CARROLLTON, Ga. - History will be made Saturday evening on the campus of the University of West Georgia as the UWG football team is set to kick off their 2024 campaign by hosting Samford under the University Stadium lights at 6 p.m. on August 31.
The much-anticipated start to the Joel Taylor era in Carrollton also brings the start to the historic, inaugural, jaunt through a Division I schedule.
"What a great day for UWG football and for the history of West Georgia football," Taylor said on Tuesday in his first weekly press conference of the 2024 season.
Taylor and the Wolves waste no time in welcoming a formidable opponent to Carrollton, as the Bulldogs come across the state line receiving votes in both the Preseason FCS Media and Coaches Polls.
"We get a chance to play a really good team in Samford, and with it being the first Division I game, there's a lot of excitement."
For UWG, it's a rebuilt roster with over 60 newcomers, although many core players from the Wolves' final Division II roster return for a new challenge in 2024. Rajaez Mosley headlines that group of returners, coming into the season with 1,581 career rushing yards, needing 419 to become the school's seventh 2,000-yard running back in program history.
Four of the Wolves' projected starters on the offensive line are returners: David Bodden, Sam Regina, Brevyn Jones, and Jeffrey Miller who missed all of last season with an injury.
Taylor has given the keys to Davin Wydner as starting quarterback. The Ole Miss transfer was in Oxford alongside UWG offensive coordinator Dane Stevens in 2023 and has impressed in fall camp.
"Davin already had a familiarity with the offense, and just seeing his growth from day one to now, there's no doubt in his ability," Taylor said of his signal-caller. "He has a big arm, and moves really well for a big guy. He does a good job of extending the pocket, but the thing that pushed me over the edge with him in the decision to start him was the relationship he has with the players."
Defensively, UWG will have their hands full trying to slow down the "Hatch Attack" air-raid offense, under the direction of a familiar foe, Chris Hatcher. Samford's head coach was previously at Valdosta State from 2000-2006, making it the eighth time UWG has taken on a Hatcher coached team.
The Bulldogs' offense ranked seventh in the country in passing offense in 2023, throwing for 286.7 yards per game. Samford's team completion percentage of 71.7 last season led all of FCS in that category.
Quincy Crittendon is the most experienced quarterback on Samford's roster as the Decatur native played in seven games as a sophomore last season, and won the Bulldogs a second-round playoff game off the bench as a true freshman in 2022.
Samford's defense is led by Noah Martin, a 2023 All-American, who led all SOCON defenders with 109 tackles last season.
It's the sixth meeting all-time between UWG and Samford and the first since week one of the 2008 season, when Samford won 21-19 in Homewood. The Bulldogs hold the slight advantage in the series history, 3-2.
As Saturday approaches, there are a few changes to the gameday experience to note.
There will be a charge to park at University Stadium in 2024. Reserved spots in Lot B are $10 and spots in all other lots are $5. Parking can be pre-purchased at uwgathletics.com/tickets or with cash at the Athletic Complex on gameday.
UWG has also instituted a clear bag policy for all events. Small clutch purses, measuring no larger than 4.5" x 6.5", with or without a handle or strap, are allowed, in addition to either the 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote bags or the one-gallon freezer-style bags. Full Clear Bag Policy
To assist gameday patrons, UWG Outfitters will have clear UWG bags for sale outside of the West gate beginning at 4:30 when the gates open.
Season tickets are still on sale and can be purchased at uwgathletics.com/tickets along with single-game tickets.
Kickoff for Saturday's historic 2024 season opener is set for 6 p.m. from Ra-Lin Field at University Stadium. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the pregame show that begins at approximately 5:40 p.m. with a helicopter fly-in that will land the game ball on the 50 yard line. Fans are also invited to stick around following the contest for a postgame fireworks display.
