SAC Week 10 Preview

November 6th, 2026 5:30am

Week ten has arrived in the SAC, and it truly has flown by this year. It seems like only yesterday we were watching the week zero openers! There is still plenty to be decided, from the race for the league's automatic playoff bid to the teams jockeying for position in the postseason picture. Every week seems to bring another twist in what has been an unpredictable SAC season, and this weekend's slate features several matchups that could have significant implications down the stretch. With November football comes November stakes, and there isn't much time left for teams to make their move.

The big game of the weekend centers around Homecoming in Mossy Creek and Saturday's matchup between Carson-Newman and Newberry could make it one to remember. These two ball clubs have had some incredible games over the years, including last year’s thriller that ended with Newberry picking off Teddy Gleaton in the endzone to secure the comeback win. The Eagles have an opportunity to clinch their first South Atlantic Conference championship since 2009 and the 22nd conference title in program history with a win, adding another chapter to a weekend already filled with nostalgia. A pair of C-N legends and Hall of Fame inductees Alex Good and Buck Wakefield will handle the pregame coin toss, bringing a little extra history to a game with plenty of it on the line. Standing in the way, however, is a Newberry program that has quietly become the big dog in the SAC. The Wolves have been one of the conference's most consistent championship contenders, and a win Saturday would put them in position to claim their fourth SAC title since 2021, needing either a win next week or a Carson-Newman loss to finish the job. For all the attention surrounding Homecoming in Jefferson City, Newberry has every intention of making sure the celebration is put on ice.

SAC Players of the Week:

Offense: Shermon Davis (Lenoir-Rhyne) - rushed for 208 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries. Two scores were 61 and 72 yards.

Defense: Brady Weatherly (Carson-Newman) - six tackles, including five solo stops, two tackles for loss and two sacks for a combined loss of 14 yards. also forced two fumbles

Special Teams: Bennett Smith (Carson-Newman) – 2/2 field goals, 5/5 on PAT’s. Hit a 47-yard field goal, now 6/6 from 40+ this season.

👀 Three Things I'm Watching

...Can the defending champs keep their title hopes alive for another week?

...Can Mars Hill rebound or are the Lions done for?

...Can Wingate keep their playoff hopes alive and find a way in?

📈 SAC Standings

*- eliminated from SAC Championship contention

📊 NPI Watch

📝 Picks

Last Week: 4-1

Season: 34-20

🏆 SAC Game of the Week

Newberry Wolves at Carson-Newman Eagles

Location & Time: Jefferson City, TN / 3:00 PM

Series: Carson-Newman leads the all-time series, 34-25. (Wolves won the last meeting, 28-21, in 2025).

Newberry survived a late Tusculum rally to earn a 26-20 Homecoming victory, extending its winning streak to four games and keeping itself firmly in the SAC championship conversation. The Wolves built a 23-6 advantage entering the fourth quarter, largely thanks to a defense that created two turnovers and scored on a fumble recovery touchdown by Cortez Thomas. Quarterback Mason Kidd connected with Will Young V for a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter, while Jake Spadavecchia added two field goals, including the decisive 40-yarder with three minutes remaining. Newberry's defense also came up with a critical interception by Elijah Vereen and forced Tusculum into difficult situations throughout the afternoon. The Wolves couldn't completely put the game away, allowing 14 fourth-quarter points, but their ability to produce points off turnovers and get the necessary late field goal proved to be the difference. Moving forward, Newberry improved to 5-2 in conference play and remained within striking distance of Carson-Newman in the SAC race, with its defense continuing to be a major factor in its late-season push.

The Eagles put together one of their most dominant performances of the season, rolling past Catawba with a ground game that was nearly impossible to contain. Carson-Newman piled up 368 rushing yards on 49 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt, while scoring five rushing touchdowns and never attempting a pass. Trey Gunnings led the way with 138 yards and a 71-yard touchdown run, while Malaki Dowell added a 45-yard scoring run on his only carry; Don Bradley, Shooby Coleman and John Celestin also found the end zone. Defensively, C-N held the Indians to just 202 total yards, including 59 rushing yards, and recorded seven sacks while forcing three fumbles and intercepting a pass. SAC Defensive Player of the Week Brady Weatherly was all over the place, delivering multiple big time plays. At 8-1 overall and 6-1 in SAC play, the Eagles continued to strengthen their postseason position, and their ability to control games with the ground attack makes them a difficult matchup for anyone down the stretch.

Projected Score: Carson-Newman 26, Newberry 19.

