UNA slated for return to FCS Kickoff to face Southeast Missouri State
By BARRY ALLEN
The University of North Alabama and Southeast Missouri State are set to meet in the 10th annual FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl on Saturday, Aug. 24 to kick off the 2024 college football season.
The game time, ESPN platform designation and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
“The FCS Kickoff has become an opening weekend tradition in the City of Montgomery,” Johnny Williams, Executive Director of the FCS Kickoff and Camellia Bowl, said. “This is the 10th year of the FCS Kickoff and the seventh time we have hosted at the Cramton Bowl. We are excited about this year’s matchup between UNA and Southeast Missouri.”
The Lions will be playing the FCS Kickoff for the second straight year. The Lions fell to the Mercer Bears 17-7 in last year’s game.
“The Lions are thrilled to return to ESPN’s Week 0 programming and open the 2024 college football season in the FCS Kickoff Game,” said UNA Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. “This is a showcase opportunity for the University of North Alabama in our home state and throughout the country. The City of Montgomery produces a first-class event and I know that our fans, student-athletes, and alumni will enjoy the premier hospitality that surrounds this game."
The Redhawks will be making its first appearance in the FCS Kickoff.
“We are thrilled to help kick off FCS Football as we showcase Southeast Missouri Football and our institution to a national television audience,” said Brady Barke, SEMO Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This game has historically featured tradition-rich programs and we’re excited for our program to be a part of it this year.”
Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the FCS Kickoff made its debut on Aug. 23, 2014 when No. 1 Eastern Washington defeated No. 17 Sam Houston State 56-35 in Cheney, Washington. The 2023 FCS Kickoff will be the sixth played at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. Jacksonville State, which defeated Chattanooga 27-13 in the first game on Aug. 26, 2017, earned a 42-10 win over Stephen F. Austin in 2022, which marked the JSU head coaching debut for Rich Rodriguez.