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D2Football.com Columnists Gulf South Conference

Gulf South Conference

November 13th, 2007

The football gods have officially shined down on the GSC. Not only are the top three GSC teams in the playoffs, but two have a bye week. Did you ever want to read a short column? Well, here is your chance? this one is going to be easy.

Shaw (8-3) at Delta State (9-1)
NCAA Division II Playoffs
Round 1

This week's game will be interesting as the CIAA Champion Shaw University Bears travel to DSU in their first appearance in the DII playoffs. Delta State is just the opposite. Playing in the national spotlight is nothing new for the Statesmen who are seeking a repeat of their 2000 national championship.

The biggest strength the Shaw Bears bring south to Mississippi is their powerful defense. Ranked in the top five in various defensive categories, the Bears allow just under three touchdowns per game and are led by junior DL and CIAA Defensive Player of the year Louis Ellis. Where Shaw is strong on defense, they find themselves lacking on offense. The Bear offense is turnover happy and is less than fifty percent in the passing game this season. For the Bears to knock off the Statesmen, they will have to be on their offensive 'A' game.

Much like the Bears, the Statesmen are known for their stout defense. However, their offense has not lacked talent this year. In last week's 51-14 victory over UAM, QBs Dedrick Wilson and Garrett DeWitt shared time and also had a hand in all of DSU's seven touchdowns. The defense also remained strong, allowing only 14 points from UAM's powerful offense. Unsurprisingly, LB Michael Eubanks again pulls in this year's GSC Defensive Player of the Year honors and will be a major factor in this week's game.

For at least two quarters, this game will be a defensive struggle. However, Shaw has not faced a team this year with Delta's talent and will find themselves falling short as the game wears on. The Statesmen will not win big, but it will be convincing enough. Delta State 17, Shaw 3.

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