Like a rectal itch you've just begun to scratch, the Great American Conference won't go away. It doesn't feel good and you know it's only there because you scratched it. But it's just there. Annoying you. When you're ready for it to be gone, it pops back up.
In case you were wondering, the Gulf South Conference continues to match up with GAC teams this week. I'm over it. They left the conference and in my mind I was done researching them. Luckily the coverage will be done soon. Because unlike a rectal itch, the GAC teams won't pop back up in November or December.
North Alabama is now the number one team in the country. I think a lot of us saw this coming. I called them the Death Star of Division II football because everyday they are getting stronger. As good as they are now, with what they have learned over the last few years, they will only get better every single week.
Delta State sits at number two overall after taking care of Ouachita Baptist last week, a game I picked them to lose. The win isn't just impressive because it was over a quality opponent, it's impressive because for the first time in forever DSU didn't let their opponent hang around. Could this be a sign of everything coming together in Cleveland, Mississippi?
I think most people agree that Valdosta State was playing above expectations most of this year. With huge region wins over Wingate and Albany State notched they were successful but did not look like a top five team. So their loss didn't come as so much of a shock last week. But they should be better than losing to Arkansas-Monticello. That just doesn't happen.
Look out for West Alabama. Something special is going on in Livingston, Alabama and people need to start taking notice. This team is coming together nicely with a big time running game and a top notch defense. Sleeper alert: The West Alabama Tigers could finish as high as second in the conference this year in my opinion.
After making some progress the last few weeks West Georgia took a bit of a step back. But this is what happens with teams that are transitioning such as they are. As long as their next two steps are forward, I still like what is happening in Carrollton, Georgia.

Thursday 8 pm EST Arkansas-Monticello at Delta State

This one has the makings of a huge letdown game for Arkansas-Monicello. The Bollweevils are coming off arguably the biggest win in program history over Valdosta State. While the emotions are high for UAM, they're still not a good football team.
Quarterback Kyle Manning went just 11 for 21 and was picked off. Luckily Damon Wicker came in to pick up the pieces but his 8 of 14, 65 yard, one touchdown passing day combined with 13 rushes for 78 yards and a touchdown scream broken plays. You can do that against a young VSU defense, but not Delta State.
UAM picked Valdosta State off four times last week. But DSU signal caller Micah Davis could throw six picks and still find a way to lead a fourth quarter game winning drive. Those four picks last week shook Valdosta State. Davis is as calm under center as it gets.
The Bollweevils were susceptible to the run last week allowing 142 yards on the ground. While playing with a lead. Whoever Bryce McBride is, ran the ball five times for 72 yards against OBU for Delta State. This match up could be just what the doctor ordered for a beleaguered Statesmen rushing attack.
What it boils down to is DSU has an answer for everything UAM can do. Davis is the top passer in the GSC in yardage, touchdowns and leads the way in total offense. Chance Dennis is the leading receiver in the conference. Whatever UAM can do, DSU does a lot better.

Prediction: DSU over UAM 42-14

Saturday 2 pm EST Valdosta State at Ouachita Baptist

This is a situation (I'm lifting my shirt showing off my flabs) where two teams are looking to prove last week was a fluke. But things are much tougher for Valdosta State than that.
The Blazers are a notoriously slow starting team when they fly to the Arkansas schools. Now they have to do it two weeks in a row.
VSU was undisciplined with 15 penalties for 177 yards last week in Monticello and on top of that just didn't execute. We will find out is last week was a complete aberration or not on Saturday. But let's be reminded of the VSU-Swede relationship over the last three seasons.
I doubt them, they succeed.
I believe in them, they fail.
We are the Ronnie and Sammie of Division II football and last week I trashed our bedroom and triple kissed a bunch of fat chicks.
Valdosta State came out of the red zone three times with three field goals. In OBU's house that can't happen. They are going to need to cross the goal line because the Tigers are a team that can go up two scores and take the clock away from you.
This OBU rushing attack of Daniel McGee and Chris Rycraw will keep VSU's offense on the sidelines for extended periods of times. Even quality offenses struggle to capitalize in these scenarios. But VSU's offense is streaky and if they aren't in rhythm, long periods on the sidelines will not treat them kindly.
For the Blazers it's make or break time. Conference play begins after this week putting them at a crossroads. Will it be an incredible run? Or an ugly spiral? This team will either come together this week or crash and burn.

