Time to find out what the Gulf South Conference has this week. There is so much unknown in the conference this year. 2012 will mark the first time we embark on a season without a clear cut favorite. For years it has been all about Delta State, North Alabama and Valdosta State.

This year Valdosta State has the deepest roster. West Alabama has the most known commodities. North Alabama has the most legendary coach. Delta State has a mix of old and new. West Georgia is considered a decent team. Now they are adding Shorter to the mix.

There isn't a whole lot to hold your breath over if you're a GSC fan in this opening weekend. Based on history there is just one match up that looks like it would have a major impact on rankings after this week with Valdosta State heading to Saginaw Valley State.

As I say that, I am realizing that I am just assuming North Alabama and Delta State take care of business against out of conference opponents like they have always done. Is it fair to assume that even in a down year UNA and DSU shouldn't lose too much sleep against opponents from the SIAC?

Based on history that the GSC will go undefeated this weekend. At worst this is probably a 5-1 weekend for these programs. Starting with the new kid in town.

THURSDAY 7:00 PM (EASTERN) SHORTER AT CAMPBELL (FCS)

While Shorter is the new kid on the block in the GSC (as a charter member), they are an established football program with winning tradition. Having seen them in person I know their capabilities. This team's option attack is deep and can wear down a defense.

Campbell on the other hand is a non scholarship Division I school. Why bother?

I will never understand why players go to non scholarship Division I programs. Let me pay you, so that I can play football, deal with lack luster facilities and wind up doing nothing in football. These programs usually aren't on the same level as Division II teams in the Southeast. That makes as much sense as buying one ply toilet paper. You could do it. But it's not worth it from any angle.

As it comes to Shorter, I'm not going to pretend to know everything about them. From what I have heard though, Phil Jones has run an elite program in the NAIA ranks. This is a team with an implemented system, players who fit the system, understand their roles and are ready to send a message.

Campbell on the other hand is in it's fifth season of football after a 50 year absence. I've seen their past schedules. This team is hardly worth waisting my eye sight on researching.

I do expect Shorter to prove it's GSC worth this week, with a resounding win. Their defense is loaded, especially on defense with Senior NAIA All American linebacker Demery Hawkins and Sophomore Dominique Henfield flocking to the ball. This is a defense that may lack the size of other GSC programs but don't over look them because of that. There are players here.

The only true concern for Shorter is the inexperience on the offensive line. They'll be replacing 4 of starters but with the option attack I imagine the transition should be smooth. This is also why they should be in better form than Campbell.

Shorter's offense is easier to get into a rhythm than most others. This team will clay away until they break skin. Whether it's playing for the home run or wearing down a defense, they can play any style.

New starting quarterback Eric Dodson is a versatile signal caller who comes from a Thomas County Central high school program known for mastering the craft of option football. The depth and diversity in the backfield with him is the biggest reason Shorter should be favored in this contest.

Slotbacks Roderick Jones, Brandon Morton and Caleb Collins are big play threats. Plus fullback TJ Telfair can wear down a defensive line. The depth of capable ball carriers makes them dangerous competition every week.

Prediction: Shorter 27 Campbell 17

SATURDAY 1:00 PM (EASTERN) FORT VALLEY STATE AT DELTA STATE

I might be most excited to see what new Head Coach Jamey Chadwell's offense looks like this week. Take his scheme and put Delta State logos and talent in and there could be something major brewing in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Delta State opens with a Fort Valley State program that by all accounts is on the upswing. FVSU improving and Delta State being unknown or possibly down, are two different universes. However, this is a region game right off the bat, which could wind up having playoff seeding ramifications down the road. Delta State will try and beat FVSU then become their biggest fan to help their strength of schedule.

SIAC defenses traditionally can't hang with GSC offenses for four quarters. This is a great opponent for Chadwell's new Quarterback Spencer Van Brundt to pick up the system and develop game-time chemistry with his new teammates.

A lot of people are sleeping on this offense but Van Brundt has the athleticism to be an elite signal caller at this level. He was a former wide receiver and cornerback in junior college. The dual-threat could be in line for a monster performance in his first game with his new team.

This is the most intriguing player in the GSC for me right now. I don't know what he can be, but I have been wondering about it too much. Like more than I have been wondering about how to get a second date with a lawyer. Seriously, I have been on three first dates with attorneys and haven't gotten a second opportunity to woo them. Can't a guy get a sugar momma?

