Maybe someone can explain to me why North Alabama is getting so much love around here? They went 7-3 last year against a mostly D-II schedule. They beat a Southern Utah team that went 1-7 in conference last year, so what? Their FCS opponents last year were mostly SWAC schools, which generally aren't competitive in FCS.
They just beat Western Illinois at home. So what? WIU went 5-6 last year and lost a ton of their play makers from last year's team. WIU was picked to finish 8th in the 10 team MVFC this year.
North Alabama's recruiting footprint and tradition at the D-II level can only take them so far. I'm always careful not to underestimate these unfamiliar opponents. North Alabama is going to have some athletes and I expect they'll put up a fight despite the adversity, but I just don't see why this should be anything but a blowout.
I think this years Griz team will protect its home field with a new attitude and they aren't going to be challenged by a subpar team in their home opener.
Griz 41
Lions 17
Griz win it going away. Cam Humphrey sees solid playing time in the 4th quarter.
Go Griz!