Undefeated West Alabama faces big challenge against visiting No. 2 in nation

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The West Alabama Tigers are 4-0 for the first time since 1982.

But they will get a huge test on Saturday from visiting West Georgia, the No. 2 ranked team nationally in Division 2 football.

The teams meet at 2 p.m. CT in Livingston.

According to West Alabama coach Brett Gilliland, the Gulf South Conference matchup will be a challenge for his still-developing team.

"This will be the best team we've faced," Gilliland said. "This is an enormous challenge. They're the number 2 team in the country and the ranking is very warranted."

West Georgia is coached by former UWA head man Will Hall; that fact, and the power of both teams in recent years, has created a new type of rivalry between the schools.

"They're the class of the conference right now, so you have to go through them," Gilliland said.

What makes West Georgia a challenge? Gilliland pointed to all facets of their game.

"They are extremely good on defense," he said. "We'll have to find a way to move the offense and sustain a drive to score.

Their special teams also has some good returners, their offense is steady and they have a good quarterback that manages the game."

For its part, West Alabama is thriving early in the season. With wins over Stillman, Cumberland, Miles College and Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Tigers have seen outstanding play from several players.

Especially notable has been returner Tyreek Hill who set UWA and GSC records last week with two kickoff returns for touchdowns against Texas A&M-Kingsville and has three on the season.

West Alabama's defense has also been stellar, with the Tigers leading the nation in defense allowing an average of just 37.2 yards per game.

"Our defense is playing well, our special teams making plays and our offense has struggled some but is putting us in place to win," Gilliland said.

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