The Lions (2-2) came back from a two-game losing streak with a 34-31 win over the Samford Bulldogs (2-2).
The Lions played at 2 p.m. in Homewood, Ala. at Seibert Stadium, after the loss against the FBS ranked TCU and FCS ranked South Dakota State.
“They were a good team, and were receiving votes in the Top 25. It was a good win and first non-conference road win since 2008,”  said Ron Roberts, head football coach. “We’ll have to play very well to come home with a win.”
 Junior quarterback Bryan Bennett suffered a leg injury in the first half, so junior quaterback Jordan Barnett went in for the Lions. He completed 10 of 17 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 58 yards on 15 carries.
“We were very pleased with how Jordan stepped up for us,” Roberts said. “I think he did great.”
“Bryan probably could’ve come back in if we needed him to, but Jordan played well enough that we didn’t feel like it was necessary,” Roberts said, “We came back hungry.”
Kody Sutton and Rasheed Harrell also performed well. Sutton managed to rush for two touchdowns on 25 carries and 100 yards. Harrell finished with 17 carries and 53 yards. Junior Isaiah Kepley was the top receiver, catching four balls for 107 yards and his first touchdown as a Lion.
Scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter gave the Lions a 24-7 lead going into the halftime. Bennett could have returned for the second half, but Roberts thought it best to let him rest.
It looked like in the second half the Bulldogs were slowly catching up to the Lions with well-executed plays. However the clock ran out, and a close 34-31 victory gave the Lions their first away game win.
The Lions have been on the road for three weeks and are finally coming home.
“Being on the road for three weeks kinda makes you a little weary,” said Roberts.
When asked about how the team feels about coming home Roberts said, “The guys are tired and we are looking forward to playing in our own Strawberry Stadium.”
Ultimately, timely plays made by the Lions, including key turnovers by the Bulldogs, helped the Lions achieve victory. Barnett was able to fill in for the injured starter and led the offense in the first half to a lead that proved too much.
The Lions will be returning to Strawberry Stadium for their next game against Incarnate Word on Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.