After a 10 year hiatus, Jacksonville State University (JSU) and UNA renewed their old Gulf South Conference (GSC) rivalry as the Lions traveled to Jacksonville on Sept. 14.

UNA kicker Michael Schuster missed two out of three field goal attempts with the last miss coming in the second overtime period of a 24-21 loss.

The Lions battled back from a 13-2 halftime deficit to tie the game in the closing seconds after UNA quarterback Luke Wingo connected with JSU’s Lee Mayhall on a five-yard touchdown pass.

The touchdown drive capped an 11 play 70-yard drive that covered 2:38 seconds.   

“They showed a lot of resiliency on that drive,” said Cody Gross, UNA offensive coordinator.

JSU brought a rushing attack into the game that averaged 319.5 yards, which was ranked third in the Football Championship Subdivision.  The Lions defense held the Gamecocks to 169 yards on the ground and 311 yards total.

“I thought we got after them tonight and our mike linebacker Gabe Poe was all over the field,” said Chris Willis, UNA defensive coordinator.

The non-conference loss to JSU does not affect UNA’s playoff chances.

“Right now, I’m just proud of these guys, and they put their hearts on the line for us tonight,” said Bobby Wallace, UNA head coach.

The Lions will face the Statesmen of Delta State University (DSU) on Saturday, Sept. 21. Both teams carry 1-1 records into the contest at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala. 

The game against the Statesmen will be the first GSC game of the year for the Lions. DSU brings a high-powered offense that averages 30.5 points a game. Most of the Statesmen’s yards come through the air. 

They have averaged 332 yards per game this seaon. 

“They have a quick passing game, so we have be ready to react,” Willis said.

The Lions defense hasn’t produced one turnover all season and Willis states the importance of creating turnovers. 

“They’re a little a sloppy with holding onto the football and, with the ball skills our defensive backs have, I’d be disappointed if we did not get a turnover this week,” Willis said.

The Lions bring in a defense that gives up 14.5 points and 282.5 yards per game.

UNA junior defensive lineman Shaquille Smith will go into the game against DSU as GSC defensive player of the week, which he earned for his performance against the Gamecocks

UNA features a running game that has amassed 526 yards in two games. Lamonte Thompson is the Lions leading rusher with 257 yards on 29 carries. 

“We’ve got to be able to run the football and our goal is always to establish the run,” Gross said.

Quarterback Luke Wingo has passed for 381 yards this season and has thrown one touchdown in the first two games. He has added 124 yards rushing on 29 carries to his stats.