Prediction: Ouachita Baptist over Valdosta State 21-20

Saturday 7 pm EST Southern Arkansas at West Alabama

The next GSC team to enter the Top 25 poll will be West Alabama. Good teams take care of weaker opponents and in order to reach that next level the Tigers will need to stay focused against Southern Arkansas.
The Muleriders have lost three straight games but this isn't the SAU of the past. Running back Mark Johnson finally has decent enough weapons for an aerial attack around him that the focus to just stop him is gone.
Johnson is averaging 100 rushing yards per game and last week reeled off 129 yards and two scores. His existence alone legitimizes this offense. The more he gets the ball the less likely Tyler Sykora gets picked off, which is something Skyora has improved upon throughout the year.
But as nice as SAU's ascend into mediocrity is, UWA is a complete team. They're averaging 29 points a game and allowing just 18. Matt Willis has become the best running back in the conference with a 6.4 yards per carry average.
As good as Willis has been, the Tiger defense is the most under appreciated unit in the GSC. Deon Lacey is the most complete defensive player leading UWA with 39 tackles and adding two sacks, two interceptions and five tackles for loss.
Look for Lacey to make an impact stopping Johnson this week and giving Sykora some pressure off the edge.

Prediction: West Alabama over Southern Arkansas 35-10

Saturday 7 pm EST North Alabama at Arkansas Tech
Since winning their opener Arkansas Tech is riding a four game skid heading into this week. You might as well mark it down as five in a row.
ATU's quarterbacks turn the ball over as many times as they score. They have hung with DSU and UWA this season but North Alabama is another animal.
The Wonderboys' saving grace on offense is wide receiver AJ Whitmore. Unfortunately for Whitmore, he will have future first round NFL pick Janoris Jenkins in his grill all night. You've heard of Revis Island...AJ Whitmore is entering Janoris' Bong. Go into it one way but leave transparent and almost non existent...up in smoke.
Look for Jenkins to utilize his NFL ability in the return game once again. He has two returns for touchdowns this year, I wouldn't be shocked if he found the end zone two more times this week.
The ATU defense won't have answer for the depth of the UNA offense. They have three wide receivers averaging 45 receiving yards a game or more, two running backs going for at least 4.4 yards a carry. But most of all Lee Chapple's touchdown to interception ratio will continue to expand as the season goes on.

Prediction: North Alabama over Arkansas Tech 35-17

Saturday 7 pm EST West Georgia at Harding

West Georgia couldn't handle a shootout with Henderson State las week. They are not built for that. Perhaps a low scoring game is more their style. Because this week, UWG will be playing for the three-run home run.
The Wolves will hope their defense can get a stop or two and then break off a big one, because when you play Harding your chances are always limited. The Bison control the possession clock like Vicky from Real Housewives of Orange County controls...well everything. Don't pretend you don't know who that is. We all watch that stuff.
Harding did their thing last week without Kale Gelles, who averages 7.5 yards per carry and 107 yards a contest. Donatella Lucket picked up the slack with 16 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns.
The Harding defense was susceptible to the run last week but on the year allows just 94 rushing yards per game. If there is a strength of this Wolf offense it's the rushing attack but West Georgia is going to need to pass and use big plays this week if they're going to win.
Unless Denarious Appling can rip off another couple returns for scores or to steal momentum it could be a long day for UWG.

Prediction: Harding over West Georgia 17-13