WKU football looks to keep the momentum rolling as it hosts North Alabama on the Hill Saturday. 

Quarterback Maverick McIvor looks to continue his productive start, throwing for 401 yards and three touchdowns in week one against the Bearkats. McIvor was named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week for the performance. 

The accolades don’t stop there, as safety Jaylen Lewis was named CUSA Defensive Player of the Week, along with punter Cole Maynard, the CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week. 

Offensive lineman Laurence Seymore was named CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week, and running back Marvis Parrish received CUSA Freshman of the Week. 

“To be newcomers, and to be relaxed, and to go out there and perform like they did was cool to see,” Head Coach Tyson Helton said. 

With a win over the Lions, the Hilltoppers would start the season 2-0 for the third time in Helton’s tenure. The first time since back-to-back 2-0 starts in 2022 and 2023. 

Quarterback Ari Patu is set to start for the Lions, following his 2024 campaign with 535 passing yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman running back Jayvian Allen and redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Ryan Walker were named to the preseason United Athletic Conference all-conference team for North Alabama.  

The Lions went 3-9 last season, defeating West Georgia, Utah Tech and Abilene Christian. 

This Saturday will be the first meeting between the Hilltoppers and Lions. 

“That’s what this next game’s going to be all about. Not only trying to win the game, but did you take that next step to fix the problems that you have so they won’t come up again,” Helton said. 

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. EST, and the game can be watched on ESPN+.