SAC Week 11 Preview

November 13th, 2026 12:00am

There is always something bittersweet about the final week of the regular season. On one hand, this is what we (well the coaches, players and staff do all the hard work) have been working toward for the last three months. The games mean more, the stakes are higher, and the picture of who will be playing beyond this weekend is finally starting to come into focus. On the other hand, it is hard to believe we are already here. Saturday will be the last time I get to watch some of the players I have followed and covered over the past few years take the field as their college careers end. You get invested in these teams and these players throughout the season, and even more so when you have had the opportunity to get to know some of these young men and coaches and become fans of them. 

And then there is the anticipation. We are less than 72 hours away from finding out which 32 teams will make up the 2026 NCAA Division II playoff field. With the new NCAA Power Index determining the at-large selections, there is still plenty of uncertainty heading into the final Saturday. The SAC has two teams sitting in strong positions, but nothing is official until the final numbers are calculated and the selections are announced Sunday. Be on the lookout next week for some new content, such as "Friday Fit Check" for the entire bracket and the annual "Gladwin Family Bracket Challenge". 

The SAC championship race is still alive as well, and it comes down to two teams that have already played one another. Carson-Newman and Newberry enter the final week tied at 6-2 in conference play after the Wolves handed the Eagles a 23-21 loss in Mossy Creek last Saturday. Carson-Newman heads to Tusculum, while Newberry host Anderson. If both teams win, they will finish tied atop the conference standings, but Newberry would earn the SAC's automatic playoff bid through the tiebreaker. If Newberry wins and Carson-Newman loses, the Wolves claim the championship outright. If Carson-Newman wins and Newberry loses, the Eagles take sole possession of the title. And if both teams lose, they will remain tied, with Newberry again holding the tiebreaker advantage. Reminder, that if they finish tied, they are co-champions. The conference by-laws state the tiebreaking formula is not used to break position ties in the regular-season standings (ties stand).

SAC Players of the Week:

Offense: Tyler Knutson (Emory & Henry) - completed 16-of-30 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Defense: Greg Mason (Emory & Henry) - recorded five tackles, including a sack, while adding a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Mason also intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown.

Special Teams: Francisco Garcia Rodriguez (Catawba) – 2 for 2 on field goals, and 5 for 5 on PAT’s.

👀 Three Things I'm Watching

...Can Newberry finish the job?

...Can Tusculum ruin the season for Carson-Newman?

...How exciting will all the other games be amongst teams simply playing for pride? I expect them to let it loose.

📈 SAC Standings

*-eliminated from SAC championship contention

📊 NPI Watch

📝 Picks

Last Week: Let’s Not Talk About

Season: 35-24 (Woof)

🏆 SAC Game of the Week

Lenoir-Rhyne Bears at Catawba Indians

Location & Time: Salisbury, NC / 6:00 PM

Series: Lenoir-Rhyne leads the all-time series, 51-49-4. (Bears won the last meeting, 48-46, in 2025).

The Bears closed out their Senior Day with a strong defensive performance, holding Tusculum to just seven points in a 21-7 victory at Moretz Stadium. After a scoreless opening quarter, Shermon Davis got the Bears on the board with an eight-yard touchdown run before Wells Bettenhausen connected with Mikel McClellan for a 14-yard score to give Lenoir-Rhyne a 14-0 halftime advantage. Bettenhausen finished 16-of-21 for 237 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, while Davis accounted for 121 yards from scrimmage, including a 53-yard receiving touchdown early in the third quarter. Defensively, the Bears limited Tusculum to 211 total yards and just 52 rushing yards on 43 attempts, while recording three sacks and forcing two turnovers. Lenoir-Rhyne improved to 5-5 overall and 4-4 in SAC play, showing what its defense can do when it controls the line of scrimmage and gets efficient quarterback play.

The Indians spoiled UVA Wise's Senior Day with a 41-31 road victory, overcoming three lead changes and a third-quarter deficit to pull away in the fourth quarter. Mason Fortune accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for 234 yards and two scores while adding a one-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining to seal the victory. Bennett Galloway was instrumental in the ground game, rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, as Catawba finished with 219 rushing yards and 453 total yards. Jayden Jones and James Gilchrist provided the receiving touchdowns, while the Indians' offense controlled the football for an impressive 42:45 and converted 11-of-17 third downs. Catawba's ability to sustain drives and wear down the Cavaliers ultimately proved decisive, particularly after UVA Wise took a 31-27 lead early in the third quarter. The Indians improved to 5-5 overall and 4-4 in SAC play, giving themselves a chance to finish the season at .500 and build momentum heading into the offseason.