My Pick: CARSON-NEWMAN

This is going to be an absolutely amazing game, but I’m rolling with the Eagles due to how this team has played after halftime of the Lenoir-Rhyne game. They’ve been a different squad and it feels different. And contrary to my Inside D2Football colleagues, I think all the pressure is on Newberry. A third loss has a good chance of keeping them out of the postseason entirely, which would be good news for everybody else because I wouldn't want to face a team with their expierence and knowledge of how to win by any means.The first key for Carson-Newman will be continuing to protect the football and capitalize on scoring opportunities against a Newberry defense that has allowed 21.3 points per game in SAC play. The Eagles have been productive offensively, scoring 278 points through nine games, and will need to maintain that efficiency against a Wolves team that has won four straight games. On the other side, Newberry will need to find a way to move the ball consistently against a Carson-Newman defense that has allowed just 125 points all season, an average of 13.9 per game. The Wolves have scored 265 points, so their ability to turn offensive possessions into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals could be critical. Finally, the battle for field position and momentum could determine the outcome. Carson-Newman enters the matchup at 8-1 overall and 6-1 in SAC play, while Newberry sits at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the conference. With both teams riding four-game winning streaks, limiting costly mistakes and making the most of red-zone opportunities could be the difference in a game with major conference-title implications.

Emory & Henry Wasps at Wingate Bulldogs

Location & Time: Wingate, NC / 1:30 PM

Series: Wingate leads the all-time series, 2-1. (Bulldogs won the last meeting, 27-20, in 2025).

The Wasps had an opportunity to pull off a major conference win but couldn't overcome a sluggish first half and a costly defensive breakdown in the third quarter. Dallas Chavis carried the offense with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Trent Dowdell added a one-yard scoring run and Asher Frisbee connected on field goals of 45 and 35 yards. Emory & Henry actually outperformed Lenoir-Rhyne on third down, converting five of 15 attempts compared to just one of eight for the Bears, but managed only 175 total yards and 67 passing yards. The scoop-and-score touchdown was especially damaging, as the Wasps were forced to chase the game despite getting within one point early in the fourth quarter. At 3-6 overall and 2-5 in SAC play, Emory & Henry has shown it can compete in conference games but missed opportunities and an offense that struggled to generate explosive plays remain issues heading into the final stretch.

The Bulldogs delivered a strong response after falling behind early, dominating the final three quarters to earn a 35-14 victory and extend their winning streak to three games. Ethan Wallace was the centerpiece of the offense, rushing for 146 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries, including a 31-yard score that tied the game in the second quarter. Brooks Brien added 254 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception, connecting with Xavier Jackson for a 70-yard score; Jackson finished with five catches for 170 yards. Wingate piled up 488 total yards, averaged 6.9 yards per play and held Anderson to just eight first downs, with the defense also recording two interceptions and three sacks. Now 5-4 overall and 4-3 in SAC play, the Bulldogs have put themselves back in the conference and postseason conversation, and the combination of Wallace's ground production and Brien's ability to make explosive plays gives them a dangerous offensive balance heading into the final stretch.

Projected Score: Wingate 30, Emory & Henry 17.

My Pick: WINGATE

Whether it’s too little too late we may find out later, but Coach Jordan and the ‘Dogs are kicking up dirt and making some noise down the stretch. I like them to keep it going this week against the Wasps. The first key for Wingate will be taking advantage of Emory & Henry’s struggles against the run. The Bulldogs average 162.9 rushing yards per game, while the Wasps allow 178.7, giving Wingate an opportunity to establish its ground game and control the tempo. On the other side, Emory & Henry will have to find a way to move the football against one of the SAC’s toughest defenses. The Wasps average 323.8 total yards per game, but Wingate allows just 251.9, including a conference-best 91.1 rushing yards per contest. That means Emory & Henry may have to rely on its passing game to create opportunities and avoid getting stuck in predictable situations. Finally, turnovers could be a major factor. Wingate has thrown 13 interceptions this season, compared to just five for Emory & Henry, while the Bulldogs have also recorded 11 interceptions defensively. If the Wasps can protect the football and take advantage of any mistakes, they could make things difficult for a Wingate team that has been playing much better in recent weeks.

Tusculum Pioneers at Lenoir-Rhyne Bears

Location & Time: Hickory, NC / 2:00 PM

Series: Lenoir-Rhyne leads the all-time series, 18-11. (Bears won the last meeting, 28-7, in 2025).

