The Gulf South Conference came out last week and swept the members of the Great American Conference 5-0. It was like old times, taking me all the way back to 2010, when the GSC once had members from the state of Arkansas. Like old times the non-GAC schools dominated as a whole, perhaps leaving the GAC leaders to question the move...or justify the move.

West Alabama tamed an Arkansas Tech offense that had been averaging 38.6 points per game, holding The Wonderboys to 12 points. West Georgia, did what good teams do and found a way to win despite losing the stat sheet. Valdosta State moved past Southern Arkansas thanks to a great fourth quarter, while Delta State gave their fans another close late game. And North Alabama made just enough adjustments to take care of Harding.

If you're not first, you're last GAC. Last week was a dominant performance for the GSC five, but will this week be the same? I have never rooted harder for these five teams to be successful than with this group of teams on the schedule.

I still find it cowardly how they left this conference in such a quick manner, leaving overnight and the remaining schools to scramble. Now with New Orleans University putting together an impressive 16-member football development committee this past week and other schools joining the conference, things are better than ever. But when the schools conspired to leave because they would never win and couldn't hang financially, it was a shady move.

Every game against the GAC is revenge, to remind them of what they left behind. The Great American Conference should feel the wrath of the GSC every time they face off. Which by the way, I am failing to see what is so great about the GAC. Just because you call yourself great doesn't make you great. It's all about winning. Duh.

With that said, this week poses some intriguing match ups if you are one of the sister-loving followers of those Arkansas schools.

Last week's sweep was nice. But two in a row would be a statement, especially with the close match ups this week..

Saturday 2 pm Henderson State at West Georgia

The GSC's number one ranked scoring defense hails from Carrollton, Georgia. Yes that statement is correct. The Wolves have cranked it up defensively so much that last week they were able to dominate Arkansas-Monticello despite just 125 yards of total offense.

Of course that is a lot easier when Denarius Appling has a record setting performance in the return game. The Griffin, Ga. native used punt return touchdowns of 87 and 83 yards to seal the win for UWG, who will need to be a little sharper on offense this week.

Henderson State gave Delta State a scare a week ago, falling 34-31. Quarterback Kevin Rodgers threw for 292 yards but was picked off three times. He targets Robert Jordan as much as possible, as Jordan caught ten passes for 121 yards against DSU. If West Georgia can slow down Jordan, like they did to DJ Stephens last week, this is a win for the Wolves.

There should be plenty of opportunities for interceptions with Rodgers throwing the ball. In the two games he has played, he is averaging 36.5 pass attempts a contest and has already been intercepted three times. Look for Jenoris Darby, Darien Lane and the rest of the Wolf secondary to have chances for turnovers.

The Wolf offense is going to need to do more. They failed to reach the red zone all game and Emmanuel Taylor threw for just 90 yards. He's capable of more...a lot more and will have a chance against an HSU defense that just doesn't jump out on paper.

Chuck Obi has their only two interceptions of the year and Robbie Aldridge leads their pass rush with 2.5 sacks through four games. The Reddies neither get to the quarterback nor force turnovers. A terrible combination on that side of the ball. They give up 230 passing yards and 169 rushing yards per game. So expect West Georgia to have a balanced approach on offense and keep HSU on their heels.

If Taylor can break just one big play or two, either through the air or with his feet, I like West Georgia this week. But if this offense sputters again, they will have missed a huge opportunity.

Prediction: HSU over UWG 20-17

Saturday 7 pm Ouachita Baptist at Delta State

This is becoming one of the best series in Division II football. Granted, thats because Ouachita Baptist has finally begun pulling it's own weight in the match up the last few seasons. But the games have been epic and this week should be no different.

I have been saying it going back to last season, Delta State is playing with fire. They keep squeaking by with wins more dramatic than a relationship with Snooki. Jionni definitely should have known what he was getting into. That poor girl needs to let Swede get a shot. Let me get that screen name!

But I digress, OBU got the better of DSU in 2009 and played them close last year. They are averaging 36 points per game so far in 2011, which is right up the Statesman's alley. We should have a game that gets into the 80's (combined).

The Tiger attack is as balanced as you're going to get. They run for 239 yards a game and pass for 231 yards. Most of that offense comes from quarterback Casey Cooper who has been brilliant this season.

Cooper is a dual threat quarterback who is throwing for 231 yards a week, rushing for 112 per game and has seven total touchdowns in 2011. The reason he can do so much isn't solely because of his talent, he has a slew of weapons that get the job done.

The OBU running back duo of Daniel McGee and Chris Rycraw are averaging 3.7 and 3.8 yards per carry respectively. They also get red zone touches and seem to capitalize on the goal line. If they get a lead, the Tigers are capable of controlling the clock and running it down.

Delta State is first in the GSC in total defense, allowing 293 yards a game but the offense hasn't looked in rhythm enough for me to believe they can keep this defense off of the field.

