October 16th, 2026 12:00am
Before we get into this week’s action across the SAC, it’s important to take a moment to remember two members of the D2Football family we lost this past week. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with the families, friends, teammates, and coaches of Southeastern Oklahoma State defensive end Dylan Sebock, who was killed in a crash last week, and Southern Nazarene football player Tyler Ulrich, who tragically passed away after suffering an injury during the Crimson Storm’s game last weekend.
In a sport built around competition, rivalries, and the pursuit of championships, moments like these serve as a sobering reminder that football is about so much more than what happens between the lines. Behind every helmet is a person, a family, and a community, and losses like these leave a hole that no game or season can ever fill. The Division II football community is a family, and when tragedy strikes, the rivalries fade, the standings don’t matter, and we stand together in support of those who are hurting.
We are keeping Dylan and Tyler’s loved ones, their teammates, and the entire Southeastern Oklahoma State and Southern Nazarene communities in our thoughts and prayers. We hope they find comfort and strength in the days ahead, and that both young men’s lives and legacies will continue to be remembered well beyond the football field.
For those who would like to help support their loved ones, fundraisers have been established in their honor:
Dylan Sebock — Honoring Dylan Sebock’s Life and Legacy
Tyler Ulrich — Standing in Faith with Tyler and His Family
We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2026 season, and if you thought we’d have a better idea of what this South Atlantic Conference race looks like by now, well, think again. The standings are still a mess, and that’s what makes this league so much fun. Five teams sit at 3-4 overall and 2-3 in SAC play, and with plenty of football left to play, there’s still room for everybody to make a move.
The crazy part? Technically, every team in the conference is still alive for the automatic bid. Some have a much steeper hill to climb than others, but nobody can afford to start looking ahead just yet. There are still enough head-to-head matchups left to shake up the standings, and one good Saturday could change the outlook for a team that desperately needs some momentum. On the other side, another loss could leave a team running out of room for error as we head into the second half of the season.
This weekend brings another slate of games with major implications, and we’ll see if anybody finally starts to separate themselves from the pack. Or, knowing this conference, we might end up with even more questions than answers by Saturday night. Either way, there’s plenty of football left, and nobody in the SAC can afford to take a week off. I’m really ready for the bye week next week sans Newberry vs. Virginia Lynchburg.
SAC Players of the Week:
Offense: Shermon Davis (Lenoir-Rhyne) – had video game numbers; rushed for 243 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries, averaging an insane 17.4 yards per carry.
Defense: Marc Harris (Emory & Henry) - recorded six tackles, including four solo stops, three tackles for loss totaling 29 yards and two sacks for a loss of 25 yards.
Special Teams: Daniel Deneen Jr. (Lenoir-Rhyne)- 2 for 2 on field goals, 3 for 3 on extra points, and a 57-yard punt.
👀 Three Things I'm Watching
...Can Carson-Newman and Mars Hill hold onto the top spots and extend their leads?
...Can Lenoir-Rhyne break their losing streak to Wingate?
...Does anyone separate from the middle of the pack?
