Venue & Broadcast
Location: Braly Stadium, 521 N Royal Avenue, Florence, Alabama
Kickoff: 6:00 PM CT
Surface: Artificial turf
Capacity: ~14,215
Broadcast: ESPN+ (streaming) & Lakes Country 102.1 FM (radio)
Weather Outlook (early-week forecast)
Temperature at kickoff: ~84°F (29°C)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, light southeast wind (5–8 mph)
Precipitation chance: <10%
Impact: Warm but favorable conditions — minimal weather-related disruption for passing/kicking games.
Injury & Availability Report
(DII/FCS programs often release limited official injury info — monitor late-week updates)
Northeastern State: No confirmed starters ruled out after 27–24 loss to Missouri S&T; QB and WR units healthy, OL depth intact.
North Alabama: No major injuries reported after 30–21 loss at Southeast Missouri; RB rotation healthy, starting QB Amari Patu available.
Key Note: Both teams expected to be near full strength barring late-week scratches.
Recent Form
Northeastern State RiverHawks:
W 28–21 @ Saginaw Valley State — strong defensive finish.
L 27–24 vs. Missouri S&T — offense moved the ball but stalled in red zone.
Strength: Balanced offense, disciplined special teams.
Concern: Run defense allowing 150+ ypg.
North Alabama Lions:
L 55–6 @ Western Kentucky — overmatched by FBS opponent.
L 30–21 @ Southeast Missouri — competitive but gave up 200+ rush yds.
Strength: Physical run game, WR J. Pegues (9 rec, 87 yds, 1 TD) as go-to target.
Concern: Pass protection (multiple sacks allowed in both games).
Series History
All-time: First recorded meeting between the programs.
Context: Non-conference matchup with both teams seeking momentum before conference play.
Key Player Matchups
QB Duel:
Northeastern State — Starting QB: Efficient short passing, mobile enough to extend plays.
North Alabama — Amari Patu: 16/38, 143 yds, 1 INT vs. SEMO; needs improved accuracy.
Ground Game:
NSU RB rotation — shifty backs who can exploit light boxes.
UNA RB D. Wade: 19 carries, 101 yds vs. SEMO; workhorse potential.
Defensive Edge:
NSU’s secondary vs. Pegues — must limit explosive plays.
UNA’s front seven vs. NSU OL — pressure could disrupt RiverHawks’ timing.
Betting Trends
Northeastern State is 3-2 ATS in last 5 road games.
North Alabama is 2-6 ATS in last 8 home games.
Both teams have hit the Over in 3 of their last 5 games dating back to 2024.
UNA has allowed 30+ points in 5 of last 6 games.
Game Odds
Northeastern State RiverHawks 49.5
North Alabama Lions – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, September 11, 2025
