North Alabama has six FCS opponents in 2018 transition

(STATS) - North Alabama will play 2017 FCS champion North Dakota State and five other subdivision programs while it begins its transition from NCAA Division II this year.

The Lions will play all six FCS opponents on the road and host five Division II teams as part of an 11-game schedule. They will compete as an FCS independent before joining the Big South Conference for the 2019 season.

Second-year coach Chris Willis' team, which finished 5-5 last year, will face FCS members Southern Utah (Sept. 1), Alabama A&M (Sept. 8), North Dakota State (Sept. 15), Campbell (Sept. 29), Jackson State (Oct. 20) and Incarnate Word (Nov. 17).

"We're very happy that we were able to get five home games," Willis said, "and I'm sure our players will be excited about getting to travel to places we don't normally play like Utah, North Dakota, North Carolina and Texas.

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2018 North Alabama Schedule

Sept. 1, at Southern Utah

Sept. 8, at Alabama A&M

Sept. 15, at North Dakota State

Sept. 22, Azusa Pacific

Sept. 29, at Campbell

Oct. 6, West Florida

Oct. 13, Mississippi College

Oct. 20, at Jackson State

Nov. 3, Shorter

Nov. 10, North Greenville

No. 17, at Incarnate Word