October 21st, 2021 5:00am
2021 GSC – WEEK 8 Preview
North Greenville vs West Georgia
Harrison Frost led the Wolves to a huge upset last week against #1 West Florida. West Georgia ran out to a big lead early over the Argos and held on late for 30-26 win on the road. The Wolves defense came up with a big fourth down stop on their own seven-yard line to get the ball back and run out the clock. Frost completed 27 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Nasier Currie-Sudler racked up six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against the Argos. North Greenville defeated a tough Delta State team on the road in the double over-time last week. Semaj Lakin led the Crusaders with two touchdowns on the ground, while Matthew Martin had two touchdowns through the air. Eddie Martin had a big day on the defensive side of the ball registering 13 tackles. West Georgia looks to continue playing well at home for homecoming this week. Look for the Wolves to build on an impressive win last weekend.
Prediction: West Georgia
Delta State vs West Alabama
Delta State lost a tough one to North Greenville last week in double over-time. The Statesmen ran 105 plays racking up 513 yards of offense. Freshman Cole Kirk stepped in for Patrick Shegog and had an impressive day. Kirk threw for 294 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Dante Williams led the defense with 11 tackles and a pass break up. Matthew Mantelli hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to send the game to overtime. West Alabama did not appear prepared in a 42-17 loss versus Valdosta State last week. The Tigers got out to an early 14-0 lead but saw it disappear by the end of the first quarter. Jack McDaniels threw for 156 yards, a touchdown, and an interception for the Tigers. Demetrius Battle ran for 103 yards while Tyriq Martin caught two touchdowns for West Alabama. Josh Hatcher registered nine tackles for the defense. West Alabama looks to get back on track this week at home against Delta State. The Statesmen come into Saturday looking to get their first Gulf South Conference win in 2021.
Prediction: West Alabama
Valdosta State vs Mississippi College
Valdosta State had an impressive win last week against a previously undefeated West Alabama squad on the road. Ivory Durham showed his mastery of the offense again this week throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Brian Saunds and Lio’undre Gallimore both found the endzone last week for the Blazers. The defense played big for Valdosta State, holding the usually potent West Alabama offense to 329 yards and a second half shoutout. Mississippi College was on the road last weekend as well, defeating Shorter 20-7. The Choctaws had 231 yards on the ground scoring twice, adding another score through the air in the victory. DeAnte Smith-Moore once again carried the load for Mississippi College, rushing for 142 yards. The Choctaws were 2-for-2 on fourth down conversions. Mississippi College will have its hands full as they try to stop the Gulf South Conference’s top scoring offense, while finding ways to score on the league’s leading scoring defense. The Blazers defense will have their hands full with the tough rushing attack of Mississippi College. This game has the potential to be closer than some may think. In the end, Valdosta State will be too much for Mississippi College.
Prediction: Valdosta State
Shorter vs West Florida
Shorter lost a close contest against Mississippi College last week. After scoring on their first drive, Shorter’s offense struggled to get much else going in the game. DJ Walden had 14 tackles with two tackles for loss for Shorter. The Hawks had 292 yards of offense, converting two of ten third down conversions while going 0-for-3 on fourth downs. West Florida stumbled last week, losing their first Gulf South Conference game at home against West Georgia. The Argos started slow, trailing the Wolves 17-0 in the first half. West Florida charged back into the game, taking the lead in the third quarter 23-17. The score was back and forth into the fourth quarter before the Argos turned the ball over on downs on the West Georgia seven-yard line with just over six minutes to play. West Florida was unable to get the ball back before the clock expired. Austin Reed threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns. Ka’Ron Ashley, Reed’s favorite target, hauled in 12 catches for 169 yards and three touchdowns. A loss is never good, however look for Coach Shinnick to make the most of it with his ball club. West Florida will get back on track this week, the Argos will almost certainly make amends for the loss last week.
Prediction: West Florida