Projected Score: Lenoir-Rhyne 28, Catawba 23.

My Pick: LENOIR-RHYNE

The Bears have won seven straight in this rivalry, which if you did not know, is the sixth most played rivalry in D2. The first key for Lenoir-Rhyne will be taking advantage of a Catawba defense that has struggled to stop the run. The Bears average 162.7 rushing yards per game, while the Indians are allowing 166.1 yards per contest on the ground. If Lenoir-Rhyne can establish its running game, it should open up opportunities for an offense that averages 380.2 total yards per game. On the other side, Catawba will need to find a way to move the football against a Lenoir-Rhyne defense that has been considerably better at limiting scoring opportunities. The Bears allow just 19.9 points per game, compared to 25 points per game for the Indians, and have surrendered only 11 rushing touchdowns all season. Catawba will need to be efficient on early downs and avoid putting itself in predictable passing situations. Finally, the passing game could be an important advantage for Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears average 217.5 passing yards per game, while Catawba allows 177.6, but the Indians have also shown some ability to create turnovers, recording nine interceptions this season. If Catawba can pressure the quarterback, force a mistake or two and turn those opportunities into points, it could make things difficult for a Lenoir-Rhyne team that has won two straight games heading into Saturday's Hall of Fame Game and Senior Day. I like the Bears ability to run the ball and pull out the dub.

Wingate Bulldogs at Mars Hill Lions

Location & Time: Mars Hill, NC / 1:00 PM

Series: Wingate leads the all-time series, 19-18. (Bulldogs won the last meeting, 37-22, in 2025).

The Bulldogs suffered a disappointing collapse after appearing to have momentum heading into halftime. Wingate took a 14-10 lead into the locker room behind a one-yard Ethan Wallace touchdown run and a 12-yard scoring connection from Brooks Brien to Tanner Mays, but the offense managed just 88 rushing yards and 177 passing yards for the afternoon. Brien finished 13-of-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while Wallace led the ground game with 78 yards and a score on 18 carries. The four turnovers proved especially costly, with two lost fumbles and two interceptions, including Mason's pick-six that helped put the game out of reach. The Bulldogs fell to 5-5 overall and 4-4 in SAC play, snapping a four-game winning streak. Wingate now turns its attention to a season-ending road trip to Mars Hill, looking to finish the year on a positive note after a season that showed plenty of promise but lacked consistency.

The Lions mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally but ultimately came up three points short after digging themselves into a 17-0 hole. Lukas Kachilo completed 22-of-40 passes for 279 yards without an interception and added two rushing touchdowns, accounting for all of Mars Hill's scoring. Ryder Bush-Ivanko was his primary target, hauling in 13 receptions for 184 yards, while Nate Crosby added 40 rushing yards on 10 carries. Mars Hill outgained Anderson 374-226 collected 25 first downs compared to the Trojans' 13 and held a significant advantage through the air, but three fumbles, including two lost, proved costly. The Lions scored twice in the fourth quarter, with Kachilo punching in touchdowns from one and two yards out, but Matthias Newsome's potential game-tying 22-yard field goal was blocked as time expired. Mars Hill fell to 5-4 overall and 4-4 in SAC play, suffering a frustrating loss despite controlling much of the statistical battle and now looking to rebound in its season finale against Wingate.

Projected Score: Wingate 24, Mars Hill 18.

My Pick: I GENUINELY DON’T HAVE A CLUE.

The first key for Wingate will be finding success on the ground against a Mars Hill defense that has been one of the best in the conference. The Bulldogs average 155.4 rushing yards per game, but the Lions are allowing just 111.2 yards per contest on the ground. Wingate will need to establish some consistency up front and avoid putting itself in obvious passing situations. On the other side, Mars Hill will have to find a way to generate offense against a Wingate defense that has allowed just 270.8 total yards per game and 95.7 rushing yards per contest. The Lions average 306.4 yards of total offense, but their 16.9 points per game suggest they have struggled to turn those opportunities into consistent scoring production. Finally, turnovers could be the deciding factor in a matchup between two strong defenses. Wingate has thrown 15 interceptions this season, while Mars Hill has recorded eight interceptions defensively. The Lions have also thrown nine interceptions of their own, giving the Bulldogs an opportunity to create extra possessions. Whichever team protects the football, wins the turnover battle, and takes advantage of scoring opportunities will have a significant edge in what could be a defensive-minded game. I really don’t have a clue in this game. Mars Hill at home probably, but I still can’t get past what happened last weekend to Wingate vs. E&H.

Anderson Trojans at Newberry Wolves

Location & Time: Newberry, SC / 1:00 PM

Series: Newberry leads the all-time series, 1-0. (Wolves won the only meeting, 24-21, in 2025).

