The most wonderful time of the year continues. No need to check the date on this blog, I am indeed talking about early September. This is the time we have all been waiting for, the beginning of this football groove. Soon we will begin taking these Saturday afternoons for granted, but for now every week is a gift and appropriately treated that way.

As we roll on into the third week of Division II football action, the identities of these programs will be revealed. Delta State fell to Northwestern (Louisiana) State by one point last week, proving that they can play up or down to any opponent once again.

West Alabama was outdone by an on the rise FCS South Alabama team. Fear not in Livingston, USA is going to be an impact FCS program very soon. UWA will be fine this year and losses like that could bring this young offense together.

North Alabama dropped a 31-10 hammer on Central Oklahoma. Showing the world that their depth is going to cause opponents issues, especially late in games.

West Georgia respectably hung with a talented Tusculum squad in their 20-10 loss. The Wolves are becoming a legitimate opponent in Division 2 football, keeping up with TC was a moral victory.

And finally, for the second year in a row, Valdosta State dramatically took care of Wingate in a battle of top 20 schools. Perhaps there's more to the Blazers this season than just hope for the future.

So last week was not a great picks week for me. After correctly picking Delta State to beat Elizabeth City (score of the game was 28-21, I predicted a 28-17 outcome). Here is how I stacked up last week:

Swede's Picks: Actual Outcomes:
DSU over NSU 20-17 NSU over DSU 24-23
UWA over USA 24-20 USA over UWA 20-10
UNA over UCO 42-17 UNA over UCO 31-10
TC over UWG 38-24 TC over UWG 20-10
WU over VSU 21-14 VSU over WU 34-28

That leaves me at a meager .500. If I wanted mediocrity I would take all of my other Arkansas buddies and form my own column...wait, that sounds familiar.

Let's hope the old adage that team's make their biggest improvements from game one to game two holds true for bloggers.

Thursday 7:00 pm Newberry at Valdosta State

Teams sometimes take on the identity of their quarterback. For Valdosta State, that is what they did to grab an incredible overtime win from Wingate a week ago. The quarterback who led the charge was Austen Roberts.

The senior has watched as transfer quarterback or youngster of the future has come in to lead the Blazers since 2007. After playing witness to superstar athletes, Division I stars, junior college leaders and freshmen brought in to lead for four years, Roberts has waited it out. The Lake Butler, Florida native may not have the arm strength, 40 time or size of the ones before him but that doesn't matter. He is a gritty, gutsy quarterback who has held the clipboard and worn a head set for four years, he knows this system. His style is reflected in his team's attitude when he is on the field.

This week, Roberts will try and make it two in a row as VSU continues a quality D II series with Newberry. The Wolves are coming off of a 46-17 loss to North Greenville in their opening weekend. This seems to be a transitional year for Todd Knight's team, which has lost some serious NFL-caliber talent to graduation the last two years.

With NC quarterback Bryan Ehrlich coming off a four interception performance and the strength of the Blazer defense in the secondary; I smell a 2-0 start for VSU. Alex Webster, Matt Pierce and Harrison Dreiling are the core of an opportunistic secondary who could be in store for a big night at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Prediction: Valdosta State over Newberry 35-14

Saturday 6:00 pm Delta State at Fort Valley State

It's rare to find me positively speaking about a SIAC football program, but Fort Valley State is one of the few I can say is a team heading in the right direction. Consider FVSU the West Georgia of the SIAC, young, hungry, with a newly hired head coach (Donald Pittman) who knows how to get the job done the right way.

Coming off a one touchdown loss to FCS Florida A & M last week and with a stud quarterback like Antonio Henton leading the charge, the Wildcats are riding high as they welcome Delta State to town The former Ohio State and Georgia Southern quarterback threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in the FVSU loss. But can he replicate that success against a Statesmen defense entering it's third game of the year?

DSU continued it's bend don't break, play up or down to our opponent approach and they just fell short last week. What we have learned from the defending national runner up is that they will make every game close and interesting no matter who they play.

Averaging 150 rushing yards and 280 passing yards a game makes DSU one of the most potent teams FVSU will see all year. The key for the Statesmen will be limiting their mistakes. They can make the big play with the best of them. But for as much as Micah Davis is a stud, he can also shoot himself in the foot.

Expect Brandon Lucas to tote the ball for DSU 15-20 times. His big play ability will be on display against a FVSU defense that lost a lot to graduation. He will be tough for them to catch and will also set Davis up to take advantage of one on one situation with his dynamic receivers.

Prediction: DSU over FVSU 33-13

Saturday 7:00 pm Glenville State at North Alabama

Division II's Death Star continues it's march for a national title with their second ever match up with Glenville State. As the season goes on UNA will continue to gain power. With a huge game looming next week against Abilene Christian, the Pioneers could benefit from the Lions looking ahead.

However with what is at stake for UNA in 2011, expect them to be focused. This match up with GSC is another tune up for a Lions squad that looked decent in last week's win over Central Oklahoma.

If Carson-Newman held the Pioneers to 266 yards of total offense it's not crazy to envision UNA holding them to under 200. I'd even venture to say the Lion defense will outscore the GSC offense this week.

After shaking off some rust, Lee Chapple rebounded from a multi interception first half to go 10 of 15 in the second half. He threw for a school record 447 yards against GSC a year ago, making this week's match up a perfect tune-up for the ACU contest.

Antwan Ivey won't have to run for another 140 yards and three touchdowns this week. In fact Terry Bowden may try and save him from getting beat up and limit his touches, allowing Wes Holland and Chris Coffey to get going.

Prediction: UNA over GSC 34-3

Saturday 7:00 pm Tarleton State at West Alabama

The West Alabama Tigers sure didn't help themselves with this year's schedule. Last week they opened with an up and coming South Alabama squad and this week they take on a Tarleton State team that took #2 Abilene Christian to the brink.

TSU didn't play perfect football last week, which is a good sign for Will Hall to get his first head coaching win. UWA will need to play near perfect football to defeat the Texans, specifically on the offensive side. The Tiger defense should keep the offense in the game, but the offense is going to need to step their game up.

Gary Johnston led the rushing charge against USA last week, this can't happen if UWA is going to be successful. T-Ray Mitchell and Don Smith should be rushing the ball 22 times, not Johnston. The quarterback on the move means more chances for him to get hit, get tired or get hurt. Mitchell and Smith are a diverse duo who can handle the load, they're the key to success.

Most of the rushes most likely came from broken plays, quarterback hurries or Johnston feeling unfamiliar with the play and taking off. Hopefully this week Johnston feels more comfortable because he is going to need to against a TSU defense that had two interceptions in their opener. Keeping the ball away from Dashaun Phillips who made both of those picks will be vital.

Prediction: TSU over UWA 21-20