Gulf South Conference

Being fat, sports and food go hand in hand for me. Some people consider this past weekend's college football action as opening day. While others claim this weekend is the true beginning of the 2010 season.

I won't diminish last week's games and act as if they never happened. Instead treat them as an appetizer or an amuse-bouche (for you food snobs). Something to get your appetite going, which is exactly what they did.

The games were legitimate football. Similar to potato skins. Not quite everything in the world you've ever wanted. But were good enough that you could have handled a full meal of them. Instead the restaurant brought out 4. I enjoyed last week's game but I'm ready for more.

And the waiters bringing us a triple order this time around.

Thursday 8:00 pm Lambuth (NAIA) at Arkansas Tech

Arkansas Tech lost a lot in the offseason with Nick Graziano's graduation. A Harlon Hill finalist, Graziano helped the Arkansas Tech program get to the next level. Over the last three seasons, Steve Mullins' squad had had some of the best quarterback play in the Gulf South Conference.

Between Graziano (Ranked second in nation in total offense with 397 yards per game in 2009) and his predecessor Cole Barthel (Ranked 13th in total offense 284 yards per game in 2008), there haven't been many programs to trot out that kind of consistency. Its safe a bet that the next quarterback in line will be talented, but won't be able to duplicate the efficient run under center.

One guy will be the key. Not so much this game, but as the Arkansas Tech offense gels with new pieces. Borderline All American offensive lineman Deerick Smith was an All GSC lineman in 2009 but was somehow snubbed in this year's preseason release. His role in pass and run blocking as well as his effect on the rest of their front line will help dictate if this team continues as a top offense.

However Arkansas Tech also lost the big wide receiver weapons Graziano threw to. So the offense as a whole likely won't replicate 2009's performance. With that said they're opening up with Lambuth who just doesn't have enough talent to match up with Arkansas Tech.

Defensively, Arkansas Tech is an underrated group. Tario Dansby is an impressive ball hawk in their secondary. His knack for making big plays puts Arkansas Tech in a huge advantage against a lesser opponent that will make mistakes. Team him with seniors in returning defensive back RonDerrick Jackson and Hampton transfer Ricardo Smith and I like Arkansas Tech's chances of forcing turnovers in this game.

NAIA programs such as Lambuth tend to have some solid individual talent but usually lack the keys to beating decent college teams. Arkansas Tech is exactly that, a decent college football team this year that who knows? Could they end up being more than that? They've snuck up on people in the past but nothing will sneak by them this week. They are well coached by Mullins and I expect this game to be what he expected when he scheduled it; an execution game to get in a rhythm for the start of the season.

Prediction: Arkansas Tech over Lambuth 31-10

Thursday 8:00 pm Texas College (NAIA) at Ouachita Baptist

Ouachita Baptist begins their quest for consistency in 2010 with Texas College. After back to back upset wins over Valdosta State and Delta State a year ago, Ouachita Baptist failed to finish strong going 2-4 the rest of the way.

The boys from Arkadelphia lost one huge piece of last years puzzle but return others to leave this side of the city intrigued by what Todd Knight can do with this crew. KJ Johnson averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2009. There is no replacing his 112 yards a game average nor his 12 touchdowns.

But what has to be a positive for Ouachita Baptist is they have two and sometimes three all conference selections (Guard Kyle Smith, Tackle Cory Godbolt and Tight End Philip Supernaw) doing the blocking for his replacement. There aren't many running backs like KJ Johnson, but having the continuity on the line should allow for a smooth transition.

They also have a senior quarterback returning in Eli Cranor, who showed signs of being one of the best decision makers in the conference last year. Without Johnson one could expect a different look this season, focused more on the pass and letting Cranor pick teams apart, because he is capable of doing that.

Cranor will have an opportunity to show off his passing skills this week. Yet another GSC school is opening with an NAIA opponent. Ouachita Baptist is capable of contending in the GSC this year. If everything goes right they could very well be a playoff team. Talent wise I don't see how Texas College who fell to Belhaven 58-3 last week can hang with Ouachita Baptist.
For Todd Knight's team this game will be all about execution. Putting up big numbers. Raise the confidence bar. Let the new pieces assimilate with the old and become a different look offense.

Cranor will look elite this week.

Prediction: Ouachita Baptist 42-0

Thursday 8:00 pm West Alabama at Arkansas-Monticello

Ah a non-conference game between conference members as the first GSC-TV game of the week. Confused? Don't think too much about it, just enjoy.

