This is my third effort to write my column after losing the first two drafts. The first one had four out of five games and the second column with two games done. So this is going to be a weak effort at number three. Gotta do better. Lesson: work harder earlier in the week and always back up your work!!

Should be an interesting week of football. Despite the great record combined by SAC teams, I think there are still many question marks heading into this week. This week will separate some teams and we will learn a lot about everyone except maybe the Lions on the road at a D1. Biggest threat for week 3? Weather, storms, rain. The forecast looks bad for night games. Could be a massive factor.

Brevard (1-1) at #11 Carson-Newman (2-0)
1 p.m. - Jefferson City, Tenn.

This game seems like there isn't much into it, given the Eagles are in the top 15 and BC was picked to finish last in the SAC. But their are plenty of things to watch in Saturday's game. For the Tornados, we get a read on where they are in the conference. I don't think anyone outside of Tornado nation expects BC to make a run but they showed signs of improvement against PC. The yardage, score and progression will tell us very much about the Tornados. The Eagles have a chance to get out in front early and continue to develop many of their skill players they will rely on late in the year. Any win is a good win but the Eagles will look to continue to stay sharp early in the season.

Prediction : Carson-Newman 45, Brevard 14

Mars Hill (1-1) at Western Carolina (0-3)
3:30 p.m. - Cullowhee, N.C.

Western is already three losses in the hole in 2013 and desperate for a win during family weekend. The three man combo of Miller, Davis, and Holmes were outstanding against Shorter and will cause the Catamounts problems. I know the Lions got hammered last year and will fall again this year but they will hang around for a while. Tusculum shocked WCU back in 2010 with a prolific offensive output and I just have a feeling Mars Hill will put a light scare in WCU. The important part will be to get out injury free with a trip to Newberry coming up next week.

Prediction : Western Carolina 38, Mars Hill 21


Newberry (2-0) at Catawba (2-0)
7 p.m. - Salisbury, N.C.

Newberry or Catawba will join two other SAC teams in first place after week one of conference play. The Wolves squeaked by in their first two wins of the year to get to 2-0. Catawba did the same with their opener but handled a bad Livingstone squad. The Wolves have clearly been more tested and should prepare them better for the crucial early season matchup. Newberry will have to cut out the penalties. The quarterback position could be the difference. If Danny O'Brien gained enough confidence last week to continue to open up the passing game, the Newberry secondary could be in trouble. If the weather is poor, then we will see how well these two teams can run the ball. The Wolves may have to depend more on it considering NC quarterback WT Murden is off to a 1 TD, 4 INT start and hasn't been reliable enough to win the game on just his arm. I have been leaning towards the Wolves all week but it wouldn't surprise me at all to see O'Brien move CC to 3-0. Not this time though. Wolves escape for third week in a row.

Prediction: Newberry 31, Catawba 27

Wingate (1-0) at Lenoir-Rhyne (1-1)
7 p.m. - Hickory, N.C.

Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne meet in Hickory Saturday night, where like everywhere else, there is an 80% chance for rain. The Bulldogs and Bears had two barn-burners in 2009 and 2010 but the last two years have turned into runaways for LR in the second half after just leading by four at half in both games. This is as big of a contrast in styles as two teams in the SAC. Wingate wants to go airborne while the Bears have the running attack. The weather could play a factor as mentioned. Rain could cause WU QB Robbie Nallenweg problems but a wet pigskin could trouble LR QB Miles Freeman who is part of an offense that has coughed it up 9 time this year. Both defenses have played well so far and will make the difference Saturday. Whoever limits the big plays and causes turnovers wins the game. Also, can Wingate establish a running game and can Freeman connect on a few big pass plays. Again, keep an eye on the weather. Could get sloppy out there.

Prediction : None (calling game)

Tusculum (2-0) at North Greenville (2-0)
7 p.m. - Tigerville, S.C.

This should be a great game. Reality check for both teams early in the season. NGU has quietly put together a good start while Tusculum had a great offensive showing against Elizabeth City and the defense showed some first half progress. The Pioneers continued to work on the running game and had success. Don't think Cordell gets off to the start he has without being able to depend on Issac Robinson and that offensive line. 113 yards from a feature back make Cordell and TC very dangerous. Still will get into games that they must outscore an opponent but balance like that will help them get it done. Speaking of Cordell, he heads back to the place of his foot injury in 2011 with unfinished business on his mind. The Crusaders have turned it over just twice in their first two games, which includes a win over VMI. North Greenville is very balanced and must sustain long drives to keep the TC offense off the field. The Crusaders also haven't given up a sack through two games meaning the Pioneer front four needs to really rattle Hughes early and let their offense jump out to an early lead. I don't think this is a NGU team built to play from behind. Almost all of their scoring drives have been 7 plays or more. Weather could also effect how this one plays out. Think this will be a great game and think the Pioneers get the job done late and steal one from NGU.

Predicition: Tusculum 28, North Greenville 27