeing those guys that you've invested in, guys that have invested in this program as well, getting their moment to shine? You even go back to the week before, Avery Howard was the defense player of the week in the conference, and he's a guy that's been here for four years and developed. I would say right now our guys that are playing in the football game, it's about 50-50 between transfers and guys that we brought in and developed.

And, you know, you're seeing guys that have been here three years, four years, that are showing the development and now getting on the field and playing. And it's a joy to watch those guys. And so often in this business, we want to rush things. We want to microwave success. And those two guys sitting over there are just evidence of a college strength program, a college coaching staff investing in them. And now their third year in college, they're making the plays that we knew they could make.

But a year or two years ago, they were not ready for that moment. They physically or mentally were not ready for those moments to happen to them. And they're creating them now, their third year in. So it's real fun to see. Yeah, great foundation to build on with those type of guys that have been in the program for three years coming up. And then defensively cohesive effort up front. We've seen a lot of come on the pressure. And then for the secondary to take advantage. Coach, special teams.

Let's talk about that as well. Ian Vashon, a 50-yard field goal and came up with another big field goal late in the game. I mean, how crucial was that as well? Yeah, he's bugged me all year to any time we're around 62, 63 to try it. And right before half, I think we got right to that mark. And we said we might as well just try it. And he did what I did, Keith. When I try to drive one on the first tee box, I try to overdrive it.

And that's what Ian did on that long field goal. He tried to hit it too hard. Mine ends up in the trees far left usually, Keith. But Ian's been consistent this year. You know, last year he was up and down. He was very inconsistent at times. This year he has been rock solid for us. Anytime we've called on him, he's done a great job of creating points for us and taking a lot of stress off of us, to be honest with you. I think taking the kickoff duties off of him and Thomas being the kickoff guy this year has relieved him a little bit where he doesn't have to do as much.

Those two have been kind of good one-two punch with each other. Those are some of the players that have been standing out. When we come back, we're going to talk about more from offense to defense. Some dudes that have been standing out for North Alabama. We've got Mike's trivia question. We've got a play of the week from two weeks ago against Eastern Kentucky that we're going to watch. And Coach Dierman is going to give away some tickets as well. We've got a lot to do in the next segment, so let's get this timeout in.

[20:49] We'll be back after this. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals.

From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life.

One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger points. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best. Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage. All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day.

Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, drafts of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence. A lot goes into taking care of your property. You need equipment with more reliability and versatility built in. Like Kubota, BX, and L-Series compact tractors that get the job done right.

Z-Series mowers that deliver a quality cut. And sidekick utility vehicles where durability meets speed. Visit your local Kubota dealer for a demo today. Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Loretto, or visit them online at brownequipmentcompany.com. The fun continues down here at Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence. Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel, head football coach Brent Dierman, back with you here at UNA Football Night. Coming off of the bye week, North Alabama welcomes in Abilene Christian on Saturday, 6 o'clock kick. And, Coach, previous segment, we were talking about some of your players that have really stood out.

We're going to hear from a couple here in just a little bit. But a lot of times on offense, we talk a lot about Destin Wade. We talk a lot about Xavier Johnson, right? They're the guys that get the attention. But we were just talking about some of your offensive linemen. And one that people probably don't talk a lot about, obviously we had Colin Wright on the show. He's here tonight with his family right over there. But Carson Wheeler, a young man from Brooks High School, who's really turned into kind of a brawler at right guard.

Yeah, you know, he come in, stepped in behind Ryan Walker, who was a really good right guard for us last year. Carson, local kid from Brooks, right down the road. Cool stat about Carson, if you talk to Steve Herring, Carson this summer was going for a 500-pound bench. Steve kind of rushed him. And he struggled a little bit with it. And I think Carson came back the next week and hit the 500-pound bench. But we've got two offensive linemen. This is the first time in my career that we've got two offensive linemen that bench over 500 pounds, him and Will French.

And he's just a barrel-chested, hard-working dude that his personality is really affecting that offensive line, that just go-to-work, bruising mentality. Yeah, Carson Wheeler, a prime example of those guys that come right from high school, even locally here in the Shoals. They come and make an impact here at UNA. They stay in the program. They develop here. And that's been a big thing. And, Coach, something else we've talked about as well is the amount of guys you have that played quarterback in high school, but now they're playing other positions.