In week 2 we'll get to see the two best quarterbacks in the conference doing battle. This game could give ESPN a few highlights and end up ending dramatically.

Last year West Alabama became a playoff team after some dismal performances in the past. This year I've gone out and said Arkansas-Monticello can be this year's West Alabama.
It all starts with the guy calling the signals and it doesn't get too much better in Division II than Scott Buisson versus Deon Williams. One of these guys could end up as Super Region 2's Harlon Hill finalist. So I expect a show

Do not sleep on Arkansas-Monticello. It's not just Scott Buisson. Jywin Ceasar emerged in the latter part of 2009 to give Buisson the big time receiver he's needed since his freshman season. The offense is never an issue for this team, points will be there. This year the defense is flying way under the radar.

Each section of the Arkansas-Monticello defense has all conference caliber players. They get a great pass rush on the line from Vincent Jackson, everything out of all conference linebacker Carlton Johnson, while Cantrelle Monk roams in the secondary. They can get it done this year but facing Deon Williams right out of the gate is tough.

Williams makes incredible decisions and reads for the West Alabama offense. He single handedly makes this team go. Without him for most of 2008 and for 3 quarters against Valdosta State in 2009, this offense didn't even look close to the same. If there was an MVP of this conference, Williams would be the favorite heading into the season.

But since hardware is about being the best player in the GSC, his opponent Buisson holds that title for now because of statistics. Now entering his fourth season as a starter, he will break some conference records this year. There is nothing on the field he can't do. And despite looking for weapons most of last year should explode even more in 2010 because of roster chemistry.

West Alabama has a quick defense than can rush the passer and force turnovers. Buisson is the type of player who can escape the rush and make things happen on the run. Do you see how good of a game this is capable of being on Thursday?

On the other side, Williams makes great reads for West Alabama's offense. But Arkansas-Monticello's defense should provide a powerful pass rush and take away a lot of the West Alabama rushing game.

In this chess match Williams is the kind of player whose intangibles will shine. Buisson will probably put up bigger numbers in the game overall but I've learned not to doubt Bobby Wallace when Williams is taking snaps.

The winning experience from last year and the vision of Williams with the ball and the game on the line has me leaning toward West Alabama. But that doesn't mean Arkansas-Monticello won't be around late in this game or even late in the year.

Prediction: West Alabama over Arkansas-Monticello 27-24

Saturday 2:00 pm Concordia at West Georgia

Has there ever been a more impressive loss than West Georgia's to Wingate last week? Wingate, a borderline playoff team for most of 2010, with key pieces returning beat West Georgia by three.

I've been real hard on West Georgia in the past but they are heading in the right direction. Last weekend is proof.

New defensive coordinator Jody Allen should be encouraged with what he saw last week. West Georgia held Wingate to 92 net yards on the ground. While they allowed 343 yards through the air, West Georgia forced a second team all conference quarterback to throw 2 interceptions. They gave up yards but didn't let Wingate score. Impressive for a defense that was crushed in all aspects of the game in 2009.

Now there are some West Georgia faithful that think Brandon Behenna should get more snaps at quarterback than Sean Gray, but Gray didn't have a terrible season opener. Gray went 16 for 27 for 112 yards.

I'm in the Behenna camp as well but not based off of this performance by Gray. Behenna gives the team the possibility for bigger plays through the air, like he did late last week and in 2009 against Valdosta State. But that doesn't mean Gray can't be semi successful for this team. Like I said last week, combine all of their quarterbacks into one and West Georgia has a complete player. There isn't a perfect option here.

If West Georgia fans want to be upset about something it's with the play calling and decision making. Specifically surrounding the use of Yusuf Holloway. The star running back touched the ball fourteen times in this game. You lose by three and Holloway has just fourteen touches?

I get that it's early in the year and you don't want to burn a guy out, but Holloway is your shot at a win; especially in a three point game. Tell me 10 more touches for Holloway and he doesn't break a big one or make something happen?

This week, get him the ball and get it to him early. If anyone can make West Georgia different from most teams its Holloway.

Good thing for Holloway and West Georgia they'll face an NAIA school this week. Concordia heads to University Stadium as a complete unknown; literally. They have a roster and a schedule on their website and that is where the information trail ends. On shear association with the NCAA West Georgia has the edge in this matchup.

Here's what I can tell you about Concordia: Their nickname is the Hornets. In 2008 they upset the sixth ranked team in NAIA Bethel-Tennessee 23-18. They have a schedule and a roster.

