The champion of Super Region Two will be decided this weekend in a re-match of a GSC game earlier this year. This is the first time that West Georgia (11-2) and Valdosta State (10-2) have ever played twice in one season and it is going to be a great game to watch.

The contest earlier this year was a blowout, but was really West Georgia's only flub of the season. It was VSU's first game after their back-to-back losses and a bye week. The Blazers were angry and hungry with something to prove. West Georgia was riding high being undefeated after a big hype game against Will Hall's former team and defending conference co-champs West Alabama. One team played their best game to date, while one, as we have heard, "didn't get off the bus."

I'm almost willing to bet that UWG shows up in cars this Saturday to ensure that their is no leaving anyone on the bus. This is going to be a battle, make no doubt about it. The playoff newcomer Wolves want revenge, while the post-season veteran Blazers want to prove they are the best, once again, in SR2, if not the nation.

Wolves Offense vs. Blazers Defense

The key players for UWG on offense include QB Dallas Dickey, who is as seasoned as any of the quarterbacks in the division, Seth Hinsley, a stellar running back who is now averaging over 100 yards per game, along with receiver Shaq Hall, averaging 14 yards per catch. They rely on the run but mix it up nicely with a very adequate passing scheme. The Blazers defense is directed by stand-out Kenny Murphy, averaging 7.1 tackles per game. They have certainly allowed some yardage in the first two rounds but were able to come up with key turnovers and stops to keep their opponents out of the end-zone enough to secure close wins. They will try to keep the UWG offense off the field as much as possible.

Blazers Offense vs. Wolves Defense

The VSU offense runs well with either quarterback, but it's a bit more one dimensional without Medlock. They still have the great running backs, but Nobles is not that larger, lumbering rushing threat, favoring to step back and pass more. Yet, the Blazers have two talented rushers (Austin Scott and Cedric O'Neal) that will shoulder this duty, combining for an average of 142.5 yards per game. QB Kaleb Nobles is a very capable passer, completing 63.5% of his attempts, and he'll be looking to connect with the top receivers on the team, Chris Anderson and Shane Henderson, as both average over 10 yards per catch. The Wolves defense is anchored by Tyrell Adams, averaging 5.9 tackles per game, and has also used key turnovers to produce victories in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The will be attempting to rush Nobles and come up with any take-aways or stops they can.

Special Teams

To me, the Most Valuable Player for VSU this season has been senior kicker Anthony Pistelli. He leads the GSC in scoring, averaging 9.1 points per game, and has hit 22 of 25 field goal attempts this year. For UWG, the stand-out performers on special teams are returner Denarius Appling, as he averages 32.5 yards per kickoff return and 10.9 yards per punt return, and punter James Dugan who leads the conference in punting with an average of 42.8 yards per punt.

Prediction

This game is truly tough to predict. Obviously, there is the potential for a blowout, as per the outcome of the October meeting.

But, I think you're going to see a back-and-forth contest that comes down to the final series of the game. As with any game, penalties, turnovers and special teams are going to weigh heavily in this contest. I feel VSU will be able to score on several drives, but will rely on Pistelli to attempt up to four field goals, while I think UWG will put together less scoring drives but going in for touchdowns on their opportunities.

I love an underdog and even as my mind tells me the Blazers will win, I'm going with my gut and choosing the road team again.

Wolves 28-26