[25:54] And you kind of rattled off some names there. And two of the guys we're talking to today were two of them. You know, I like recruiting high school quarterbacks because, to be honest, 2A, 3A, high school football, you're going to take the best athlete in your school and you're going to put them at quarterback. Now, that don't mean they're a good college quarterback. And these two here can probably attest to that. They were just heck of athletes that their high school put as direct snap. Both could run.

It usually says a lot about their character, says a lot about their intelligence level. And then we've got two DBs here tonight that I think they read coverage. They read routes. They understand situational football a little bit better because of their days as high school quarterbacks. But I can name up Raylan Sims played high school quarterback at B.B. Comer. John Taylor played high school quarterback at Laverne. Charles Mulkey, our punter, was a high school quarterback as well. So we've got a slew of guys that were high school quarterbacks.

Speaking of that punter, former high school quarterback Charles Mulkey, I mean, you had a big hole to fill in punter. Adam Watford, I mean, we've had great punters at UNA. He'll be up there in that discussion with the Will Batsons and names like that. But all of a sudden, Charles, young freshman, we didn't know what to expect. His first two punts went for over 50 yards. He's 10th in the nation right now in punting, Coach. How much of a boost has that been? Oh, it's a relief for us to have a guy that can flip the field.

And the great thing about Charles is Charles gets phenomenal hang time. So we have had a lot of one-two or fair catches, one-two, three-yard gains because Charles put so much hang time on him. So our skill guys are able to get down the field and make the play a lot of times. You know, what I've challenged him at right now, and I bet some people in this room will know this too, Charles is going to shank one a game. And that one is about – it's unbelievable that he's 10th in the nation knowing that he's shanking one a game where he would be if he wouldn't shank.

And that comes from a kid that's a freshman, that he's only been punting two years in his life. He's played quarterback his whole life, two, three-sport athlete that just started punting, really. So really excited about the future of Charles has punting. Yeah, and he's also had in every game at least one punt go 54 yards or more. He had two 60-yard punts in the Western Illinois game. A great player. He's a big guy too. And then, you know, let's talk about Braden Forscut too, your long snapper who also kind of came in as a tight end.

He's a big guy as well. You see those guys, they can get down the field. They can make tackles when they need to. But very physical special teams players. Yeah, I've challenged our specialist group that if any game that Forscut makes two tackles, I will take the specialist group out to eat. And we have not had to do that yet. So hopefully Forscut can have that happen this week. But having an athletic long snapper, he's about 6'2", 225, that can run a little bit. It really helps it out.

Sometimes he doesn't make the tackle, but he at least slows the feet down to the return man. And you don't know you have a bad snapper until you have a bad snapper. So the fact that people don't recognize that we have snap problems is just a relief off of me. It's a stress reliever for me that Forscut's doing it all right now. He's the short snapper on field goals and he's the long snapper on punt as well. So doing a fantastic job. All right, Coach, let's jump into our Player of the Week from Eastern Kentucky.

And we were thinking about this today, didn't have time to catch up with you, but this is the play that we went with. And it's a big fella touchdown, a big daddy touchdown. Kamor Harris, who's been one of the most exciting players to come in this year, defensive lineman, outside linebacker coach, subbing in on offense, getting the touchdown. How cool was this? I think Kamor may be Steve Pierce's favorite player. He may not be listening to me right now, but Steve told me that he used to look like Kamor a few years ago.

Said you used to look like Kamor Harris a few years ago, yeah. But I'll tell you what's cool about this play. I like telling the back story sometimes because our fans and the alumni don't really ever get to hear that. But if you take me back there, Braden, at the beginning of the play, Josh White is usually the tight end. You see, Josh White has moved himself into the backfield as a fullback because that week in practice, Josh White said, Coach, Jaheim Ingram has built this place.

He's a four-year guy. He's Mr. UNA. Let him catch this pass. I'll go block for him. I was hoping Destin threw this ball to the back of the end zone to number 44, but I am excited that Kamor got this as well. But it would have just capped off just Josh White's unselfishness of saying, I'll do whatever it means for this team and make this team better. To see Jaheim and Kamor White open is a testament to how well we've run the ball out of that package.