Micah Davis has his work cut out for him against a great pass rush. Both Dennis Stratton and Antwion Patterson have three sacks a piece so far this year. He will be under pressure from the get-go. Meaning running back Brandon Lucas will be busy catching balls out of the backfield and rushing on draws to catch OBU in over pursuit.

Whichever defense can give their offense one more chance will walk away with a win.

Prediction: OBU over DSU 38-35

Saturday 7 pm North Alabama at Southern Arkansas

Get them a body bag this week as North Alabama will go Cobra Kai on a weaker opponent. Don't expect a crane kick to the head from Southern Arkansas though. The bigger, faster, stronger, better team will cruise to a victory in Magnolia, Ark. and go home with everyone's 1980's dream woman Elisabeth Shue. She's one of the most underrated women of all time.

SAU has a suicidal combination on both sides of the football. They can't stop the run, allowing 250 ground yards a game and turn the ball over, having thrown eight interceptions through four games.

North Alabama has a dominant rushing attack with Antwan Ivey announcing his presence with authority every time he touches the football. On defense, they trot a legitimate Division I secondary out there, including Janoris Jenkins who has been as dominant as expected so far.

It's not just your boy D-Swede taking notice either. ESPN's Todd Mcshay also still believes in Jenkins. The draft expert recently showed his 2012 rankings as of now and still had Jenkins rated as the top defensive back for next year's draft.

Poor Tyler Sykora, showed development at quarterback for the Muleriders last week. He has a lot of upside but is still very raw. He is at his best on broken plays. Against UNA, he won't get to the point of making a decision for a broken play to happen. This is the fastest defense he has ever seen.

The Lion offense has begun to find it's balance. The passing game came through last week against Harding with Lee Chapple completing 21 of 31 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns to just one interception. Now this team has proven they can win with both aspects of their attack.

They are the death star of Division II...they're only getting stronger.

Cue Terry Bowden with an evil laugh...here.

Prediction: UNA over SAU 45-3

Saturday 7 pm Valdosta State at Arkansas-Monticello

Valdosta State is a top five team in Division II. I look at their roster and coaching staff and wonder how this was possible.

It's not a knock on them, it's more of a testament. To David Dean, who people actually questioned as a head coach prior to last year. I think Dean has more than proven he knows what he is doing. But after losing his assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, national defensive player of the year linebacker and team leader at defensive tackle in one off season; Dean has the Blazers as a top five team. It is remarkable.

Even more remarkable is that they have done it without and elite quarterback. Austen Roberts is a great leader, a gutsy play maker but he isn't going to put up the flashy numbers we are accustomed to seeing from VSU signal callers. But what is forgotten is, Roberts is a winner.

He has won while leader of the flamed red and black and it has rubbed off on his team and this week, he has a chance to continue this team' ascend as they travel to face a Arkansas-Monticello team that mustered just five points against West Georgia last week.

The key, like it was for UWG, is to stop wide receiver DJ Stephens. Stop him and the Blazers win. The VSU secondary should be able to do that between Alex Webster, Matt Pierce and Harrison Dreiling, who will all if not two of the three, garner all conference honors at the end of the season.

David Bailey and Theseus Jackson will lead the offensive charge on the ground for the GSC's second ranked rushing attack. But if you are going to watch one guy on this offense right now, it's wide receiver Quin Roberson.

Whether Roberson is running the wildcat, making catchers or returning kicks, he is quickly reminding people of a player from his hometown; three time All American Sherard Reynolds. Expect Roberson to take one to the house.

Prediction: VSU over UAM 33-13

Saturday 7 pm Harding at West Alabama

It seems like West Alabama has had some of the toughest tests of 2011. This week, chalk up another big match up, with a Harding squad that dominates the time of possession as good as anyone in the nation.

HU took North Alabama to the brink last week. The Bisons had the ball for 36:57 in comparison to UNA's 23:03. If Harding gets a lead you can kiss it good bye.

Without Kale Gelles doing much last week, Harding almost took down UNA. The sleeping beast won't be quieted two weeks in a row. He is a bruising back that is hard to take down on first contact. UWA will need the leadership of their veteran defense this week.

To stop this option attack, it is the second levels of the defense that make or break your outcome. For the Tigers, the intelligence of Shontral Ford, Gabe Poe and Deon Lacey will be crucial for them to keep their offense in the game. These three are three of the best at their positions in Super Region 2. HU's offense can operate like a hot knife through butter, can Ford, Poe and Lacey cool it off this week?

If Harding is going to play the clock game, UWA is has the personnel to do the same. Matthew Willis is coming off a 25 carry 135 yard one touchdown performance. But don't forget about T-Ray Mitchell and Don Smith who can both carry a similar load if need be.

This will be a tight, low scoring, old fashioned, smash mouth football game. UWA needs to establish their run and control of the clock first. Most of all, they need to punch the ball in when they enter the red zone. If they fail to capitalize it will be a while before they have the ball again.

Prediction: HU over UWA 17-14