Another intriguing development for DSU is the move of all conference running back Brant Botill to linebacker. Stature wise he will fit right in. Leading into the season with a FVSU offense that relies on just a couple of play makers should allow Botill to get used to playing with his teammates on the other side of the ball.

A dominant secondary and incredible linebacker in Xavier Triplett should limit this Fort Valley attack. The goal will be to find wide receiver Chris Slaughter often. He can stretch the field and will be a vital weapon in the red zone. With him being the only true weapon in the passing game though, DSU should be all over him. Preston Felder, Kenny Barnes, Montavious Hill and Eric Williams complete the second best secondary in the conference. This isn't anything they haven't stopped before.

FVSU running back Travis Richmond was a focal point of the offense last year for eight games. He tallied 574 yards and five touchdowns in just eight games last year. But he wasn't running against a GSC defense.

Head Coach Donald Pittman is rebuilding Fort Valley State correctly. They will get to where they want to be one day under his guidance. But not this week. Not against Delta State.

Prediction: Delta State 38 Fort Valley State 13

SATURDAY 6:00 PM (EASTERN) #8 WEST ALABAMA AT CLARK ATLANTA

Everything I said negatively about the SIAC above, copy here. The GSC can send a major message to it's fellow Super Region 2 conference with West Alabama and Delta State going toe-to-toe with a couple of SIAC teams on Saturday while North Alabama does the same on Sunday.

Will Hall will have to help his West Alabama squad manage their expectations and results. They are considered one of the favorites in the region. Being the gunned not the gunner is a new role for them.

We should see both Gary Johnston and Kyle Caldwell this weekend. UWA isn't saying one guy will be the lone signal caller but Caldwell is getting the start. He should get the majority of the snaps but Johnston can also lead a winning team if need be. This is a rare problem for Division II programs with opportunities like this; having two quality quarterbacks.

My favorite to represent this region for the Harlon Hill, Matt Willis will get his and get out this week. He'll tote the rock for a Benjamin Franklin and a score then watch his team play without him. This team can't afford him to get too banged up in the opener but also need him to get used to game speed this week. I can't imagine him getting more than 18 carries this week and any in the fourth quarter.

The hope, with a receiving core newer than a Kim Kardashian relationship, is that the West Alabama quarterbacks can develop chemistry with those wide-outs. I'm just unsure if they will be able too when they should be running out the clock.

Clark Atlanta's offense will look feeble against an incredible West Alabama defense. At every level UWA will throw something elite at their opponent. There won't be too many plays for 20 yards or more. And I wouldn't expect double digit points for Clark Atlanta, who like FVSU is coming off a 2-8 season.

Clark Atlanta lost their four leading rushers from a year ago. Their quarterback Tyree Williams ran for 20 yards last season, which was first on the team, while completing just 34 percent of his passes. Williams is in for a rude awakening when he sees Deon Lacey bringing the pressure and Otha Foster flying in coverage. He probably won't be able to do much through the air against what I believe is the GSC's premiere secondary.

Prediction: West Alabama 35 Clark Atlanta 9

SATURDAY 7:00 PM #13 VALDOSTA STATE AT #17 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE

This is one of the best opening week match ups we have seen in a long time. Valdosta State will either make a statement or disappoint. Expectations are high in South Georgia. That hasn't always worked out well in the past for this program. They're usually at their best when they fly under the radar.

When a team from the Southeast faces a team from anywhere else we always talk about the speed difference. Well that's always a given. Where does it matter most? On defense and at receiver. Those two spots are the reason VSU should be favored.

This receiving core is the deepest in the conference...maybe the region...maybe the country?

Griffin Roelle, Seantavious Jones, Gerald Ford and Quin Roberson offer everything a spread offense needs. Sure hands over the middle. Guys who can stretch the field. Big bodies for when you need to throw the ball up for grabs. All these offer something different and are hard to defend. If SVSU focuses on limiting Jones and Roberson deep, Roelle and Ford will tear up the middle of the field. Other conferences don't see depth like this.

Of course Cayden Cochran has to be able to get them the ball. He should have plenty of time to do so as the VSU offensive line might be the best overall group in the nation. Their biggest issue is keeping Saginaw Valley State linebacker Grant Casera and the multiple safeties SVSU brings on blitzes out of the backfield.

