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First let me say what a magnificent time I had
in Columbus Georgia at the Fountain City Classic (Maybe the SIAC and the CIAA
should look to host the Pioneer Bowl there), They do one heck of a job. Second,
let me send a shout out to Marvin Broadwater and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi
fraternity for the excellent barbeque that they shared with us. Third, a thank
you to Edythe Bradley, sports information director, for Albany State University
and Charles Ward, SID for Fort Valley State University (You folks make my job
easy).
It's now NCAA Division II Playoff time and boy
does the SIAC feel bamboozled (Morehouse College was bumped for West Alabama,
who was not even ranked in the super regional the week before).
Nuff said, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SIAC PLAYOFF
FOOTBALL?
Saturday, November 14
West Alabama v Albany State
Albany, GA
1:00 PM EST
1st Round NCAA D2 Football Playoffs
Albany State University football fans will get
another chance to see their favorite team in home action, as the Golden Rams
were selected to host a first-round NCAA Division II Football Championship
playoff game on Saturday
ASU is coming off a loss to Fort Valley State
University during the 20th annual Fountain City Classic. ASU was totally
dominated statistically as they lost the turnover battle 5-0 and lost the
passing battle 281-231. After taking a lead in the game they squandered it in
the second quarter. One thing is for certain they will look to avenge their loss
with a win over UWA. Albany State will have to pull everything together to
defeat West Alabama.
UWA returns to the post-season after a 35-year
layoff, while ASU makes its sixth consecutive appearance. The Tigers' advanced
to the 1975 Semi-Finals, topping North Dakota before falling to Northern
Michigan. Albany State is accustomed to playing GSC teams in the post-season,
going 2-4 in six previous matchups. Former league member Central Arkansas earned
a 28-20 win in the last matchup which was also played at Albany Municipal
Stadium.
West Alabama is still riding high after last
Saturday's four-overtime upset at then No. 1 North Alabama, while Albany State
seeks to rebound from a 35-13 loss to Fort Valley State. The Golden Rams are 3-1
at home this season, while UWA is 2-3 on the road.
West Alabama is second in the GSC in rushing
offense (175.2) and kick off returns (22.1), third in scoring offense (31.8) and
fourth in total offense (417.5). Albany State is tops in the SIAC in scoring
offense (29.8), scoring defense (13.9), total defense (232.2) and rushing
defense (76.5).
Quarterback Deon Williams is the key to UWA's
success, placing third in pass efficiency (137.9), fifth in total offense
(250.5) and sixth in passing (218.1). Running back Roosevelt Ross is fifth in
rushing (63.9), while running mate Dameon Baylor is eighth (48.5). Linebacker
J.D. Douglas is league's leading tackler (118).
ASU running back Demetrice Johnson is a Harlon
Hill regional finalist and is tops in the SIAC in scoring (11.4) and fifth in
rushing (93.7). Quarterback A.J. McKenna is first in passing (187.4), total
offense (209.4) and passing touchdowns (18).
If Demetrice Johnson is healthy look for a big
ASU rams victory!
Concordia vs Stillman
Tuscaloosa, AL
1:30 PM CST
Homecoming
SC has struggled this season mainly stopping
the pass as they have given up nearly 187 passing yards per game. They have also
struggled with fumbles and although they have lost 13 fumbles they have also
thrown 16 interceptions, which have been wasted plays at the end of the day. In
their victories SC capitalized on turnovers and special teams mistakes by their
opponent and if they have any chance this week they will have to hope Concordia
does the same.
I know Coach Coles wants to end the season on a
winning note, give me the Tigers of Stillman in this one.
SIAC News
I have it from a reliable source that the 2009
Pioneer Bowl between the C.I.A.A. and The S.I.A.C. "Will be" I repeat
"WILL" be played this year. Site Columbia, South Carolina, December
5th 2009. Looks like a game between Tuskegee University vs Elizabeth City State
or Bowie State (More on this in a couple of weeks). Calls to the SIAC and CIAA
offices were not returned by press time.
Got a question, comment, or just want to say
hi, send me an email eric.tabor@d2football.com.
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