Who: Austin Peay at Alabama
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.
Where: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
What to look for: Will Alabama be motivated to play a game that is sandwiched into SEC play.
Why to watch: Alabama still searching for the answers to some critical questions about this team.
Who: Huntingdon at Mary Hardin-Baylor
When: Saturday, noon
Where: Crusader Stadium, Belton, Texas
What to look for: It would be huge for Huntingdon to get off to a good start on the road against a really good team in this Division III first round playoff game.
Why to watch: The winner moves to the second round. The loser goes home for the season.
Who: Mercer at Samford
When: Saturday, noon
Where: Seibert Stadium, Homewood
What to look for: Can Samford move past the celebration after last week’s win at Chattanooga? The Bulldogs clinched the SoCon automatic berth into the FCS playoffs. They want to take momentum into the postseason.
Why to watch: Sure looks like Michael Hiers is the next great Samford quarterback.
Who: Texas Southern at Alabama A&M
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Lewis Crews Stadium, Huntsville
What to look for: Running back Donovan Eaglin got the offense going earlier this season. Can he finish the season with a big game?
Why to watch: It’s been a tough season for Alabama A&M but the Bulldogs can go out in style.
Who: UNA at Memphis
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee
What to look for: Memphis needs a win to reach bowl eligibility. Doing that next week at SMU will be difficult.
Why to watch: This is the last chance this season to see UNA running back ShunDerrick carry the football. He is third in the country in FCS rushing yards per game.
Who: Louisiana-Monroe at Troy
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy
What to look for: Going to football games at Troy has become fun again. Kudos to Jon Sumrall for turning the program in the right direction.
Why to watch: Troy has been stingy on defense. Louisiana-Monroe has some dynamic receivers. Who will win that battle?
Who: South Alabama at Southern Miss
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
What to look for: For the most part, South Alabama finds the right formula to win each week. What will it take this week?
Why to watch: If you enjoy watching officials throw penalty flags, this might be a game to watch for you.
Who: Western Kentucky at Auburn
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn
What to look for: Creating an incredible atmosphere against a SEC team – even a bad one – is not as difficult as doing that against a Conference USA team.
Why to watch: Auburn needs a win here to keep up any hope of reaching bowl eligibility.
Who: Jacksonville State at Central Arkansas
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.
Where: Estes Stadium, Conway, Arkansas
What to look for: Running the football and limiting the run defensively have been a solid formula for the Gamecocks this season.
Why to watch: Rich Rodriguez closes out his first season at Jacksonville State with a chance to win an ASUN title.
Who: UAB at LSU
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
What to look for: DeWayne McBride rushed for at least 100 yards in all nine games he’s played in this season. Can he do the same against the LSU defense?
Why to watch: Can UAB find a way to keep it close against a really good SEC opponent? It’s been a long time since that happened.
Bye: Alabama State
Season over: Miles College, Tuskegee, Birmingham-Southern, Faulkner, West Alabama
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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