It's late October and homecoming around the Gulf South Conference.

Three schools have their official Homecoming games this weekend and the other contest will have that feel with a certain vested coach returning to face his alma mater. Also, I'm seeing my only live GSC action of the year as I travel home to Florence for that GSC Football Game of the Week. I'm very excited!

Mississippi College (1-5, 0-3) vs. Florida Tech (4-3, 1-2) @ 1 PM EST

The Choctaws visit FIT and, the let's face it, the GSC hasn't been very welcoming to MC in their return. The second-year Panthers won't be any less of a challenge, as they are definitely one of the better teams in the league this season. Even though FIT rolled up more yards (280) rushing than passing last week vs. UNA, expect Cato's arm to get going and the Panther Defense to come up with several stops and turnovers.

I think most all of us agree that FIT should have this in control within the first few series.

Panthers 49-7


Shorter (3-3, 1-2) vs. #22 Valdosta State (4-2, 2-2) @ 3 PM EST

Valdosta has rebounded nicely and are back at .500 in the conference. After the rout over UWG and the beat down of Miss. College, the Blazers look strong and one has to wonder how things would be different if VSU was to play DSU and UNA now. The Blazers have outscored opponents 102-6 since their bye week after the two tough losses. But, needless to say, if they win out during the regular season, you can look out for another good run in the playoffs.

The VSU offense is clicking and the Hawks option shouldn't be an issue after the Black Swarm just steamrolled the Choctaws. Sorry Shorter fans, but I see this as another big VSU victory.

Blazers 42-7


#21 Delta State (5-1, 3-1) vs. West Alabama (4-3, 1-2) @ 6 PM CST

This is an interesting match-up with both teams having a roller coaster of an October. DSU has not played well the past two weeks and the turnovers cost them in Carrollton. West Alabama exploded over Shorter last week after two tough losses for their first conference win of the year.

UWA racked up 585 yards of offense last week and will give DSU's defense another big test. One weakness the Tigers had last week, however, was the kicking game, which was 0-3 on field goal attempts and missed an extra point. The Statesmen offense hit a snag last week in Carrollton and will be looking to rebound against UWA. The Tiger defense was impressive vs. Shorter, but this isn't the Hawks we're talking about. It's the very angry Okra.

I feel the Tigers will put up a big fight at home, but the Statesmen will prevail in getting things back on track to contend for the conference title and post-season bid.

Delta State 35-28


GSC Football Game of the Week (on ESPN3 & the WATCH ESPN app)

West Georgia (6-1, 2-1) vs. #4 North Alabama (6-0, 3-0) @ 6 PM CST

Will Hall returns to Braly Stadium for the second time in his head coaching career to face his alma mater and his old boss. But this time, it's with a different team. The former UNA QB and Harlon Hill Trophy winner takes his 6-1 West Georgia Wolves to Florence in this key match-up. Coach Hall is 2-2 coaching against UNA, while Coach Wallace is 1-1 vs. his former assistant and 1-0 in Braly Stadium vs. Hall, with that win coming in OT for both to share the conference title last season when Hall coached West Alabama. This game has the makings of a similar barnburner.

West Georgia's offense got back on course last week, as they put up 400 yards (272 rushing). The Lions' highly-ranked rush defense was burned last week. I'm sure Coach Hall will attempt to exploit that perceived weakness with keepers by Dickey and numerous touches by RB Seth Hinsley, who is ranked 3rd in the GSC with 84.7 yards per game. He rushed for 161 vs. the Statesmen. One issue for the Wolves last week was being flagged 17 times for 132 yards. However, they dominated time of possession by a ratio of 2:1 keeping the DSU offense off the field.

The Wolves defense proved that the VSU game was an anomaly by holding the highly-ranked DSU offense to just 16 points. Their task will be to contain UNA QB Luke Wingo, who will be back for his second consecutive start following a few weeks off, and RB Lamonte Thompson, who is ranked 2nd in the GSC with 95.5 yards per game. The Lions had 424 yards of offense last week, but were flagged 10 times for 88 yards.

This is going to be a dog fight with the conference championship and playoff implications on the line. We'll see how the first quarter goes. UNA has not allowed a team to score in the opening period, outscoring opponents 72-0. If UWG scores early or builds a lead, I'm not sure how the Lions will respond. However, I see this game coming down to turnovers and penalties.

I expect a close game and give the edge to the home team.

Lions 24-21