You know, Coach, I had that same thought. When we're at Roy Kitts Stadium, it's the tallest press box we'll be in all year long. We're looking eye level with the water towers that are surrounding the stadium. But I saw Jaheim back there, and I had the same thought, throw it to Jaheim, throw it to Jaheim. But a great moment for Kamor Harris, who really kind of has that same attitude as Josh White, it feels like, where he's just balled into this program. He is. And I messed with him this week, and when we were recruiting him, we actually came here to Lost Pizza on his recruiting visit.

[31:12] And I told him, Kamor was a high school running back, and was a very talented high school running back at B.B. Comer. So I told him, one of my recruiting pitches to get him here was we were going to play him some on offense. And you tell a lot of kids that, just to get him here. But he is talented enough that we can do that. So when he caught that touchdown, I was one of the first people on the sideline that called him and said, See, I promised you this back in January, and now it's coming to fruition here.

But he's probably a little bit more athletic than Jaheim at catching the ball. So we all probably feel a little bit better that he caught it. But I bet Jaheim would have done a good job, too. I was kind of counting who was on the ball and off the ball, because you had your seven on. You had your five offensive linemen. Look, you had Eli Long on one end. You had Jaheim on the other end. You had Donovan Nevels in there as well. That's a big package.

It is. Donovan got his butt chewed out after that play, too, because he got a personal foul, because he actually blocked his guy and pancaked him. And Donovan decided to stand over the top of him and let him know about it. And that is a penalty. You'll see right here, he was just excited, and you can't do that. Wow, what a pause. You can't do that. So we had to kick off from the 20-yard line because of that right there. Savage from Brayden catching it right there.

All right, Mike, it's your time to shine. Yeah, I think it's time for Brayden Dierman Trivia. It's been a while. It might be a little rusty, but are you ready? I don't think I ever am. We need some theme music. Well, I'll leave that to you, Ben. You're the musician. All right, here we go. We are ranked top 10 in the country in three defensive categories right now. What do you think those defensive categories are? Sacks. That's one. TFLs. That's two. Turnovers. Close. Turnovers. We're top 25, not quite top 10.

The other one is rushing defense. There you go. We're allowing 103 yards per game. Two out of three. Yeah, we'll give you credit. We've got to get some credit. There you go. Well, Coach, we'll give you a break. But first, Ty, we need the bucket. We've got to give away some more tickets. Somebody texted our first winner to let her know that she won. She can come down here and get them. Let's see who we have right here. Can I throw this out there? We've had about 15 to 20 donors that have stepped up this week that have said we wanted to purchase tickets so we can give out to this community.

We've given tickets to Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We've given tickets to the Copeland House. We've given tickets to breast cancer survivors. I'm fired up how this community has done their part to make sure that stadium is filled, but not just stadium filled, but given people that are deserving those seats to come to this football game. So, sorry. I had to say that before this. Christy Harris. Christy Harris. Are you in the house? No. But if somebody knows Christy, let her know. Lost Pizza will reach out to her or the UNA ticket office.

We'll figure that out. But Christy Harris has won a ticket bundle to this Saturday's game. And, Coach, part of this as well is it's pretty special coming to Bank Independence Stadium. You talk about a big-time college football field in our backyard right here in the Shoals. Yeah, it is. It's one of the best FCS environments, best FCS stadiums in the country. Our alumni, our fan base, our student section, I went and spoke to the fraternities earlier tonight, get them fired up, challenged them to show up like they've been doing.

I think it's going to be an electric environment on Saturday night. Six o'clock. We've got another winner. Come on down to Lost Pizza. You can pick up those tickets. All right, we'll take a timeout. When we come back, we're going to have Anthony Trae Young swing by making his first appearance. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd.

It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best.

[36:14] Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage.

All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, drafts of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated. Protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. He's making his debut here on UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals from Birmingham, Alabama, a product of Winona High School.

His third season at the University of North Alabama. Welcome up Trey Young. Two interceptions in the win against Eastern Kentucky, helping the Lions seal it on the road. And Trey, appreciate you joining us, man. You've been at UNA three years, man. How did it feel when you got your first interception up there in Richmond? It felt great. It was a lot of joy, a lot of hard work. I've been working for it, working for that moment. I was just happy to have my teammates with me to celebrate that moment.