📈 SAC Standings
Rk | Team | Overall | SAC |
1 | Carson-Newman | 6-1 | 4-1 |
2 | Mars Hill | 5-1 | 4-1 |
3 | Newberry | 4-2 | 3-2 |
4 | Anderson | 4-3 | 3-2 |
5 | Catawba | 3-4 | 2-3 |
6 | Emory & Henry | 3-4 | 2-3 |
7 | Lenoir-Rhyne | 3-4 | 2-3 |
8 | Tusculum | 3-4 | 2-3 |
9 | Wingate | 3-4 | 2-3 |
10 | UVA Wise | 1-6 | 1-4 |
📊 NPI Watch
| Rk | LW | Team | Conf. | Record | NPI |
| 1 | 1 | Edward Waters | SIAC | 4-0 | 64.329 |
| 2 | 4 | Kentucky State | SIAC | 5-1 | 61.021 |
| 3 | 5 | Carson–Newman | SAC | 5-1 | 58.071 |
| 4 | 2 | North Greenville | CC | 5-1 | 57.654 |
| 5 | 3 | Mars Hill | SAC | 5-1 | 56.722 |
| 6 | 6 | West Alabama | GSC | 5-1 | 55.435 |
| 7 | 10 | Central State | SIAC | 4-1 | 54.958 |
| 8 | 8 | Benedict | SIAC | 5-1 | 54.875 |
First Four Out | 9 | 7 | Miles | SIAC | 3-2 | 52.217 |
10 | 9 | Anderson (SC) | SAC | 3-2 | 51.905 | |
11 | 12 | Valdosta State | GSC | 3-1 | 51.728 | |
12 | NR | Newberry | SAC | 3-2 | 50.356 |
📝 Picks
Last Week: 4-1
Season: 27-16
🏆 SAC Game of the Week
Newberry Wolves (4-2, 3-2) at Mars Hill Lions (5-1, 4-1)
Location & Time: Mars Hill, NC / 1:00 PM
Series: Mars Hill leads the all-time series, 34-14. (Newberry won the last meeting, 38-24, in 2025).
Newberry rallied from a 17-7 second-half deficit to score 21 unanswered points and secure a 28-17 road victory over Catawba in rainy conditions. Quarterback Mason Kidd threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, while Jonah Norris delivered a game-changing performance with 147 rushing yards including a 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Tyleke Mathis also provided a crucial spark with a 64-yard touchdown reception that gave the Wolves a 21-17 lead, capping a stretch in which Newberry's offense repeatedly struck for explosive plays. The Wolves finished with 363 total yards and 19 first downs, compared with Catawba's 253 yards and 10 first downs, and took advantage of the Indians' inability to sustain drives late. Newberry will look to build on its second-half turnaround as it travels to Mars Hill, where continued production from Kidd and Norris will be critical in a matchup against a Lions team looking to rebound from its first loss of the season.
Mars Hill suffered its first loss of the season, falling 17-9 to Emory & Henry after struggling to capitalize on favorable field position and throwing three interceptions. The then #20 Lions took an early 6-0 lead on two Matthias Newsome field goals but managed just three points the rest of the afternoon as the Wasps' defense controlled the game. Quarterback Lukas Kachilo threw three interceptions, including a second-half pick by Kamare Dillard that set up an Emory & Henry field goal, while the Lions finished with only 206 total yards. The defense kept Mars Hill within striking distance, but a late roughing-the-punter penalty extended an Emory & Henry drive that ended with Dallas Chavis' second rushing touchdown, effectively putting the game away. In short: the Wasps “out-Lioned” the Lions. Mars Hill needs to clean up its passing-game mistakes from this one and become more efficient in the red zone, particularly with Newberry next.
Projected Score: Newberry 24, Mars Hill 20.
My Pick: MARS HILL
If the Wolves want to really get into the SAC title race, it starts with protecting Mason Kidd and giving him time to attack Mars Hill through the air. I’d also like to see them continue to be balanced and build off Jonah Norris’ big day against Catawba. The final key for Newberry feeds into the first for Mars Hill: dictate the pace. Newberry wants to create explosive plays, while Mars Hill wants to slow things down and win the defensive battle. Coach Knight’s defense will have to continue to improve. The Lions will try to control the clock and limit possessions, but they need to be sure they are finishing those possessions with points. Whichever of those quarterbacks is more in control and doesn’t turn the ball over will win this game. I’m giving the edge to Mars Hill at home, and they are really tough at home but this is going to be an outstanding football game.
Rest of the Slate:
Emory & Henry Wasps (3-4, 2-3) at #20 Carson-Newman Eagles (6-1, 4-1)
Location & Time: Jefferson City, TN / 1:00 PM
Series: Emory & Henry leads the all-time series, 21-19-2. (Emory & Henry won the last meeting, 19-13, in 2025).