Prediction: There will be a football game?just kidding, I'm not even sure about that. West Georgia over Concordia 27-13

Saturday 5:00 pm Delta State at Jackson State

Delta State has the country exactly where they want them. Sure they were a .500 team last year. But that doesn't mean they'll play the same this year. Sure they lost a lot of familiar faces. But that doesn't mean they don't have top notch Divison II talent.

Delta State always has some of the best players at this level. They dominate the junior college transfer game as well as anyone because of their proximity. And the players returning are of the same caliber. If they accomplished anything in their 5-5 2009 campaign, it was learning to play together and learning they don't like losing.

We may not know a lot about their current roster. But one thing I'm confident in is that Ron Roberts grabbed major talent to add to his returning crop.

Plus with a guy like Trevar Deed returning on offense you only need to put a couple of pieces around him to be successful. He's like a Rolex. Capable of making a t-shirt and jeans look better than it really is.

Sure Jackson State is an FCS school. For those of you who still fail to make the transition it used to be call 1-AA.

But Delta State has proven in the past that they're every bit as good as the teams in FCS. In fact Delta State beat Jackson State in their last meeting 27-15. Jackson State isn't the only upper level to school to drop to Delta State and I think they should be prepared to do so again.

We'll get a first look at redshirt junior quarterback Micah Davis. Davis completed 58 percent of his passes in junior college two years ago. He sat in this system last year and learned. I envision him hitting the ground running.

Why shouldn't he? He has an All American, all purpose back in Deed with him in the backfield. Plus Delta State stole North Alabama's thunder by bringing in six Division I wide receivers.
Somewhere Terry Bowden is standing on a stool to read this on his computer screen and stomping his feet. I know Terry, your daddy never coached at those schools. Laugh North Alabama fans, it's a joke. Seriously, get over it.

The transition should be simple for Davis and the offense. He knows the system and has talent all around him. Which is how it's always been in Cleveland, Mississippi. Their quarterbacks always distribute the football to allow playmakers to do their thing.

Now defensively the key to stopping Jackson State will be defending the pass. In 2009 they averaged just 2.1 yards a carry and 75 yards a game. This plays directly into the Delta State strength, where they return quality coverage linebackers and always have a stable of defensive backs that make plays. With third year starting cornerback Dominique Davenport returning alongside linebackers Hollan Fiu and Robert Hogan, Delta State is capable of returning to prominence in 2010.

Doubters watch the score of this game. I sense major hostility from the boys in green. They're not happy with the disrespect they're getting after one mediocre season. This team has a purpose this year and that's to get back on top.

Prediction: Delta State over Jackson State 31-17

Saturday 7:00 pm Southern Arkansas at Harding

The GSC's top prospect takes on the conference's forgotten star in Searcy, Arkansas this week.

Cedric Thornton anchors an underrated defensive unit for Southern Arkansas. Sure he's the best defensive player in the conference and one of the best in the country, but there are other pieces this year to help. Don Unamba is possibly the most intriguing of those other pieces.

Unamba is coming off a sophomore year in which he picked off two passes and broke up 12, ranking second in the GSC in passes defended. He was obviously picked on last year and seemed to answer the call statistically.

Defense isn't an issue for Southern Arkansas; they return more than half their starters from a year ago. Their transition from the triple option to the spread will continue this year. Some people in Magnolia, Arkansas believe they'll make huge strides this year. Unfortunately for me I'm going to need to see it to believe.

Moving from one unique style to another takes time, even years to gain consistency. Austin Civita is their best option to sling the football but that doesn't mean he's consistent. Entering his senior season, Civita completed 51 percent of his passes in 2009 and that number needs to be better with him calling the signals full time.

Harding returns key pieces on the offensive side of the football. Which gives us a great matchup of Harding's offense against Southern Arkansas' defense this week. Josh Powell and Kurt Adams will carry the load for Harding. I'm just wondering how Harding will stop people.

The positive for Harding is their offense is usually solid. And Kurt Adams return to the lineup gives them a go to threat, durable receiver and red zone target. When healthy, Adams is the best receiver in the GSC; he is able to play the role of any type of receiver a coach could ask him tom be. I just don't know what else to expect and with Adams coming off a medical redshirt you have to question how dominant he will be right away.

I haven't been very high on Southern Arkansas in the past. Especially when it comes to keeping up with high powered offenses. I see Harding as a capable offense, rather than a high powered one this year. There aren't as many diverse weapons. They'll put up points this year but the matchup against Southern Arkansas defense can slow them down just enough for the blue and gold to capitalize.

