This week, I have ranked the top non-conference opponents that Gulf South Conference teams face over the 2017 Labor Day weekend.


My pick: UNA 24, TAMUC 21


2. Tarleton Stateth in the LSC but did receive a first place vote. Coach Whitten recruited well in the off-season and has beefed up the offensive line to help returning quarterback Zed Woerner.

My eyes will be on the Delta State defense to see how they respond with Coach Partridge leading the group. They need a good outing from this unit and to have Chris Robinson continue his stellar performances as a Statesmen in order to get the victory.

My pick: DSU 21, TSU 20


3. Mars Hill

The Lions of Mars Hill will travel to Rome, Georgia to take on Shorter. Former PSAC Columnist, Chuck Bitner, has taken over the blogging duties for the South Atlantic Conference and reviewed the MHC team extremely well. It appears the Lions will have to start the year by developing some chemistry on defense but return a competent dual-quarterback system, each with a different skill set, along with capable receivers. Coach Tim Clifton is in this 25th
My pick: Mars Hill 20, Shorter 17


4. Albany State
My pick: VSU 31, ASU 17


5. Missouri S&T

The Miners in Rolla, Missouri will welcome the UWF Argos during this opening weekend and they have revenge on their minds. I sat and watched the MS&T athletics staff express a bit of disbelief when upstart West Florida scored consistently and defeated them soundly in Pensacola last year. They are picked to finish fifth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Similar to UWF, the Miners return 16 starters from last season and look to use that experience to move up the ladder in the GLVC this year.

West Florida started on-the-road in their inaugural season and will be looking for another strong start this year with a new starting quarterback. They need to move the ball early in the matchup and establish some stability on the ground to let Grey Jackson settle in and open up the passing game.

My pick: UWF 21, MS&T 14


In other games around the conference this weekend:

Fort Valley State at West GeorgiaMy pick: UWG by 24

Mississippi College at Clark-AtlantaMy pick: MC by 10

West Alabama at Lenoir-RhyneMy pick: UWA by 21

Virginia-Lynchburg at Florida TechMy pick: FIT by 41