Tusculum made a fourth-quarter push but couldn't overcome a costly third-quarter stretch, falling 26-20 on the road at Newberry. The Pioneers actually outgained the Wolves 359-284 and controlled possession for 34:10, but a pair of turnovers, including a third-quarter fumble returned for a touchdown, proved too much to overcome. Cam Ferguson was the offensive standout, rushing for 79 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Tedros Gleaton added 163 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. Javon Richardson led the receiving corps with six catches for 75 yards, and Javon McMahan added a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that brought Tusculum within three points. The Pioneers had an opportunity to take the lead late, but Newberry's defense forced a stop before the Wolves added a 40-yard field goal with three minutes remaining. Moving forward, Tusculum fell to 3-4 in SAC play and needed to find a way to eliminate costly mistakes, particularly turnovers and missed opportunities on third and fourth down, with its remaining schedule becoming increasingly important to finish above .500.

The Bears escaped Emory, Virginia, with a one-point victory thanks to another spectacular performance from running back Shermon Davis and a game-changing defensive play from Xavier Gunn. Davis ran for 208 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries, breaking loose for scoring runs of 61 and 72 yards as Lenoir-Rhyne built a 14-3 halftime lead. The Bears' offense finished with 339 total yards, including 224 on the ground, but four interceptions and 13 penalties for 110 yards nearly cost them the game. Gunn provided the decisive play in the third quarter, returning a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown, which proved to be the difference after Emory & Henry pulled within one on a fourth-quarter field goal. At 4-5 overall and 3-4 in SAC play, the Bears needed this one to keep their season moving in the right direction, and Davis’s ability to take over a game gives them something to build around.

Projected Score: Lenoir-Rhyne 32, Tusculum 15.

My Pick: LENOIR-RHYNE

LR has won five straight in this matchup, and I think they’ll make it six between the bricks on Saturday afternoon. The first key for Lenoir-Rhyne will be slowing down Tusculum’s rushing attack. The Pioneers average 201.8 yards per game on the ground, one of the best marks in the SAC, while the Bears allow 148.8 rushing yards per contest. If Tusculum can establish the run, it could control the clock and keep Lenoir-Rhyne’s offense on the sideline. On the other side, the Bears have an opportunity to take advantage of a Tusculum defense that has struggled to consistently get stops. Lenoir-Rhyne averages 383.8 total yards per game, compared to 318.6 for the Pioneers, and has a more balanced attack with 168.4 rushing yards and 215.3 passing yards per game. Finally, Tusculum will need to find a way to make Lenoir-Rhyne uncomfortable through the air. The Bears average 215.3 passing yards per game, while the Pioneers allow 211.2. If Tusculum can generate pressure, force a turnover or two, and prevent Lenoir-Rhyne from getting into an offensive rhythm, it could make this a much closer game than the overall offensive numbers suggest.

Catawba Indians at UVA Wise Cavaliers

Location & Time: Wise, VA / 3:00 PM

Series: UVA Wise leads the all-time series, 3-1. (Indians won the last meeting, 44-34, in 2025).

It was a frustrating Homecoming afternoon for the Indians, who struggled to find any rhythm against Carson-Newman's option attack and physical defense. Catawba managed just 202 total yards, including 59 on the ground, and converted only two of 13 third-down opportunities while allowing seven sacks. Quarterback Mason Fortune completed 15 of 23 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with Tracy Harrington providing the lone scoring highlight on a 70-yard touchdown reception. The Indians also lost a fumble and had a 46-yard field-goal attempt blocked as the Eagles built a 24-0 halftime advantage. At 4-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play, Catawba needs a strong finish to regain momentum, particularly on an offense that has to find more balance and do a better job protecting the quarterback.

UVA Wise delivered another big upset of the season, overcoming a 16-0 deficit to rally for a 21-16 victory over Mars Hill on Homecoming. The Cavaliers were held scoreless in the first half but completely flipped the game after halftime, scoring seven points in the third quarter before adding two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete the comeback. McCalan Beason led the way, completing 21-of-36 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, finding Evan Kennedy, Chase McConnell and Jeremiah Augustin for scores. Kennedy added 59 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Thomas McCoy led the receiving group with seven catches for 76 yards and Augustin contributed five receptions for 65 yards. Defensively, UVA Wise limited Mars Hill to 170 rushing yards and 319 total yards, with Davion Jackson recording seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble, while Nehemiah Jones added an interception. Moving forward, the Cavaliers improved to 2-5 in SAC play and demonstrated the ability to compete with a winning conference opponent, providing some much-needed momentum heading into the final weeks of the season.

Projected Score: Catawba 33, UVA Wise 24.