Yeah, let's talk about this first one right here. Kind of a tie-up there right near the goal line. And you come up with it. I mean, you were fighting hard there. And you came away with a big play. Just talk us through that play. Yeah, I kind of got beat initially off the release. And I was like, man, I got to go up and make a play. Because, you know, Coach Boyne, he's really tough on us as DBs because, you know, he played DBs. So I was just like, I got to go make a play.

And I ended up coming down with the ball. Kind of a wrestling match there. How did it feel? The celebration right there. People are laughing. Take us through the celebration here before we really dive into this one. So me and number 11, Trey Butler, we was just contemplating on doing either that one or another one. He was like, man, we got to do it. So I made the play. And we ended up doing the celebration. All right. Well, let's talk about play number two right here. Late in the game.

Or actually, is this the first play again? Yeah, this is the first one. Yeah, it looks like it is again. Here we go. All right. Second play, late in the game, 247 to go. This essentially seals it. You jump a route right here. I think Coach was describing this. You were in cover, too. Jumped the route there. Talk us through that play. I was just sinking off into my zone. And I saw the quarterback come up like he was going to throw. So I just, I touched my instincts, broke on the ball, ended up picking it off.

I should have took it for six, but, you know, I kind of tripped. That's what I was going to ask you about, man. Did you have visions of yourself in the end zone right there already? Yes, sir. I was ready to get into the end zone, got too excited and fell, man. So the first one's your first career interception. That one seals the ball game. I mean, how did the feeling of that one compare? That one, it was way, like, it was crazier than the first one.

I really couldn't believe it, to be honest. I just, I could capitalize on the moment. Very first defensive play of the game. Tip drill situation, and Leo Glover comes up with an interception. Second possession, another trip drill. Leo Glover again. Third possession, it was you. To start with three interceptions back-to-back, to see your teammate get two of those, to see other guys like Dallas Johnson, Kenagel Thomas getting in there, tipping balls. What was that like for you? I was just happy because we worked real hard all summer and spring for this moment, and I just felt like we all capitalized when we could, when we should.

All right. You're from Winona High School, and Winona has put out some great athletes. I covered them during that state championship basketball run they had back in, like, 2012, in that era with DeRunyon Wilson and some of those guys. Man, what was it like growing up in such a strong athletic culture like that? It was great. My mom, she used to take me to all of the basketball, football games because she went to, we know, to high school as well. And as a kid, I was looking up to those guys like superheroes, basically, trying to imitate what they do.

[41:16] Because I played park ball coming up, trying to imitate what they do in my park ball game. And I just looked at those guys as heroes growing up, coming up. And Coach kind of alluded to this already, but you played quarterback. You also did some wide receiver, I believe, as well. What was it like for you offensively? Were you primary quarterback? And did you know when you were going to be put in certain spots, or how did that work? I was primary quarterback, junior and senior.

And sophomore year, I played receiver. But I just, I don't know. I always played quarterback coming up. I played both sides of the ball, and it was really my favorite position. So, yeah, I had fun with that. And, yeah, that's about it. You mentioned Coach Bowen, Coach Lockett's in the house, Coach Moffitt as well, man. What's it like playing for those guys? It's great, because, you know, Coach Lockett, he really took a chance on me coming out of high school, him and Coach Derman, because I really didn't have any quarterback film.

I just played straight quarterback and a little bit of safety. But it's great having those guys. They always pick us up. Coach Moffitt, he's a role model to me, because, you know, he made it to what I'm trying to get to. And he gives me tips and stuff every day. I can get a chance. And Coach Bowen, he just comes in hard-nosed, gets us riled up, gets us ready to play ball. Yeah, great group. And you talked a lot about Coach Lockett. He's been with you from day one.

It's been really good to see that. I want to go back to your high school days, because you kind of alluded to this as well, but you also played baseball. Yes, sir. You ran track as well. What was your – how much did you enjoy baseball? I love baseball. My mom – it was my mom's favorite sport, so, you know, I played it for her. And baseball, I played shortstop, pitcher, second base. I played a little outfield. I think I – it's tough between football and baseball, but I think I had the most fun playing baseball.

Well, we're glad you're playing football here at the University of North Alabama. Yes, sir. You started your career at Brawley. Now you've gotten to be part of the team that has opened up Bank Independence Stadium. What has it been like playing in those first two home games at the New Diggs? It's been like a dream come true, because, like, the stadium is just perfect. Like, I don't know how to explain it. It's like – I don't know. It's a kid's dream, basically. Perfect stadium, perfect scenery, right across the street from campus.