Emory & Henry delivered one of the SAC's biggest wins of the season, knocking off its second consecutive previously unbeaten opponent after defeating Anderson the week before. The Wasps overcame an early 6-0 deficit behind a physical rushing attack led by Dallas Chavis, who finished with 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 27-yard score in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Mark Konecny connected with M.A. Skanes for a key 28-yard completion to set up the Wasps' first touchdown, while the defense intercepted three passes and limited the nationally ranked Lions to just 206 total yards. Defensive standout Marc Harris recorded six tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks, earning SAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The back-to-back upsets give Emory & Henry real momentum, but the challenge gets even tougher with a road trip to Carson-Newman next; continuing to win the turnover battle and control the game on the ground will be essential if the Wasps hope to climb back into the SAC race. The Wasps have looked like the 2024 and 2025 Wasps the past two weeks, which is unwelcome news for their remaining opponents.
Carson-Newman wasn’t perfect last weekend, but they may have delivered their most complete game offensively and defensively of the season with a dominating win over Anderson. Using explosive plays and a dominant ground game to take control early. The Eagles piled up 285 rushing yards and 359 total yards, with Joshua Adams rushing for 101 yards and a 40-yard touchdown, while Shooby Coleman added a 19-yard rushing score and connected with Wes Harper for a 74-yard touchdown pass. Special teams and defense helped swing the game decisively in the second quarter, as Carson-Newman blocked a punt to set up Adams' touchdown and DJ Thornton returned an interception 39 yards for another score. Edwards got absolutely smoked by Jacob Mattison, forcing the errant throw. The Eagles also protected the football, committed no turnovers, and held Anderson to 117 rushing yards, although settling for a field goal after reaching the 1-yard line and failing to score on a late drive showed there is still room for improvement in finishing possessions. At 4-1 in conference play, Carson-Newman remains firmly in the SAC race, and the challenge now is to carry that offensive explosiveness and defensive pressure into next week's home matchup with Emory & Henry. A team that has had the Eagles number recently.
Projected Score: Carson-Newman 27, Emory & Henry 17.
My Pick: CARSON-NEWMAN
The formula for the Wasps to pull off their third straight victory is following a similar blueprint to the previous two weeks: make the Eagles respect the passing game, protect the football, and capitalize when they have the ball. ESPECIALLY if the Eagles try shortening the game. Defensively it’s obvious right? Slow down the rushing attack. But Coach Hunter’s squad has done better than anyone recently, so his guys aren’t scared. The Eagles have to be prepped and ready to play a team with nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Run the ball and dominate the tempo. Finish drives against a team who has struggled to limit offenses and let the boys loose on defense. Carson-Newman has picked off nine passes this year and Konecny may put some up trying to make plays. I like C-N at home and to end the Wasps streak, if they can repeat the performance from a week ago.
UVA Wise Cavaliers (1-6, 1-4) at Tusculum Pioneers (3-4, 2-3)
Location & Time: Greeneville, TN / 2:00 PM
Series: All-time series is tied 8-8. (UVA Wise won the last meeting, 35-21, in 2025).
UVA Wise showed some fight offensively but couldn't overcome a sluggish start, falling behind 17-0 in the first quarter before losing 50-24 at home. The Cavaliers finished with 379 total yards, including 205 passing yards and 174 rushing yards, and quarterback McCalan Beason threw for three touchdowns without an interception. Thomas McCoy led the receiving attack with 54 yards and a touchdown, while Evan Kennedy contributed 81 rushing yards and helped the Cavaliers find some late offensive rhythm (albeit when the game was already decisively in hand). The biggest issue was stopping Lenoir-Rhyne's ground game: UVA Wise surrendered 329 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, while a lost fumble helped the Bears extend their lead in the second half. Coach Bass team has had some sparks here and there in ball games, but they’ve struggled outside of the Newberry game to put enough in a single game. Beason's ability to protect the football and generate touchdown passes offers something to build around as they look to turn things around against Tusculum.