The Trojans picked up a hard-fought 17-14 victory over Mars Hill, using a dominant defensive performance and a dramatic special teams play to secure their fifth win of the season. Anderson jumped out to a 7-0 first-quarter lead on a 30-yard touchdown run by Darron Parry, then extended the advantage to 17-0 early in the fourth quarter on a four-yard touchdown connection from Wilson Edwards to Tre Broughton. Parry finished with 59 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Edwards accounted for 149 yards of total offense and a passing score. Although Anderson managed just 226 total yards, the defense forced three fumbles, recovered two and recorded seven quarterback hurries while holding the Lions scoreless through the first three quarters. The biggest play came as time expired, when Carter Wit blocked a 22-yard field-goal attempt to preserve the victory. Anderson improved to 5-5 overall and 4-4 in SAC play, snapping a four-game losing streak and earning its first victory over Mars Hill in program history.

The Wolves delivered a season-defining road victory, knocking off Carson-Newman 23-21 at Burke-Tarr Stadium to extend their winning streak to six games and keep their SAC championship hopes firmly in their control. Mason Kidd completed 21-of-36 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Will Young V for a 44-yard score and Jonah Norris for a five-yard touchdown. Young finished with five catches for 111 yards, while Norris contributed 124 yards from scrimmage, including 56 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Newberry did an excellent job limiting Carson-Newman's offense when they needed to move the ball late, holding the Eagles to just 39 passing yards while forcing two turnovers and recording three sacks. The Wolves held a 23-14 advantage entering the fourth quarter and survived a pair of explosive touchdown runs from Malaki Dowell to secure the victory. Newberry improved to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in SAC play, putting itself in position to clinch at least a share of the conference championship with a victory over Anderson in the regular-season finale.

Projected Score: Newberry 29, Anderson 17.

My Pick: NEWBERRY

Coach Knight’s ball club has a chance to go back-to-back and win their fourth SAC title since 2021. But standing in their way is a stout Anderson program looking to ruin their in-state rival’s season. The first key for Newberry will be taking advantage of an Anderson defense that has struggled to stop opposing offenses, particularly on the ground. The Trojans are allowing 197.8 rushing yards per game and 399.8 total yards per contest, while the Wolves average 386.9 yards of total offense. Newberry doesn't need to get away from its balanced approach, but establishing the run should help open up opportunities for an offense averaging 264.7 passing yards per game. On the other side, Anderson will need to find some offensive consistency against a Newberry defense that has been much more effective at limiting production. The Wolves are allowing just 284.3 total yards per game and 18.3 points, compared to Anderson's averages of 286.3 yards and 21.6 points offensively. Finally, turnovers and third-down execution could be decisive. Newberry converts 45.1 percent of its third-down opportunities, while Anderson's defense allows opponents to convert 43.7 percent. The Trojans will need to get off the field, create negative plays, and avoid giving Newberry extra possessions if they hope to slow down a Wolves team that enters the matchup at 8-2 and looking to finish the regular season strong.

UVA Wise Cavaliers at Emory & Henry Wasps

Location & Time: Emory, VA / 1:00 PM

Series: Emory & Henry leads the all-time series, 7-1. (Wasps won the last meeting, 70-13, in 2025).

The Cavaliers put together one of their better offensive performances of the season but couldn't finish the job, surrendering two fourth-quarter scores in a 41-31 Senior Day loss. McCalan Beason was productive both through the air and on the ground, completing 12-of-22 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns while adding 71 rushing yards and another score. Evan Kennedy provided the game's biggest explosive play, breaking loose for a 65-yard touchdown run as part of a 104-yard rushing performance on just nine carries. Tre'mell Washington added two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown, while Thomas McCoy caught four passes and added a receiving score. Despite producing 365 yards of offense and averaging 7.9 yards per play, the Cavaliers ran just 46 offensive plays and possessed the football for only 17:15, compared to Catawba's 42:45. UVA Wise fell to 2-8 overall and 2-6 in SAC play, and will close out its season next Saturday with a road matchup against Emory & Henry, looking to finish the year with a win and carry some positive momentum into the offseason.

The Wasps delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, exploding for 34 unanswered second-half points to turn a 14-10 halftime deficit into a 30-point road victory at Wingate. Tyler Knutson put together an outstanding afternoon, completing 16-of-30 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Dallas Chavis provided the balance offensively, rushing for 114 yards on 19 carries, while Parker Prioleau hauled in seven passes for 132 yards. The Wasps totaled 441 yards of offense, averaged 6.6 yards per play, and forced all four of Wingate's turnovers, including a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by Greg Mason. After trailing at halftime, Emory & Henry completely took control in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 34-0 in one of the most surprising results of an unpredictable SAC season.

