Bobby Wallace's fourth season as head coach at West Alabama has been a memorable one for the veteran coach.

The Tigers (6-4, 4-3 GSC) have been up and down this year. They have recorded some big wins, including victories over Arkansas Tech and Delta State, while also losing to the two teams at the bottom of the GSC standings in Southern Arkansas and West Georgia.

Still, West Alabama has a shot at finishing in second place in the GSC entering Saturday's regular-season finale at No. 1 North Alabama (10-0, 7-0).

"We've beaten five GSC teams, although Harding did not count in the standings," Wallace said. "As far as I can tell that's the first time West Alabama has beaten five conference teams in the history of the GSC. We're gone 5-1 at home, but had problems on the road. But this season has been a pleasure for our community and our university."

West Alabama even climbed into the region rankings two weeks ago, moving to No. 6 in Super Regional II. The Tigers even received some votes in the Top 25 poll. That, however, quickly changed after West Georgia upset the Tigers that same week.

"If we had won out then we would have made the playoffs," Wallace said. "We're still not 100 percent out of the playoff picture, although a lot of things would have to happen. It's good to see the progress we've made. We knew when we started here that it would be a process because there are no easy fixes. But we have proven that you can win at West Alabama."

Wallace, who spent 10 seasons as head coach at UNA, led the Lions to three consecutive Division II national championships from 1988-97. He said he is not surprised that new coach Terry Bowden has the Lions unbeaten and ranked No. 1 after bringing in 25 Division I transfers this season.

"UNA just has great players,"

Wallace said. "Division I doesn't mean much to me because I've had Division I players that couldn't play in the GSC. Several of the guys they brought in are just head and shoulders above the other players in the league.

"They have guys who caught a lot of passes at Florida State and Pitt. I know the leagues those guys were playing in and I know there is a different in the talent level there."

This will be Wallace's fourth time to coach against his former team and his second time to be back on the sideline at Braly Stadium. His offensive coordinator, former UNA quarterback and Harlon Hill Trophy winner Will Hall, will be coaching at Braly Stadium for the first time Saturday.

For Wallace, playing UNA is not nearly as big a deal as it was the first two seasons.

"Coming back to Florence is not really an issue any longer," he said. "I'm treating it like any other GSC road game, although it is a really tough one against the No. 1 team in the nation."

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@timesdaily.com.