Truly sorry for lack of column last week. As any SID/broadcaster will tell you and some of you know, the first week or so of the new year is a mess. Even without a football game to work, I still was crushed with things going on last week. I also had some personal responsibilities to attend to and just didn't get the column finished. Back in the saddle though and ready for the season.

Here we go!

Games in order of time

Florida Tech (1-0) at NewberryPrediction: Newberry 31, Florida Tech 13
(0-1) at WingatePrediction: None (Calling game)

Elizabeth City St. (0-1) at TusculumPrediction : Tusculum 42, ECSU 38

Carson-Newman (1-0) at Colorado MinesPrediction : Carson-Newman 41, Colorado Mines 21

Brevard (0-1) at College of FaithPrediction : Brevard 56, College of Faith 3

Catawba (1-0) at Livingstone (0-1)
6 p.m. - Salisbury, N.C.

Catawba opened up the Curtis Walker and Danny O'Brien era by squeaking out a 10-9 win over West Liberty. Catawba failed to put up any points in the second half at home but found a way to win and thats all that matters. For now. They get crosstown "rival" Livingstone on Saturday. I say rival lightly because CATU leads the all-time series 13-0.

The Indians had an interesting stat sheet to score just once. They ran the wall pretty well with three backs and O'Brien had a solid first start. Wideout Nate Charest caught 9 for 111 but no other wide receiver had more than two catches. Will see if they can get more guys involved this week in what should be another win. I also look to see if Coach Walker will settle on a feature tailback or continue to work three in each game. They only averaged 5.6 yards per catch, a number that must go up to mix in some big play opportunities. Catawba's defense won the game for them on Saturday with their efforts in the redzone. The Hilltoppers made three trips inside the 20 and had to settle for field goals all three times, costing them a win. Catawba becomes fourth SAC team to 2-0 and sets up fun matchup with Newberry next week.

Prediction: Catawba 31, Livingstone 7

Lenoir-Rhyne (0-1) at DavidsonPrediction: Lenoir-Rhyne 27, Davidson 7