MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – The North Alabama Lions and Southeast Missouri State Redhawks will meet this weekend for the 10th annual FCS Kickoff at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery to open the 2024 college football season.

“The FCS Kickoff has become an opening weekend tradition in the city of Montgomery,” said Johnny Williams, Executive Director of the FCS Kickoff and Camellia Bowl. “This is the 10th year of the FCS Kickoff and the seventh time we have hosted the Cramton Bowl. We are excited for this year’s matchup between UNA and Southeast Missouri.”

North Alabama will play in the FCS Kickoff for the second year in a row. Last year, the Lions lost to the Mercer Bears 17-7.

“The Lions are excited to be back on ESPN’s schedule in Week 0 and to kick off the 2024 college football season with the FCS Kickoff Game,” said UNA Athletic Director Dr. Josh Looney. “This is an opportunity for the University of North Alabama to showcase itself in our home state and across the country. The city of Montgomery is hosting a world-class event and I know our fans, student-athletes and alumni will enjoy the first-class hospitality that surrounds this game.”

Southeast Missouri State will make its first FCS Kickoff appearance.

“We are very excited to open FCS football and showcase Southeast Missouri football and our institution to a national television audience,” said Brady Barke, SEMO vice president of intercollegiate athletics. “This game has featured storied programs in the past and we are excited to have our program included this year.”

The game kicks off at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday. If you can’t make it to the game, it will be broadcast live on ESPN.

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