Football is back brothers and sisters of the Gulf South Conference and it feels better than ever.

For those who have felt their New Year's resolutions to better themselves have fallen apart, take notice of the in-shape, slimmer, stronger Gulf South Conference; with an overall better dental health as well.

The former members from the state of Arkansas have officially left, leaving behind a five team conference that top to bottom shows significant strength for it's size. What this conference lacks in quantity in 2011 it more than makes up for in quality.

Three-fifths of the current GSC members (Delta State, North Alabama, Valdosta State) made the playoffs last year. One other was in the postseason in 2009 (West Alabama) and the other program has improved by leaps and bounds since hiring a new head coach a couple seasons ago (West Georgia).

As far as the future is concerned have no fear. The GSC front office, headed by commissioner Nathan Salant, has invited some incredible potential programs for GSC membership.

The University of New Orleans, has the makings of a must-make road trip for all traveling team's fans. Shorter College's proximity and success at the NAIA level make them a possible immediate impact program.

Florida Tech and West Florida will add Division 2 football to Florida; and their recruiting base will be incredible. If Florida Tech can do anything close to what the have done on the baseball field on the gridiron, this conference will have a powerhouse on it's hands. Meanwhile, all familiar with West Florida, expect the excellence that we see in so many of their other programs to translate to football.

A year ago people were panicking, wondering if the GSC would be no more. Sure North Alabama will be leaving, but as of right now this conference has huge potential.

But all of that talk is for another day. Today is a special day. Today we talk football. Not just previews either. Which by the way if you want a preview buy the D2Football.com Preview Magazine. That guy who wrote about the GSC schools has a great tush.

Here is a short synopsis of what you missed in the offseason:

North Alabama dominated the off season headlines for the third straight recruiting period under Terry Bowden. Among the big transfers from BCS and FCS schools alike is arguably the most talented player to step foot in the GSC; former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins. This guy was a projected NFL first round draft pick a year ago, he will be the single most interesting player to watch in Division 2 football this year.

Delta State will look to put what was an almost championship season behind them. As usual they lost a nice group of quality seniors and once again return a crop of veteran juniors who know how to win. Nobody reloads and has a plan of progression quite like head coach Ron Roberts.

Valdosta State lost a lot on defense and in leadership during the offseason. For the third year in a row there is controversy at quarterback with many names still in the mix. This is a program known for turning out some of the highest rated passers in Division 2 over the last twenty years. The Blazers need someone to catch fire.

West Alabama said goodbye to a legend and hello to one of the brightest young minds in all of college football. Bobby Wallace's departure and Will Hall's new reign as Tiger head coach has most wondering what this team is capable of. As offensive coordinator Hall helped UWA reach heights unknown as Wallace's protege. But gone with Wallace went one of the GSC's premeire passers in Deon Williams. The Tigers have a chance to continue where they left off, if Hall can do what he does best: tutor new starting quarterback Gary Johnston.

Darryl Dickey's West Georgia Wolves are continuing to build. The turnaround into respectability in the eyes of GSC fans in 2010 was a monumental on for UWG-nation. They believe UAB transfer Emmanuel Taylor is the quarterback to lead them in the right direction after playing multiple signal callers in 2010. The ground game is their anchor with a two headed attack of James Kennebrew and Yusuf Holloway. But can they score with the big boys and slow down elite offenses? They're heading in the right direction but are still a few years away from conference title contention. A few years ago those words were never put together in that order.

Oh, not enough of a preview for you? Buy the magazine. D-Swede doesn't give it all up for free. What do I look like, Southern Arkansas tickets?

Delta State's time to lick the wounds from a heartbreaking, last second National Championship loss is over. They now begin their 2011 campaign with a huge bullseye on their backs. Game one is a huge test, not so much because of the opponent, but more so to see if DSU can put 2010 in the rear view mirror.

Many teams who play as many games as they did last year, which was the most a team could play in D2, tend to struggle the following year. Be it a hangover, depression or sense of entitlement or loss; the Statesmen must act like last year never happened.


Saturday 7:00 pm Elizabeth City at Delta State (Cleveland, Mississippi)

This match up will be a rematch from the 2006 postseason. Last time out Delta State was victorious but it was not easy. The Statesmen found themselves trailing 10-0 at the half only to score 17 unanswered points in the final two quarters to eliminate the Vikings from the playoffs.

The 2011 edition will feature only familiar faces on the sidelines from last time, but one should expect another quality contest. ECSU was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the CIAA North and feature five all conference selections. This group is headlined by All American running back Daronte McNeill.

If ECSU wants to keep this game close, their biggest chance is to use the clock to their advantage and let McNeill carry the load. The more the ball is in the hands of what could potentially be an electric passing game of DSU the less likely the Vikings are to stay in the game.

Running the ball with McNeill should limit the possessions for DSU's offense which averaged 70 plays per game in 2011. The East Carolina transfer, is an NFL-sized prototypical back at 6'2 215 lbs. Last season he averaged 132 yards per game on the ground, finished with 11 total touchdowns and was good for 5.6 yards a carry. Most importantly though, he touched the ball 23 times a game on average. Expect him to be around 25-30 if this one is going to be close.

We'll find out early in the year what kind of year it will be for the Statesmen defense. Last season they managed to use the bend don't break approach to lead them to the National Championship game. Had it not been for the late game heroics of quarterback Micah Davis this team would've been at home long before December rolled around.

DSU sports one of the GSC's best at each level of the defense. As usual they dominated junior college recruiting and balanced that with quality signings of prep players. There should be no reason for this defense to be susceptible to big plays the way it was last year.

All Conference defensive lineman Joe Marshall, linebacker Xavier Triplett and defensive back Dominique Davenport are three of the best around at their positions. The first two will be vital in week one's gameplan in defeating the strong running game of ECSU.

That matchup will be much closer on paper than the other side of the ball for both of these teams. The Vikings defense allowed 21 points per contest a year ago. If they get into a high scoring game with DSU odds are the Statesmen will runaway with a win. ECSU simply does not have enough of a quick hit offense to hang with their opponent from the GSC.

Micah Davis and the DSU offense was explosive in 2010 through the air. The signal caller is primed for a Harlon Hill caliber season. Senior quarterbacks in college football tend to have succesful campaigns for obvious reasons. Davis' junior campaign was so impressive and consistent that we could be looking at year possibly better than Willie Copeland in 2007 (for Valdosta State) and below what AJ Milwee (North Alabama) did in 2008. Not at the Scott Eyster level of 2006, but I don't think a year close to that is out of the question considering his pedigree, experience and intelligence.

How Davis meshes with his receivers will be crucial as last years starters were all Division 1 transfers. Chance Dennis, one of those D1 transfers returns and will lineup next to a slew of talent from that other level.

5 Biggest Questions for this game

1. Can DSU contain the All American McNeill?
2. Will DSU get its way with a shootout? Or will ECSU control the clock?
3. How quickly can Davis gel with his new weapons?
4. Is the DSU defense going to show consistency?
5. Will there be a 2010 hangover for DSU?

Prediction: DSU over ECSU 28-17