We are now into the second round of the playoffs with three Gulf South Conference teams still alive after North Alabama and Valdosta State defeated teams from the South Atlantic Conference last weekend. This puts the conference with three of the four remaining teams in the region and bodes well for the potential of a GSC team to win and represent SR2.

Round 2 will include Valdosta State making a return trip to West Georgia and North Alabama hosting Tuskegee from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).


#15 Valdosta State (9-2) at #6 West Georgia (10-1) @ 12 PM EST

Last Meeting: UWG 49-28
Series: 35th meeting; VSU leads 23-11

This contest features a rematch of a regular season game, which happens often for our conference in the playoffs. It also happened for these two teams last year as each squad picked up a win in the series. West Georgia will look to affirm their win earlier this season, while Valdosta State will be looking for a little revenge for the two consecutive losses to the Wolves. Both programs have great coaches and this could be a very interesting game.

After watching UWG quarterback Dallas Dickey all season, the thing that sticks out to me the most is his ability to turn what appears is going to be a sack into big yardage by scrambling and eluding tacklers. He has gained 627 yards with his feet this season (before sacks are factored in). The Blazers will have to contain that to have a chance at winning. VSU quarterback E.J. Hilliard is much improved and their offense has been performing very well the past few weeks averaging over 48 points in their last four games, yet the Blazers are not going to be facing a porous defense like they have in those games.

VSU Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 37.6
Avg. Points Allowed: 26.6
Offensive Yards: 434.8
Yards Allowed: 390.7
Turnover Margin: +10
Avg. Penalties: 73.27 yards
Third Down Conversions: 44.7%
Red Zone Scores: 85.7%
Field Goals: 9-15 (60%)

UWG Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 39.0
Avg. Points Allowed: 14.9
Offensive Yards: 419.6
Yards Allowed: 242.5
Turnover Margin: Even
Avg. Penalties: 80.5 yards
Third Down Conversions: 43.8%
Red Zone Scores: 81.8%
Field Goals: 10-11 (90.9%)

The Blazers have been playing lights out the past few weeks, while UWG had a loss and an uncompetitive matchup before their bye week. It will be interesting to see how these teams begin the game. If VSU can come out with continued passion, while getting a few stops on defense and possibly a turnover (they have the advantage in turnover margin per the stats), this game will be competitive. If the Wolves come out on fire and get a lead, I wonder how much steam the Blazers will have to make another comeback this weekend.

I have a feeling this is going to be a fun game to watch (at least as an outsider) and it could come down to which team has the ball last.

My Pick: Wolves by 7


#19 Tuskegee (9-2) at #9 North Alabama (9-2) @ 11:30 AM CST

Last Meeting: UNA 30-27 (2013)
Series: 4th

TU Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 29.9
Avg. Points Allowed: 15.8
Offensive Yards: 327.5
Yards Allowed: 276
Turnover Margin: +7
Avg. Penalties: 98.1 yards
Third Down Conversions: 34.7%
Red Zone Scores: 75.5%
Field Goals: 6-12 (50%)

UNA Key Stats:

Avg. Points Scored: 38.6
Avg. Points Allowed: 20.2
Offensive Yards: 485.4
Yards Allowed: 316.7
Turnover Margin: -1
Avg. Penalties: 67.5 yards
Third Down Conversions: 45.6%
Red Zone Scores: 89.1%
Field Goals: 15-21 (71.4%)

When reviewing the stats, one number that stands out to me is that TU averages almost 100 yards in penalties per game. They will need to keep that to a minimum to have a chance for success in Braly Stadium this weekend. Yet, this will be a battle of in-state foes with excellent coaches and will be a much more competitive game than both teams had in their first round matchups.

The 2013 game was only decided by three points, and I expect this contest to be close throughout much of the game. However, I feel the UNA upperclassmen will be able to help the team pull away at the end of the game for the victory.

My Pick: Lions by 10