No. 13 Fire Head to Montgomery for Clash of Unbeatens

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The No. 13 SEU Football will put their unbeaten record on the line this Saturday when they travel to Montgomery, Ala., for a 1 p.m. EST kickoff against Faulkner at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium. Both teams come in at 2-0 overall, with the Fire notching victories at home and on the road to open the year, and the Eagles matching that start with a pair of wins of their own.
 
Southeastern has ridden a balanced attack to its early success, averaging over 40 points and more than 400 yards of offense per game. The Fire's ground game has been particularly effective, producing more than 250 rushing yards per outing to set the tone. Defensively, SEU has been just as sharp, limiting opponents to under 14 points and just over 220 total yards per game, keeping both the run and pass in check.

Faulkner has leaned on defense to spark its perfect start, surrendering just 7.5 points per game and fewer than 40 rushing yards on average, both marks among the best in the NAIA. While the Eagles' offense has been more modest at 25 points per game, their ability to slow opposing attacks sets up an intriguing clash with one of the nation's most productive rushing units. With both teams aiming to stay unbeaten, Saturday's matchup will hinge on whether Southeastern's explosive offense can find rhythm against Faulkner's stingy defense.

How to Follow
Fans unable to make the trip to Montgomery will still have several ways to stay connected with Saturday's action. The game will be streamed live on the Faulkner Sports Network, available through the YouTube app as well as online at youtube.com/FaulknerSportsNetwork.

Real-time statistics will also be provided throughout the contest at fire.seu.edu/sidearmstats/football, offering up-to-the-minute updates on scoring, drives, and individual performances as Southeastern looks to remain unbeaten.

Series History
Southeastern and Faulkner will meet for the tenth time on Saturday, with the Fire holding a narrow 5-4 edge in the all-time series. SEU has won two of the three meetings played in Lakeland and owns a 3-3 mark when the matchup takes place in Montgomery.

The series dates back to 2014, when the Eagles claimed victories in the first two meetings. Since then, Southeastern has taken control by winning five of the last seven, including a stretch of four straight from 2016 through 2019. The most recent matchup came last season in Lakeland, where the Fire rolled to a 34-0 shutout, marking their largest margin of victory in the series.

Fire Facts
Saturday's matchup will mark the Fire's second all-time game played on September 20, with Southeastern holding a 1-0 record on the date. The lone previous contest came in 2014, when SEU rolled past Concordia (Ala.) on the road by a score of 59-16.

The Fire have been particularly strong in non-conference play with a 31-14 mark all-time. SEU is 26-10 in games played during the month of September and holds a 22-10 record in day games.

This week's trip also adds to Southeastern's history in the state of Alabama, where the Fire have posted a 6-3 record all-time, including a 3-3 mark in Montgomery. Saturday's contest will be the Fire's third game of the 2025 season, with SEU standing 9-2 all-time in game threes.

Checking the Polls
SEU continues to climb in the national conversation after a perfect 2-0 start. The Fire rose to No. 13 in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll, moving up four spots from the preseason and earning their highest ranking since 2019.

In the other human polls, SEU holds steady at No. 17 in the Victory Sports Network rankings, while climbing to No. 20 in the NAIAFBall Media Poll, up two positions from a week ago.

The computer rankings also reflect Southeastern's momentum. The Fire jumped six spots to No. 25 in the Massey Ratings and surged ten places to No. 17 in the Versus Sports Simulator rankings, underscoring the program's growing national profile through the first two weeks of the season.

Scoring Trends
One of the few areas of concern for Southeastern through two games has been slow starts. The Fire have been outscored 17-7 in the first quarter this season, forcing them to settle in before finding their rhythm. Once past the opening frame, however, SEU has been dominant. The Fire hold a combined 74-10 scoring edge over opponents across the final three quarters, including a 27-0 advantage in the second and a 26-3 margin in the fourth.

A big part of that turnaround has come in the "middle eight" — the final four minutes of the first half and the opening four minutes of the second. Southeastern has outscored opponents 17-0 in that span overall, including a decisive **14-0 edge against Reinhardt this past Saturday**. That ability to close halves and open the third quarter with authority has been a defining factor in SEU's 2-0 start.

Situational Success
Southeastern has been highly efficient at extending possessions through two games, converting 12 of 22 third downs (54.5%), a mark that ranks tied for fourth nationally in the NAIA. Just as important, the Fire defense has been effective at getting off the field, holding opponents to 7 of 20 on third down (35%). That combination of sustaining drives on offense while limiting opportunities on defense has been a key factor in SEU's unbeaten start.

The Fire have also been flawless when reaching the red zone this season, scoring on all 12 trips inside the 20-yard line, with 10 resulting in touchdowns. SEU was perfect in last week's win over Reinhardt, punching in touchdowns on all five of its chances. The Fire have now found the end zone on each of their last eight red zone opportunities. Nationally, only Midland and Georgetown have more total successful red zone trips without being stopped.

Air Traffic Control
Quarterback Nate Mikell has kept the Fire's offense on schedule through two games, ranking second in the Sun Conference in passing efficiency (146.52) and fifth in passing yards per game (146.5). He's completed better than 67% of his passes while throwing for 293 yards and two scores, helping balance SEU's run-heavy attack.

Ground Force
Southeastern's rushing game has been its calling card, with Jocquet Jiles leading the Sun Conference at 81.0 yards per game and scoring twice on the season. Teammate Curtis Kimmons isn't far behind at 70.5 yards per game, already punching in four touchdowns. The Fire average more than 250 rushing yards per outing, making them one of the NAIA's most dangerous ground attacks.

Catch of the Fire
Though the Fire lean on the run, the receiving corps has delivered when called upon. Alex Reyes leads the way at 36.0 yards per game, highlighted by a 45-yard grab. Tre McClellan adds 31.5 yards per game, while David Pomales has emerged as a red-zone threat with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive Sparks
The Fire defense has thrived on pressure. Thomas Ibrahim paces the unit with 15 tackles and a team-best 2.5 sacks, tied for second in the league. Up front, Brady Nowlan and Deondre Cunningham have added 1.5 sacks apiece, while in the secondary, Jamil Jones has changed games with two interceptions returned for 36 yards. Together, they've helped SEU rank among the NAIA's best in total defense.

Special Delivery
Special teams have provided consistency and field-position advantages. Joel McGrath is 2-for-3 on field goals with a long of 25, has converted 9 of 10 extra points, and is averaging 35.8 yards per punt with four of his five kicks inside the 20. Logan Navis has been strong on kickoffs, averaging 61.9 yards with four touchbacks. 

In the return game, Joseph Key leads with a 34-yard kickoff return, while Jiles (18 yards) and Lucas Williamson (9 yards) have added contributions, giving SEU a 20.3-yard team average.

Looking Ahead
After their road test against Faulkner, the Fire will enjoy a bye week before returning to Lakeland on Saturday, October 4, 2025, to host Florida Memorial at Victory Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EST under the lights.

The matchup will mark Southeastern's Sun Conference opener and provide fans another chance to see the No. 13 Fire in action at home. Tickets for the Florida Memorial game are available now at fire.seu.edu/tickets.