Tusculum's offense was stifled in a 31-14 road loss to Wingate, managing just 122 total yards and five first downs in one of the Pioneers' toughest offensive performances of the season. Quarterback Teddy Gleaton completed just 3-of-9 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, with his lone scoring strike covering 54 yards to Ashton Hagans late in the first half. The Pioneers briefly made it a three-point game early in the third quarter when Judah Knight recovered a Wingate fumble and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, but the offense couldn't build on that momentum. Tusculum averaged just 1.5 yards per rushing attempt, went 4-of-14 on third down and possessed the ball for only 22:49, leaving its defense on the field for much of the afternoon. Coach Taylor’s squad still has a lot to play for, but it’s crunch time. The Pioneers need a major improvement in offensive consistency and their ability to sustain drives as they prepare to host UVA Wise, a key opportunity to get back on track in SAC play.
Projected Score: Tusculum 35, UVA Wise 24.
My Pick: TUSCULUM
It’s going to be some tough sledding for the Cavs this week, especially against another run heavy team. They need to build on their offensive production, particularly through the passing game, where they have averaged more than 213 yards per contest. Protect the football and eliminate costly mistakes after fumbling eight times through their first seven games. Finally, UVA Wise needs to get more stops defensively and limit Tusculum's ability to sustain drives, especially after allowing 50 points to Lenoir-Rhyne last weekend. For the Pioneers, take advantage of home-field advantage at Pioneer Field and start fast against a UVA Wise defense that has allowed more than 40 points per game. The Pioneers must be more consistent offensively after scoring just 14 points against Anderson and 14 against Wingate in their last two losses. Finally, Tusculum needs to limit explosive plays and force UVA Wise into difficult third-down situations, giving the Pioneers a chance to control the game and get back in the win column. If this were in Virginia, I would go the other way, but I think Gleaton/Ferguson/McMahan have huge days for the ‘Neers.
Wingate Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3) at Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (3-4, 2-3)
Location & Time: Hickory, NC / 2:00 PM
Series: Lenoir-Rhyne leads the all-time series 24-17. (Wingate won the last meeting, 38-37, in 2025).
Wingate and Coach Jordan got a much-needed conference win last weekend, dominating Tusculum 31-14 behind a balanced offense and a defense that controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish. The Bulldogs finished with 384 total yards, 20 first downs and 37:11 in time of possession, while converting 10-of-19 third downs and consistently extending drives. Quarterback Brooks Brien completed 15-of-25 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Aaron Griffin for an 81-yard receiving day and Xavier Jackson for 71 yards; Jayshawn Appling added 109 rushing yards on 16 carries to pace the ground attack. Defensively, Wingate limited Tusculum to just 50 net rushing yards and forced the Pioneers to punt nine times, overcoming two interceptions of its own to maintain control. The victory offers the Bulldogs a foundation to build on, but they will need to continue to protect the football and sustain this defensive intensity as they travel to face Lenoir-Rhyne this week in another important SAC matchup. This was a vintage Wingate performance.
Lenoir-Rhyne and Coach Socha put together its most explosive offensive performance of the season, rolling past UVA Wise 50-24 on a rain-soaked Saturday night in Wise. The Bears piled up 564 total yards, including 329 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per play while scoring on each of their first three possessions. Quarterback Wells Bettenhausen threw for 235 yards and a touchdown without an interception, while Shermon Davis contributed 243 all-purpose rushing yards, including a 63-yard run that set up another score. Have a game young man! Lenoir-Rhyne built a 43-10 advantage before UVA Wise scored twice in the fourth quarter, and the Bears' ability to run the football and control possession (34:32) proved decisive. If the Bears are going to find a way to climb back into the playoff hunt, which they can do even with four losses due to SOS, they need to build on this offensive breakout. Though they will need to maintain that efficiency against stronger conference competition and clean up their nine penalties for 75 yards.
Projected Score: Lenoir-Rhyne 25, Wingate 23.
