As champions of Super Region Two, the University of West Georgia Wolves travel to take on the Colorado State University - Pueblo ThunderWolves, winners of Super Region Four, in a D2 national semifinal contest this Saturday. All these two teams need is one more win to make it to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in Kansas City.

This is uncharted territory for both schools and the excitement in Carrollton and Pueblo is, no doubt, palpable.

WEST GEORGIA (12-2) vs. COLORADO STATE - PUEBLO (12-1)
Streaming on ESPN3 or the Watch ESPN App at 6:30 EST/4:30 MST

Wolves Offense vs. ThunderWolves Defense

UWG was led again last week with a good performance of managing the game by QB Dallas Dickey (209 all-purpose yards and one touchdown) and RB Seth Hinsley, who scored his school-record 15th rushing touchdown of the season. A bit of different wrinkle last week was the inspired play in the passing game with the key receptions of Earvin Anumbga, who had seven catches for 113 yards, with three of those going for more than 20 yards. However, Dickey was intercepted twice last week and sacked five times.

It's obvious from the stats that the ThunderWolves know how to snag a pass out of the air. They lead the nation with 28 interceptions this year, including two last week, and have nationally-ranked stats in several categories. The CSUP defensive unit is anchored by AFCA All-American (among numerous other honors and awards) Darius Allen, a defensive end. In two playoff games, Allen has 14 total tackles (nine of them solo) along with five TFL, three sacks and a forced fumble.

ThunderWolves Offense vs. Wolves Defense

The CSUP offense is led by senior QB Chris Bonner who had a good game last week completing 66.7% of his passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. In the first quarter he was a perfect 9-for-9 for 101 yards hitting four different receivers. A little out of the norm for the ThunderWolves was the fact that Bonner was sacked three times after finishing the regular season averaging one sack per game. The offense was also driven by another good effort from RB Cameron McDondle who rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown to extend his streak of games with over 100-yards to ten. The ThunderWolves lost two fumbles last week, though, one inside the red zone.

West Georgia's defense is led by Tyrell Adams, who had one of two interceptions for the Wolves last week. What has impressed me most about the last two UWG playoff wins has been their second half defense. They have shut out both Delta State and Valdosta State in the final two periods of those games. That's pretty eye-opening because of what all of us GSC fans know of those offenses this season.

Special Teams

For West Georgia, it's all about All-American candidate Denarius Appling. He's been a great return guy when he gets the chance and proved that last week with an early 36-yard return that set up a scoring drive and then a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown to seal the deal late in Valdosta. It also doesn't hurt to have a punter like James Dugan, who averaged 47 yards per punt last week with two over 50 yards.

Yet, CSU-Pueblo has their own return king, Stephan Dickens, who is leads the country in punt returns on their side. However, last week, it was ThunderWolves back-up returner Daniel Wise who took a punt 83 yards for what turned out to be the game-winning score during the fourth quarter.

All that said, I'm not sure we'll see any kickoffs or punts going near these returners during the game if the kickers and coaches have their say in the matter. Of course, the ThunderWolves did have a punt blocked for a touchdown last week and look for UWG to try to put extra pressure on the CSUP punter in this match-up.

Prediction

Contrary to the belief of some, I think both offenses and defenses are going to be pretty evenly matched. So, as with most playoff games, this contest is going to be decided on turnovers, penalties and the play of special teams.

West Georgia has jumped out to early leads in all three of their playoff games and this will be key again this week because I feel the altitude and temperature could be a factor at the end of the game. If UWG can force some three-and-outs or an turnover early they will be in good shape to challenge the ThunderWolves at home.

I've not picked against UWG in the playoffs and I don't really see a reason to start now. I believe in The Vest.

UWG Wolves 30-28