The other signal caller Jonathan Jennings is a play maker in his own right. He completed 67 percent of his passes a year ago for 2,614 yards tossing 26 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He also ran for 389 yards and seven additional touchdown. But has he ever seen a defense this big and this fast?

Everyone, including myself got caught up in Greg Reid's transfer to VSU. With him this was a ridiculous secondary. After going down for the season with a torn ACL, All American caliber cornerback Matt Pierce will look to a bevy of guys capable of being top corners. Alex Webster has the experience but Cameron Olds can also make plays. Look for Dominique Wheeler and Manny Evans to be the two who capitalize on this opportunity. This secondary is far from hurting. But it's still difficult to not wonder; what if Reid was healthy?

In the end, VSU's depth and speed should be the x-factor late in the game. Teams from these areas of the country don't usually play during the regular season. So while it's tough for me to guage, I like the GSC team on the road.

Prediction: Valdosta State 27 Saginaw Valley State 21

SATURDAY 7:00 PM (EASTERN) POINT AT WEST GEORGIA

I have said more good things about West Georgia over the last few months than I probably have in the past six years combined. I'm not going to call them a threat just yet, but they are a respectable, quality team. If they were in another Super Region 2 conference, UWG could probably make some noise. The Wolf howl will be making plenty of noise Saturday.

All I need to know about Point football is that they lost 66-34 to Edward Waters. I have never seen anything worse than Edward Waters football in my life. It goes without saying, I didn't even bother researching this program.

New West Georgia quarterback Austin Trainor will get to showcase his knowledge of this system. I'd expect the FAMU transfer to put up huge numbers as he learns about his new weapons. Since this aspect of their offense has been a missing piece of late, I'd like to see them get on the same page this week.

There are a plethora of running backs expected to handle the carries all season. It's tough to judge who their go to guy will be this week though. Against this inferior opposition, they should all run wild. In fact, the running game is so strong they could just play the hot hand going forward the entire season rather than rely on one guy.

If LSU didn't pass the 50 yard line until the second half against Alabama in the national championship then I will guess that Point wont enter the red zone until the second half. The biggest reason the Point offense will struggle, aside from sheer ineptitude, is the interior linemen for UWG. Amir Mustafaa and Juan Pickett will blow up this offensive line. Running backs can't run with people in their face and quarterbacks can't throw from their backs.

Prediction: West Georgia 38 Point 3

SUNDAY 7:00 PM (EASTERN) #20 NORTH ALABAMA AT MILES

Bobby Wallace makes his return to the North Alabama sidelines with the toughest of the GSC-SIAC match ups this weekend. Note, this game is happening on Sunday not Saturday. Like the little fire crotched child in 'Talladega Nights' said of anarchy; 'I don't even know what that means, but I love it.'

The day will belong to UNA. There aren't any other GSC games going on. For marketing reasons this is genius for opening weekend.

Like I said, Miles is the best SIAC team in action against the GSC this weekend. They went 7-5 a year ago and return major contributors. This includes running back Jordan Lewis (started career at Samford) who went for 966 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2011. Plus quarterback David Thomas enters 2012 after a campaign a season ago which saw him complete 62 percent of his passes for 2,088 yards, 489 rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns. They can play.

We don't know a lot about the UNA defense right now. Wallace could coach up a popsicle stick but as of now we don't know what he has in the cupboard. Nick Williams is out but Rod Woodson can anchor the secondary alone. Dominique Duster 's return to the squad should make an impact in this game. Whether it's him getting in the backfield or opening up holes for Tavarius Wilson, Donelli Johnson or Calib Massey to fill; Duster is a man to watch all year.

On offense, the group of running backs Chris Alexander has to hand the ball off to is diverse. Chris Coffey, Lamar Smith, Lamonte Thompson and Cedrick Wilcox can do it all. Coffey never seems to get his due. As a veteran of this conference, he is primed for a break out season. Miles would be a great team to make a statement against.

I wouldn't expect to see Alexander air it out and be asked to win this game. He will likely manage the game. But Wallace should open the playbook more and more with his new signal caller's comfortability.

Prediction: North Alabama 28 Miles 14

If you want to chat throughout the week or have any questions you can tweet me (@DustinSwedelson) or email me at [email protected].