Projected Score: Emory & Henry 37, UVA Wise 17.

My Pick: EMORY & HENRY

The Wasps have won four straight in the Southwest Virginia Bowl, and even though the projected score is calling for a blowout, I think this could be a great game. The first key for Emory & Henry will be establishing its rushing attack against a UVA Wise defense that has struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses. The Wasps are coming off a 44-14 win over Wingate, and they'll look to carry that offensive momentum into the season finale. Emory & Henry also has an opportunity to exploit a Cavaliers defense that surrendered 453 total yards to Catawba last week, including 219 rushing yards. On the other side, UVA Wise needs to find a way to get its offense back on track after struggling to sustain drives against Catawba. The Cavaliers managed 365 total yards, but their 41-31 loss featured a defense that spent far too much time on the field, and they'll need to be more efficient offensively to keep pace. Finally, turnovers and finishing drives will be critical. UVA Wise has shown it can put points on the board, including 48 against Newberry and 41 against Catawba, but the Cavaliers have also struggled to get stops consistently. Emory & Henry has won two of its last three games, including victories over Mars Hill and Wingate, and will look to close the season with another impressive performance in front of its home crowd.

Carson-Newman Eagles at Tusculum Pioneers

Location & Time: Greeneville, TN / 2:00 PM

Series: Carson-Newman leads the all-time series, 37-15-2. (Eagles won the last meeting, 26-0, in 2025).

The Pioneers struggled to generate consistent offense and never fully recovered from a 21-0 deficit early in the third quarter. Tedros Gleaton accounted for 173 yards of total offense, completing 14-of-27 passes for 159 yards while also rushing for a team-high 14 net yards and the Pioneers' lone touchdown. Zion Job provided the biggest receiving threat with four catches for 87 yards, including a 46-yard reception that helped set up Tusculum's third-quarter score. However, the Pioneers averaged just 1.2 yards per rushing attempt, finished with 211 total yards, and converted only 6-of-17 third downs. Two turnovers and seven failed fourth-down attempts further limited their opportunities to make the game competitive. Tusculum dropped to 4-6 overall and 3-5 in SAC play, leaving the Pioneers looking to finish the season on a positive note.

The Eagles let an excellent opportunity slip away on Homecoming, falling 23-21 to Newberry despite rushing for 294 yards and producing 333 yards of total offense. Malaki Dowell was spectacular, breaking loose for touchdown runs of 71 and 46 yards while finishing with 131 yards on just 10 carries. Shooby Coleman added a 25-yard touchdown run and 53 rushing yards, while Trey Gunnings contributed another 65 yards on the ground. However, two turnovers, two failed fourth-down attempts and an inability to consistently sustain drives proved costly, particularly against a Newberry defense that limited the Eagles' ability to generate explosive plays outside of Dowell's long runs. After falling behind 23-14 late in the third quarter, Dowell's second long touchdown run pulled C-N within two points, but the Eagles couldn't find the go-ahead score. Carson-Newman fell to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in SAC play, missing its opportunity to clinch its first conference championship since 2009, and now turns its attention to its regular-season finale against rival Tusculum with the SAC championship picture still to be decided.

Projected Score: Carson-Newman 30, Tusculum 14.

My Pick: CARSON-NEWMAN

I always expect the 2^nd oldest rivalry in the state of Tennessee to be chippy, even more so this year with the number of players who have transferred from both programs to the other. The first key for Carson-Newman will be establishing its option attack against a Tusculum defense that has been relatively stout against the run. The Eagles are averaging 312.9 rushing yards per game, while the Pioneers are allowing just 98.9 yards on the ground per contest. That is a significant matchup, and Carson-Newman will need to stay patient, execute its assignments, and avoid losing yardage on early downs. On the other side, Tusculum will have to find a way to move the football against a Carson-Newman defense that has been among the best in the SAC. The Eagles are allowing just 259.7 total yards per game, including 103.1 rushing yards, while the Pioneers average 187.9 rushing yards per contest. If Carson-Newman can make Tusculum one-dimensional and force it into obvious passing situations, it will be difficult for the Pioneers to sustain drives. Finally, turnovers and third-down execution could be the difference. Carson-Newman has scored 37 offensive touchdowns this season, while Tusculum has allowed 29, and the Eagles' ability to extend drives with their ground game will put pressure on the Pioneers' defense. Tusculum will need to win the possession battle, limit mistakes, and find ways to get off the field if it hopes to keep the game competitive. I like the Eagles, who have a lot riding on this one to get the job done.

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