The playoff field has been announced and now we move into the second season of 2015!

This year, the Gulf South Conference has three teams participating in the postseason and I am pleased that no GSC teams face off against each other in the first round.

While top seed West Georgia has the week off, North Alabama and Valdosta State host teams from the South Atlantic Conference. I expect both to be competitive games and worthy of the expectations of gridiron excellence that we pride ourselves on in Super Region 2.

Carson-Newman (9-2) at #15 Valdosta State (8-2) @ 12 PM EST

Last Meeting: VSU 48-26 (2012)
Series: 8th meeting; VSU leads 4-3

This game will feature two teams that are often involved in our region’s postseason action as VSU is in their 14th playoff appearance, having won three national titles (with one as recent as 2012), and C-N enters the playoffs for the 15th time, having won 19 postseason games under Coach Sparks (the highest win total of any active D2 coach).

As for this year’s matchup, I think this will be interesting because of the veer option offense that the Eagles deploy on offense. The Blazers have only faced two option teams this year and both were among the weakest teams in the GSC. The veer is somewhat different and C-N has run this scheme for years now. The quicker the Black Swarm adjusts, the greater the chances for a successful outcome at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium this weekend. VSU’s offense has tightened up to finish out the season and I expect will do just fine to produce scoring plays for the Blazers.

C-N Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 41.8
Avg. Points Allowed: 31.3
Offensive Yards: 480.4
Yards Allowed: 391.9
Turnover Margin: +10
Avg. Penalties: 50.5 yards
Third Down Conversions: 49%
Red Zone Scores: 89%
Field Goals: 12-17 (70.5%)

VSU Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 35.3
Avg. Points Allowed: 23.3
Offensive Yards: 410.1
Yards Allowed: 361.2
Turnover Margin: +9
Avg. Penalties: 73 yards
Third Down Conversions: 43.9%
Red Zone Scores: 83.7%
Field Goals: 7-13 (53.8%)

When reviewing the stats, it appears both teams are comparatively even in many aspects of play. Both teams have good turnover margins, but the Eagles look at little more disciplined on paper when it comes to penalties. Another stat that stands out to me is VSU’s lower percentage in field goals. This could affect how the Blazers treat certain play-calling and situational decisions when just outside of the red zone.

Personally, I feel Valdosta State is clicking much better than earlier in the season and will feed off of the vibe of continuing to play at home after a nice win over Florida Tech last week in what felt much like a play-in game.

My Pick: Blazers by 8



Newberry (7-4) at #9 North Alabama (8-2) @ 12 PM CST

Last Meeting: UNA 38-20 (2006)
Series: 3rd meeting; UNA leads 2-0

In Florence, this matchup will involve a relative newcomer to the playoff fraternity in SR2, as Newberry is making their 3rd appearance (but second postseason birth in three seasons), and a traditional D2 powerhouse, as UNA makes their third consecutive and 20th appearance (tied for the most in D2 with Northwest Missouri State). These two programs last met in the 2006 playoffs.

As for this year’s contest, it appears the Wolves are excited to just be in the playoffs after losing three straight in October while North Alabama is trying to live up to pre-season expectations after two losses also in the month of October. I expect that this could be a close game at Braly Stadium until defensive adjustments are potentially made during the game (or not), especially in reference to the Wolves’ straight ahead rushing attack and Lions’ long pass plays.

NC Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 29.7
Avg. Points Allowed: 15.5
Offensive Yards: 406
Yards Allowed: 302.4
Turnover Margin: +7
Avg. Penalties: 62.1 yards
Third Down Conversions: 43%
Red Zone Scores: 73%
Field Goals: 7-13 (53.8%)

UNA Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 37.4
Avg. Points Allowed: 21.5
Offensive Yards: 486.1
Yards Allowed: 320.5
Turnover Margin: -3
Avg. Penalties: 72.7 yards
Third Down Conversions: 45.8%
Red Zone Scores: 88%
Field Goals: 14-20 (70%)

The key stats for this game confirm two good teams will be battling this weekend, but a few things do stand out to me such as NC’s better turnover margin number and UNA’s better red zone scoring percentage. Also, the lower field goal percentage by the Wolves could affect their decision-making on fourth down and possibly affect field position.

I’m a homer on this pick, but even my brain confirms that the Lions should win this game. These seniors (Coach Wallace’s first recruiting class after his return) have a lot to play for in wanting to make some postseason noise during their last season. I expect them to be fired up for this game.

My Pick: Lions by 12