North Alabama

Shepherd’s opponent on Saturday, North Alabama, has recently announced that they will be joining the Big South Conference in the FCS Division.  To me it seems like a logical and probably successful transition for the Lions, who are making their tenth appearance in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs and their record-tying 21st playoff appearance.  In addition, they won the Division II Championship three years in a row from 1993 to 1995.  Old rivalries will be renewed, as they have a history with teams from a variety of FCS and FBS conferences – as well as Alabama A&M.