My Pick: UVA WISE

May end up on the wrong end here, but Coach Bass’ ball club has proven they can beat anyone in the conference, with arguably the two best wins. The first key for Catawba will be taking advantage of UVA Wise’s struggles against the run. The Cavaliers are allowing 208.6 rushing yards per game, while Catawba averages 122 yards on the ground. The Indians don’t necessarily need a huge rushing performance, but establishing the run could help control the tempo and keep the UVA Wise offense off the field. On the other side, Catawba’s defense will need to make McCalan Beason and the Cavaliers one-dimensional. UVA Wise averages 221.4 passing yards per game, but Catawba has been much stronger against the pass, allowing just 176 yards per game. If the Indians can limit Beason’s production through the air, they can force UVA Wise to rely on a rushing attack that averages just 101 yards per game. Finally, turnovers could play a major role in this matchup. UVA Wise has lost nine fumbles and thrown nine interceptions this season, giving the Cavaliers 18 turnovers in nine games. Catawba will need to take advantage of those opportunities, protect the football itself and avoid giving UVA Wise extra possessions in what could be a competitive game. I like the Cavaliers offense to put up more points than the Indians and carry momentum into the finale.

Mars Hill Lions at Anderson Trojans

Location & Time: Anderson, SC / 4:00 PM

Series: Mars Hill leads the all-time series, 2-0. (Lions won the last meeting, 21-14, in 2025).

Oh boy. After a 5-0 start to the season, it’s been tough sledding for Coach Burnette’s crew after the win against Carson-Newman. Mars Hill let a 16-point halftime lead slip away in a frustrating 21-16 road loss, surrendering 21 unanswered points over the final two quarters. The Lions appeared to be in control after scoring twice in the second quarter, including a 12-yard touchdown pass from Lukas Kachilo to Ryder Bush-Ivanko and a one-yard scoring run by Kachilo. Rayvon Durant was the workhorse offensively, carrying 27 times for 112 yards, while Kachilo finished 12-of-34 passing for 149 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Bush-Ivanko was the leading receiver with six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, but the Lions struggled to sustain their passing attack and converted just 3-of-15 third downs. Defensively, Jamarion Farrior led the way with 12 tackles and five tackles for loss, but the Lions couldn't find an answer for Beason in the second half, allowing three touchdown passes. Moving forward, Mars Hill fell to 4-3 in SAC play, a costly setback for a team still pursuing postseason positioning and will need to rediscover its second-half defensive consistency while finding more efficiency through the passing game. The Lions have lost three straight and are searching for answers…if there is any.

The Trojans came out swinging, building a 14-0 first-quarter lead, but couldn't sustain the momentum as Wingate took control with 28 unanswered points. Anderson's opening burst included a 36-yard touchdown pass from Wilson Edwards to Lennix Valarie and a 10-yard punt-return touchdown by Chase Sturgeon, but the offense managed just 151 total yards the rest of the way. Edwards finished 10-of-21 for 118 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while the Trojans were held to just 33 rushing yards on 19 attempts. Defensively, Anderson struggled to get off the field, allowing 488 total yards and 234 rushing yards while Wingate controlled possession for more than 38 minutes. At 4-5 overall and 3-4 in SAC play, the Trojans have now dropped four straight after a promising start, and finding more offensive consistency will be critical to finishing the season on a positive note. With matchups against Mars Hill and Newberry to end the year, it’s sounding tough.

Projected Score: Anderson 20, Mars Hill 19.

My Pick: ANDERSON

After hot starts, both of these ball clubs are trending the opposite direction. The Lions offense has not looked the same with Charlie Guinade out the past three weeks. The biggest key for Anderson will be finding success on the ground against a Mars Hill defense that has been one of the SAC’s best. The Trojans average 106.6 rushing yards per game, while the Lions allow just 110.4, making it important for Anderson to establish some balance offensively and avoid becoming one-dimensional. On the other side, Mars Hill has an opportunity to exploit Anderson’s biggest defensive weakness. The Trojans are allowing 209.2 rushing yards per game, the most in the conference, while the Lions average 103.5 yards on the ground. If Mars Hill could generate more production from its running game, it could control the tempo and keep Anderson’s offense on the sideline. Finally, Anderson will have to find a way to generate points against a stout Mars Hill defense. The Lions are allowing just 15.9 points and 272.4 total yards per game, while Anderson averages 22.1 points and 293 yards offensively. The Trojans will likely need to outperform those averages to keep pace. I like the Lions on the road in this one due to the defense.

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