It's perfect. That's kind of how we've all been summing up. We don't know how to explain it, but it's perfect. Yeah. It really is. And last thing for me, Trey, you've been here three years. You've been around some of the OGs. You are an OG yourself, but talk about some of the guys you've gotten close with on the team over the years and maybe some that are new this year. The guys that came in with me, I got close with them. Clint Houser, Roger Thomas, running back, John Taylor, cool.

Mostly everybody I came in with, Noah Gregg, Snap Reed, some of the new guys, Joshua White, Kamor Harris, all of the new Memphis guys. Ix, he's my dog, too. Strong bond amongst this team, and you guys have a tough test. Abilene Christian on Saturday, 6 o'clock. Message to the fans. I mean, how badly do you want to see them come out for this big game on Saturday? What does it mean to you to play in front of the hometown crowd? It feels great. We need everybody there because it's going to be a big, big UAC showdown, and I feel like we're going to come out on top, play hard football.

Trey, we appreciate you joining us. Go get some more picks this week. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. That's Trey Young. We'll take a timeout when we come back. Leo Glover will swing by next. This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbooks, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate.

Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate. Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710.

Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life. One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing, of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best.

Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events? Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage.

[46:45] All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day. Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, drafts of mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence.

When getting the job done right is job one. You need construction equipment that's built right. From compact track loaders to the world's number one selling compact excavator, the Kubota construction lineup features durable Kubota engines, more comfort, and the versatility to do it all and do it right. Visit your local Kubota dealer today. Go to KubotaUSA.com for full disclaimer. Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Loretto, or visit them online at brownequipmentcompany.com. We're back with you. Leo Glover's up next from Florence, Alabama.

UAC Defensive Player of the Week two weeks ago after posting 11 tackles, two interceptions, his first two of his career. And Leo, man, you had a big game against Arkansas, 10 tackles. You upped your career high with 11 plus the two interceptions, man. How did it feel to take home those UAC defensive honors after the big road win? It felt really good. You know, I wouldn't have been able to do it without my teammates and my coaches. So without them, it wouldn't have been possible. So, but besides that, it was awesome.

You know, what I really liked was when you were with your twin, Chase Glover, doing the post-game interview, you know, the Glover twins doing the interview. You did that same thing, gave a lot of credit to your teammates, really respect that about you and the rest of your teammates. But these interceptions we're going to talk about today, they were tip-drill type interceptions set up by your teammates. That's right. Just talk about that a little bit and what the, you know, those two guys and what they did.

Yeah, I mean, I just did the same thing, really. If it wasn't for them, having those pass breakups and me just being there, those interceptions wouldn't have been possible. So, shout out to them for being in the right spot and making the right plays and just for me being there to clean it up. Now, are you going to the sidelines saying, hey, who tipped it? Or did you know off the bat who did it? Yeah, I mean, I knew Dallas was a corner right there that, I mean, I knew that was him.

And then the first one I really didn't know. Then I realized it was Canazzo that came down. What happened to Bojack there on that play? Did you see that? I think he went to, maybe, you know, celebrate with somebody, fell down there at the end. Oh, wait a minute. Sorry, Bojack. Man, these celebrations have been brutal. All right, the 11 tackles as well. So, you get the two interceptions, man, but you've kind of establishing yourself as a heavy hitter as well, man. Former high school quarterback. Where does that level of physicality come from?

I mean, I really don't know. I didn't really get the chance to hit many people in high school, I guess, I guess, when I run the ball. But I don't know. I just, tackling's a lot of fun. I never really got to do it unless I would ever mess up and throw a pick or something. But I don't know. It's just, it's fun. I absolutely love tackling. I love that I've gotten better at it. You know, I have to really completely learn how to tackle just with everything else that comes with playing defense.

So, it's been a journey, but it's been a lot of fun. Yeah, 11 tackles in that game, but eight of those were solo stops, and two of those were in the backfield. I mean, you're getting back there, too. How often do you get your number called to go in the backfield and make a tackle? It's not often, but when it is often, I really get excited, you know. Usually, it's between me and the free safety canals, and we have to decide who's going on some plays or not.

