On the defensive side of the ball the Lions are averaging 3.27 takeaways per game. UNA has recorded 28 interceptions.

“North Alabama has a great defense,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be important to establish a running game because they force a lot of turnovers. It’s a game of strategy, and the team that has the most turnovers will lose.”

Dean echoed Nelson’s sentiment.

“We’ve had a lot of bounce in our step (on offense),” Dean said. “We’re not doing anything different. We’re just going to go out and execute better. They’re very opportunistic. They do a great job of creating turnovers. We can’t afford to do that. We cannot turn the football over.”

Although the Blazers are underdogs in this game, they believe they have the character that will allow them shock the world.

“It’s amazing how we’ve been able to come back in the second half of games,” Cauthen said. “The one thing that our guys always believe is that we’re never out of it until the clock says double zero.”