My Pick: LENOIR-RHYNE
Most years, this would be the game of the week. And like most of the SAC in 2026, it is hard to trust either. If Wingate is going to keep control of this rivalry, ‘Dogs have won 4 straight, they need to start by establishing the physical run game and control the tempo against a Lenoir-Rhyne defense that can make life difficult for opposing offenses. The Bulldogs must also protect the football and sustain drives, avoiding the turnovers and penalties that can swing a ball game. This is always a tremendously physical game, and I look for both teams to try to set the tempo early with physicality, especially with so much on the line. On top of that, the Bears need to see if anything that was successful last week can carry over to this one including limiting the turnovers again. It is homecoming between the bricks, so Coach Socha’s ball club needs to start fast and feed off the home crowd. These two teams are so similar, with quarterbacks who have struggled with turnovers; solid run games; and a sense of desperation.
Catawba Indians (3-4, 2-3) at Anderson Trojans (4-3, 3-2)
Location & Time: Anderson, SC / 2:00 PM
Series: Catawba leads the all-time series, 2-0. (Catawba won the last meeting, 44-20, in 2025).
Catawba appeared poised to earn a much-needed conference victory last weekend, building a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter before Newberry's explosive offense took over. After that, Newberry went on a 21-0 run, handing Coach Haines team a loss that would lump them in the “3-4, 2-3” group in the conference standings. The Indians got a 31-yard touchdown run from Saeed St. Fleur and a 13-yard scoring connection from Mason Fortune to Josh Barron but managed just 253 total yards and 10 first downs for the game. Fortune completed 16-of-24 passes for 110 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while Tareavion Mageo contributed 51 rushing yards; Catawba also lost a fumble and committed nine penalties for 68 yards. The biggest issue was the inability to sustain offense in the fourth quarter, as Newberry scored 14 unanswered points in the final period while the Indians failed to respond. Moving forward, Catawba must protect the football, reduce penalties, and find more consistency in the passing game if it hopes to climb back into the SAC race, with a road matchup against Anderson offering an important opportunity to regroup.
Anderson struggled to overcome a disastrous second-quarter stretch in a 29-13 loss at Carson-Newman, falling behind 26-3 before Darren Lloyd's 15-yard touchdown run finally got the Trojans into the end zone. Despite the defeat, Anderson's offense showed some positives, totaling 245 yards, converting 6-of-12 third downs and scoring on all three red-zone trips. Wilson Edwards threw for 128 yards but was intercepted twice, including a 39-yard pick-six by DJ Thornton that helped Carson-Newman build its commanding lead; Zay Williams was Edwards' top target with five catches for 82 yards, while Parr Folsom added 74 rushing yards on just eight carries. Defensively, Carter Wit led the Trojans with 12 tackles, and Anderson held the Eagles scoreless in the fourth quarter despite a 10-minute Carson-Newman possession. Back-to-back tough losses will challenge this team’s intestinal fortitude. Anderson must eliminate costly turnovers and improve its consistency against explosive offenses, but the Trojans remain in the SAC mix at 3-2 in league play heading into a home matchup with Catawba.
Projected Score: Anderson 23, Catawba 20.
My Pick: ANDERSON
If Catawba is going to go on the road and get to .500, it needs to establish its ground game and build on the flashes of explosive rushing it showed against Newberry, where three different backs recorded runs of 31 yards or longer. The Indians must also protect the football after committing three turnovers in last week's loss, while finding a way to finish drives and sustain offensive momentum for four quarters. Finally, Catawba's defense needs to contain Anderson's balanced attack and create opportunities for the offense to take control. The keys for Anderson are a little easier, and it is partly why I like them to get back on the horse this weekend. 1) take advantage of playing at home and get its offense rolling early. 2) establish balance offensively, building on their ability to run the football while creating opportunities through the air. 3) needs to win the turnover battle and deliver a stronger defensive performance on third down to keep Catawba from extending drives and staying in the game.
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