And I always like going, I mean, but sometimes he's like, actually, the other night, he was like, our last game, he was like, you already have two interceptions. He's like, I'm blitzing this time. I was like, all right. All right, hometown product, Florence High School, starting quarterback there, man. So, they're recruiting you, and they say, hey, we want to make you a safety. Are you thinking, man, this is crazy, or are you thinking, let's do this. I'm coming to UNA to play safety. I'm thinking, let's do it.

I was just truly blessed. I was, you know, being able to play college football, and that's all I ever wanted to do. So, they could have put me as the freaking water boy, and I've been talking about that. Well, man, you played a lot of high-level football here at Florence, and you played against some guys like the Muscle Shoals guys, Colin Wright, Jaheim Ingram, those type of guys. Now, you're on a team together. How cool is it knowing that you've kind of built this Florence Shoals super team right here at UNN?

Yeah, they really, I mean, they were my, coming in, I was like, I don't even like these guys. They're my rivals. You know, I never got to beat them, sadly, but, no, they've grown to me, man. I love these guys, and they're my brothers now, and I wouldn't trade anything for it. You got to play the first games at Bank Independence Stadium. Probably recruited under that. You've lived here like us. You probably heard about the on-campus stadium that was going to come that took forever. But, man, taking the field for the first time, the celebrations, both games, man, what has that meant to you?

It was so surreal, you know, absolutely just, I mean, having your own stadium on campus is a dream come true. And, I mean, coming to that tunnel, walking out, it's just absolutely awesome, and we all love it, and it's great. There were a lot of talks about who would be the first this and who would be the first that. Very first play that Alcorn ran offensively, they had a penalty, so that tackle didn't count whoever had it. But then the next play was a five-yard rush, and you had the first official recorded tackle in stadium history.

[51:53] First of all, did you know that? I think I did know that. Yes, I did. And, second of all, how does it feel to know that you've kind of etched your name in the record book that way? I mean, it's awesome. I'm absolutely excited for that, and I'm blessed. Another big one on Saturday against Abilene. Christian, I forgot to do this with Trey. He's still here, but you've got to give away some tickets for us tonight. Ty, pass the ticket bucket. We're going to give away another five-ticket package.

Leo here is going to draw. Drum roll, please. Let's see here. Who we got here? Tara Jaynes. Is Tara Jaynes in the house? No, we will reach out to Tara. Brayden Rogers knows Tara. He's going to let her know she won five tickets to Saturday's game, a 6 o'clock kick. We've got one more ticket bundled to give away. Leo, before we let you go, man, Saturday, big game against Abilene Christian. Man, what's it mean to you guys to play in front of a packed-out crowd at Bank Independence Stadium?

I mean, we're excited. We're on the verge of doing something really great around here. We just want to keep it going, keep it rolling, and we just want all the support we can get. So bring everyone you can, and let's get it loud, and let's get it rolling. Let's do it. Leo, man, we're glad you're aligned. We appreciate you joining us. Yes, sir. Thank you. That's Leo Glover. We're going to take a final timeout. Coach Dierman's going to give away our final ticket bundle, and then we're going to wrap up this week's show.

This is UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbooks, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals. From our playbook to your plate.

Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance. Whether you're looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs. Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call at 256-648-5710. Again, that's 256-648-5710. Welcome to Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located in downtown Florence. We offer a large array of therapies and techniques to help you get back in the game of life.

One of those therapies is red light slash infrared light therapy. Dry needling is used to help reduce pain associated with painful trigger point. Our class 4 laser therapies are used to decrease inflammation and improve the speed of healing of sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is proud to partner with UNA to keep our lions performing at their best. Roar Lions. Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun. Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics. Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere. Don't miss out on the good times. Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery. Get comfortable. Football season is back at the carriage. There are a few things we love more than a good Saturday in the South, and football season is officially back at the carriage. All season long, we'll have the games rolling with plenty of cold drinks, good food, and a comfortable spot to settle in for a quarter, a game, or the better part of the day.

Game day Saturdays get $5 craft drafts, $2 off wine slushies, perhaps some mimosas, and game day bites from the kitchen. Stock up in our markets before kickoff with plenty of snacks, dips, cheeses, something sweet, and all the good stuff for your game day spread. Football season looks pretty good from the carriage on East Mobile Street in historic downtown Florence. Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes.

Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated, protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. You know who we are. We welcome back in North Alabama head football coach Brent Dierman to wrap up this week's edition of U&A Football Night from Walsh Pizza Shoals in downtown Florence. Six straight weeks of UAC football coming up. It picks back up this Saturday, 6 o'clock.