Southern Arkansas will have to scrap their way in this one. But I think the defense will do a lot, the offense just enough and All GSC kicker No? Cuevas to be a weapon.

Prediction: Southern Arkansas over Harding 23-21

Saturday 7:00 pm Henderson State at North Alabama

I hope Henderson State enjoyed their 469 yards of offense last week. North Alabama won't do as Southeastern Oklahoma did no matter how much they lost in the offseason.

Talent is a scary thing. No matter what the anti-Bowden contingent says about the Division I transfers heading to North Alabama. Realists see the possibility of greatness. Some will tell you "guys need to play together" or "we'd rather have chemistry than talent" but at the end of the day if North Alabama plays to its fullest potential every week than can beat anybody they want.
Will they play up to those standards every week? Probably not. Most great teams don't even always do that. But the ones who win rings do that the majority of the time. North Alabama proved talent can only get you so far.

But is it safe to say this coaching staff may have learned something as well? Perhaps they will approach things slightly differently. It worked most of the way in 2009, if they make proper adjustments there is a chance a championship can be won with their method.

I hate to turn this into a North Alabama justification column but this isn't the same exact scenario as last year. They did actually return players who may or may not contribute this season.
Henderson State had fun last week. Good for them. This week they're going to get hit in the mouth. One thing I've noticed about Henderson State in the past is they can take hits; even in the mouth.

North Alabama should out talent Henderson State. But between North Alabama getting into game rhythm and Henderson State with a game under the belt this could be interesting at the beginning.

By games end I expect Lee Chapple to figure out his timing and who his go to players are offensively. Chapple was made to sling the football around and the North Alabama defense is loaded so he won't be panicked and forced to play from behind.

Nick Hardesty is a gutsy quarterback. We'll find out if he is in the upper echelon of GSC quarterbacks this week. If he can make plays and allow Henderson State to stick around late in this game he will have me intrigued with his ability.

But looking at the North Alabama roster's defensive players I uncontrollably urinated some out of fear. It is essentially a Division I defense going up against a middle of the road GSC offense.

Prediction: North Alabama over Henderson State 35-13

Saturday 7:00 pm Wingate at Valdosta State

Like Delta State, Valdosta State is looking to rebound off a disappointing 2009. David Dean's squad was exploited on the offensive line and secondary last season. And they brought in transfers to help address those needs.

For the third time in three years Valdosta State has a new quarterback. Yet again they went into fall camp without a decision made as to who will lead the team out of the huddle. The decision was made easier after Russ Callaway suffered a second tear of his ACL ending his career. Making redshirt junior Jimmy Coy the likely starter.

On the other side of the ball, Valdosta State will get one of its defensive leaders back in 2010. After being voted student body president at Valdosta State, all conference defensive tackle Demario Jones hopes to regain his top notch form. Luckily for Jones the rest of the defense seems to have more talent than last year to help him ease back in.

Linebacker Larry Dean has help in defending the pass this year with junior college transfers coming into the secondary. I'd expect to see a faster and smarter Valdosta State defense in 2010.

Offensively Valdosta State doesn't have much of an identity. A lot of new faces in the receiving core are expected step up their contributions this year. And the offensive line returns just about everybody from what was a mostly inexperienced squad in 2009.

Opening with Wingate was thought to be a risky move for Valdosta State. But after squeaking by West Georgia 10-7 last week maybe Wingate isn't as good as people expected?

Valdosta State knows better than to doubt an opponent from the SAC though. Catawba played them tough in the 2007 playoffs as did Carson-Newman in 2008 and Newberry upset them to begin 2010. Wingate was supposed to be better than their low scoring game in Carrollton, Georgia last week. With a game under their belt, they should keep the game close.

Valdosta State is breaking in a new quarterback and the secondary will be gelling. So Wingate could strike early before they have a feel for the game speed. Cody Haffly put up big passing numbers against West Georgia but was picked off and couldn't find the end zone.

The Valdosta State defense may not have played together before but are faster and more talented than West Georgia's. If Wingate only put a 10 spot up on them how can we expect a big offensive day out of Haffly's crew?

Coy's scouting report shows a guy who protects the football and methodically moves the ball downfield. Word is he's a very accurate passer but doesn't posses the arm strength some others in this offense have had recently. If he can do anything with the offense, Valdosta State's defense will keep the game in reach.

Plus Wingate having to travel on the road two weeks in a row to open the year can't be a positive for them.

Prediction: Valdosta State over Wingate 27-13