"...It Won't Be Like This for Long."

Country music sensation Darius Rucker might as well have been singing about the cluster of underperforming South Atlantic Conference teams in 2016. Carson-Newman, Catawba, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Mars Hill have combined for 18 losses so far in the first seven weeks. These four programs combined for a total of only 16 losses all of last year.

I can't imagine Darius performing his 2010 hit "Come Back Song" during these last few weeks for these teams. Simply put, Newberry will be the lone conference member represented in the NCAA Division II Playoffs next month in my humble opinion. A decisive 34-19 platinum win over Carson-Newman, that included 10 sacks on a veer option team, was certainly "History in the Making".

Already sitting at a 4-0 league mark with its only true challenge being against Wingate at season's end, Newberry is untouchable at this point. Wingate faces three tough road games in their last four contests, and could be tripped up more than once.

Sure, teams like Wingate or Catawba may tie Coach Todd Knight for the SAC championship with only one league loss should Lenoir-Rhyne or Wingate deliver a colossal upset of Newberry. "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."

Rucker has a song for everything doesn't he?

Of course not. Let's move on.

Lenoir-Rhyne and Tusculum were both rocked like Wagon Wheels in their respective games over the weekend. Wingate overwhelmed the Bears by a tune of 49-6, while the Pioneers played out of key in their 31-7 loss to North Greenville.

Catawba rocked Mars Hill last Saturday like a southbound train for most of the ball game, while Limestone rocked Brevard like the wind and the rain.

Thanks for the material Mr. Rucker. I bet at one point in time you were a real Hoot.

Week 8 2016 SAC Football Schedule
Last Week's Prediction Record (2-3)
Overall Prediction Record (28-13)

Newberry (6-1)(4-0 SAC) at Brevard (1-6)(0-3 SAC)
Saturday, October 22nd. 1:00 PM
Brevard, NC

Newberry: 52 Brevard: 3
The Scoop: I wouldn't be surprised to see Newberry have Raleigh Yeldell make an extra push for Harlon Hill consideration. The Wolves have four pass catchers with at least three receiving touchdowns on the season. A certain win this weekend will officially put Newberry in the D2Football.com Top 25 poll, where they belonged this past week.

Wingate (6-1)(3-1 SAC) at Carson-Newman (3-4)(2-3 SAC)
Saturday, October 22nd. 1:00 PM
Jefferson City, TN

Carson-Newman: 28 Wingate: 21
The Scoop: The Eagles certainly did more than just whiff at their last chance for a run at the conference title, they struck out hard against Newberry. Always look for the Eagles to play angry the week after a loss, like an old man returning soup at a deli if you catch my meaning. Wingate's Blake Hayes and Domineke McNeill each reached over 100 rushing yards in their easy 49-6 win over Lenoir-Rhyne, picking up the slack for an injured Lawrence Pittman.

Mars Hill (2-5)(0-3 SAC) at Lenoir-Rhyne (2-5)(2-1 SAC)
Saturday, October 22nd. 2:00 PM
Hickory, NC

Mars Hill: 36 Lenoir-Rhyne: 23
The Scoop: It is true that Mars Hill has dropped four straight games, all by double digit margins. The last two games in particular were reasonably close in my opinion, leading both Newberry and Catawba at one point in those contests. The durable Nelson Brown had five carries last week for negative 10 yards, obviously a lower total than the usual 200 yards he is accustomed to producing. It's hard for me to predict that the Lions could drop five Division II games in a row. Not on my watch.

Catawba (3-4)(3-1 SAC) at UNC-Pembroke (6-1)(0-0 IND)
Saturday, October 22nd. 2:00 PM
Pembroke, NC

UNC-Pembroke: 31 Catawba: 20
The Scoop: UNC-Pembroke receiver BJ Bunn is a household name by now, at least by Sportscenter's Top 10 standards. Earlier this season, Bunn made an "immaculate reception" in the end zone against Shaw that amazed ESPN's anchor desk. Kyle Kitchens enjoyed three sacks in their 39-21 win last season over the Braves. Catawba has won two straight against UNC-Pembroke, but without the services of Mike Sheehan at quarterback, a win over one of the more upstart Division II teams is a daunting task on the road.

Limestone (5-2)(0-0 IND) at Tusculum (1-6)(1-3 SAC)
Saturday, October 22nd. 2:30 PM
Greeneville, TN

Limestone: 24 Tusculum: 17
The Scoop: Lee Corso would likely say this contest will be closer than the experts think. What are you saying Corso, I'm not an expert? Limestone's defense is strong and very interception friendly with 12 picks already in 2016. That spells bad news for Tusculum's Malcolm Pendergrass and a passing game that has yet to get off the ground. Pioneer defensive end Brandon Williams did rack up 4.5 tackles for losses last weekend in their sizeable loss to North Greenville, one of the few bright spots.