Bobby Wallace filled at Bank Independence Stadium. Abilene Christian and coaches. We jump into our Burnley Spine and Sport preview. Abilene Christian on Saturday. Everybody talks about Tarleton State. Austin Peay's been getting a lot of attention as well. But Abilene has been one of the best FCS programs the last couple of years. Yeah, they have. And they've been really a talented team to start the year. They've had one of the hardest schedules in college football this year. So, you know, they've had some losses. But you look at their losses.

[57:15] There are two top ten losses that they were in it late in the game. They had a loss to Texas Tech where I think it was 17-3 at halftime. This is a really good football team. This is a team that's won our conference. This is a team that won a conference last year. Went to the second round of the playoffs. So, we know that there's a very talented football team coming into our place this weekend. Yeah, and two years ago, going back to that game, that was just such a monumental win.

The first ranked win in program history. It's a little different this time. How much do you think they remember about their last trip to Florence? I think that they've got a lot of guys on staff and on the team that still remember that game two years ago. But they also remember them kicking our rear ends last year at their play. So, it's been both ways. So, we remember last year. So, both teams remember the bad losses. So, I think with the transfer portal, I mean, they've got a lot of new guys as well.

We've got a lot of new players. I think you're going to just see a really good football game here in Florence, Alabama. Well, Coach, we want to pack it out on Saturday. North Alabama is averaging over 110%, I believe, capacity inside of Bank Independent Stadium. A standing room only game one. Game two nearly sold out. We want to sell out Saturday as well. We've got another ticket package to give away. This will be the last one of the night. We appreciate Chuck and Law's Pizza giving away these tickets.

We're going to reach out to the winners. Who's the final one right here? Susie Morgan. Susie Morgan. We'll be reaching out to Susie. She's won five tickets to use this Saturday. We hope to see everybody out at Bank Independent Field. Bobby Wallace Field. Big ball game against Abilene Christian. And, Coach, yet again, the message to fans on why. Or, I guess, the difference they make when it is packed out. I tell you, the excitement level that I get to see in our guys' faces and eyes.

There's been some plays that we've drawn up this year that I have certain skill players. Or even, now, Miss Patty may get on to me. But some of our two-point plays that we've drawn up this year, I've had those guys come up and say, Coach, can you call that at home on the student section side of the field? I think it's a big deal for these guys to play in that stadium. It's a big deal for this community. It's an unreal environment. And we need you.

We need this community to show up. This is a big-time football game. So, I know the previous two were big. But this is a very, very talented FCS program coming into our house. And we've got to feed off that excitement level that our fans and our band and our cheerleaders are going to give this football team. A good parting stat to end on right here, guys. 129 FCS teams. UNA, right now, on average attendance, ranks 18th in the nation. That's top 20 out of over 100, nearly 130 teams. That's a big number.

You saw a lot of white on that last clip. You saw a lot of purple in the first one. We get to wear gold this time. And I can't wait to see a gold bank-independent stadium. Gold rush. I think in the last two years, I think we're 2-0 the last two years on gold rush. Last year was EKU. We did the gold rush. So, it's a big night. And we're going to challenge everybody to show up, wear your yellow, wear your UNA gold out to this football game.

Because it's going to be a big night. Saturday, 6 o'clock, Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium. We hope to see you out north of Alabama in Abilene Christian. We'll be back with you next week. Same time, same place. 7 o'clock, Lost Pizza Shoals. Let's come out and hang out with us. Coach, we appreciate you. And good luck on Saturday. Thank you so much. Drew's here tonight, by the way. Drew Barney in the house. That's the boys in the back. Chase Davis as well. They do great work behind the scenes.

Thanks to everybody. For Ty, Zach, Braden, Grant there. For Blair back at the station. For Chuck and everybody here at Lost Pizza Shoals. For Mikey ZQ, I'm Benjamin Ray saying Roar Lions. You've been listening to UNA Football Night from Lost Pizza. Tonight's show is brought to you by Lost Pizza Shoals. Burnley Spine and Sport. Singing River Brewery. Southern Pride Pest Control. Alabama Health Guidance. The Carriage Wine and Market. And Brown Equipment Company. Thanks for listening. And Roar Lions. And Roar Lions.