North Alabama visits Central Arkansas on Halloween, looking to start the final four games of the season with a win and keep its FCS playoff hopes alive. The Lions are 4-4 after a narrow loss to No. 9 Austin Peay; kickoff is Saturday at 4 p.m. CT in Conway, streaming on ESPN+.

By the Numbers
  • North Alabama: 4-4 overall, with three FCS losses.
  • Central Arkansas: 2-6 overall and 0-3 in UAC play, on a five-game losing streak.
  • UNA allows 103.9 rushing yards per game, best in the UAC.
  • Redshirt freshman Xavier Johnson has 814 receiving yards; edge rusher Avery Howard has 7 sacks.
  • UNA leads the series 15-9; Central Arkansas won last year.
Yes, But

Central Arkansas’ record is poor, but the Bears can still score: they average 25.1 points per game in the UAC and put up 35 against top-ranked Tarleton State. UNA’s defense has been strong, yet the Lions have little margin for error in the playoff race after last week’s 27-21 loss.

State of Play
  • UNA outgained Austin Peay by totaling 381 yards but lost after fumbling a potential go-ahead drive in the final two minutes.
  • The Lions rank fourth nationally in sacks per game and seventh in rushing defense.
  • Quarterback Destin Wade has 9 rushing touchdowns and has thrown just 3 interceptions in 8 games.
What’s Next

After Conway, UNA hosts West Florida, visits West Georgia and closes at home against undefeated, top-ranked Tarleton State. A strong finish is crucial to the Lions’ bid for their first FCS playoff berth.

Bottom Line

Saturday is a must-win opportunity for a North Alabama team with playoff ambitions: the Lions have the defensive edge, but they can’t afford to overlook a struggling Central Arkansas squad that has shown it can put points on the board.