CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay football had their season come to an end this week following a loss to Alabama and failing to be selected for the FCS playoff picture.

But when the team traveled to Tuscaloosa to take on Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, they held their own against the SEC juggernaut. The Govs lost by a score a score of 34-0, but even with the game being one-sided in scoring, APSU made history.

According to Austin Peay Athletics, that’s the fewest points the Crimson Tide have scored against an FCS team since the FCS originated in 1978. This speaks volumes for Austin Peay’s defensive unit, especially when playing Bryce Young, the possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Govs offensive line also stood out. Alabama has a number of playmakers on their defensive line, which includes the unit being led by projected top 10 draft pick in Will Anderson Jr.

Yet Austin Peay’s offensive line won the battle in the trenches in terms of pass protection. The group did not allow a single sack on quarterback Mike DiLiello, which can’t be said of his counterpart in Young. Austin Peay defenders sacked the Crimson Tide quarterback three times.

2022-23 football season

The Governors finished the 2022-23 season with a record of 7-4, which included going 7-1 against FCS opponents. In addition, APSU capped off their season by becoming inaugural ASUN conference football champions.

However, the Govs were not selected by the FCS to be part of the 24-team tournament. Austin Peay was one of the last four teams eliminated during the 2022 FCS football playoff reveal.

Austin Peay Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison and Head Football Coach Scotty Walden released the following statement after the FCS playoff bracket was released.