STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Tarleton State team will look to rebound from its first loss when it hosts struggling North Alabama in a non-conference matchup on Saturday at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.

The Texans (9-1) saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in a 31-28 road loss to Abilene Christian on Nov. 1. Quarterback Victor Gabalis threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in the defeat. Prior to that, Tarleton State’s potent offense had powered them to decisive victories, including a 52-10 rout of Central Arkansas and a 56-10 win over Mississippi Valley State.

They will face a North Alabama squad (2-8) that has lost three straight and seven of its last eight. The Lions are coming off a 24-17 home loss to West Georgia on Nov. 8. Quarterback Destin Wade provided a spark in that game, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown and rushing for another score.

The Lions’ defense has been a season-long concern, allowing an average of 38.8 points per game during their current eight-game stretch against FCS competition.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, favoring the Texans 42-27. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. CST.