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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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