Big Swede's Gulf South Previews: Week 2

((HT: d2football.com))

As far as this week is concerned, we have to wait until Saturday for football. That should allow the two teams that fell last weekend to lick their wounds. Is there any chance a couple more GSC teams go down this week?

SATURDAY 1 PM EASTERN - DELTA STATE AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE

Classic 'Coaches Speak' reminds us that teams make their biggest improvements from week one to week two. To me that just means you found out how good or bad you were in the first week and spend the next week fixing your issues. Delta State will find out if last week was a fluke or if it is going to be long season.

Elizabeth City State lost to Newberry 46-20 last week. Their former three-star recruit running back DaRonte McNeil was a workhouse carrying the ball 24 times for 124 yards. Coming off a game where they were dominated on the ground defensively, expect McNeil to match last week's total of rushes. Xavier Triplett and the DSU defense need to get their act together. The offense looks like it's not in sync yet. They just don't look capable to carry the team like in years past. How well this unit stops the ECSU running game will dictate the outcome.

Quarterback Trevor Wooden could turn things on and light up the world this week. When he looked good last week, he looked as good as a Kate Upton doing a jungle photo shoot. When he looked bad, he looked like June Shannon (Honey Boo Boo's mother) doing anything.

The ECSU defense allowed 238 yards on the ground against Newberry. Wooden and his fellow rushing weapons in Jamey Chadwell's offense have a chance to shut a lot of people up this week. Or they could keep people from talking about them for a while.

Prediction: Delta State over Elizabeth City State 27-21

SATURDAY 3 PM EASTERN - TUSCULUM AT WEST GEORGIA

As easy as last week was for West Georgia is how hard this week will be. Tusculum has long been a very good Division II program. Despite losing last week to Urbana 53-33, Tusculum created a lot to fear.

Quarterback Bo Cordell threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns while playing from behind. He spread the ball pretty evenly to his two best receivers Xzanvion Smith and Ken Funnye who combined to haul in 221 of those 389 yards. This tough West Georgia secondary has it's work cut out for them.

All that is nice to look at but the fact of the matter is that they still allowed Urbana to score 55 points. DJ Mendenhall went 22 of 30 for 305 passing yards, ran for 54 yards while scoring five total touchdowns. If that's not going H.A.M. I don't know what is. It wasn't just passing that gave them fits, Tusculum also allowed two 100 yard rushers in the contest.

If West Georgia is going to win this game it is by being multi dimensional. They can't just rely on the running game. Here is where we find out if Austin Trainor is the real deal Holyfield. UWG can run the ball. They have a versatile back field. The question is can Trainor carry the load through the air. I think he is better than people are anticipating.

Prediction: West Georgia over Tusculum 35-28

SATURDAY 6:30 PM EASTERN - SHORTER AT NEWBERRY

Two teams that seem to operate with similar theories in running the football should keep this game close. Newberry was able to drop 46 on Elizabeth City State to open the season on the back of 238 rushing yards and 118 passing yards.

Shorter will need to operate their methodical offense. Newberry had six players with three rushes or more last weekend. They are deep with athletic talent. Keep the ball from them while making the most of your opportunities will be the recipe for success for Shorter. The more chances Newberry has, the higher their chances are to win.

Prediction: Newberry over Shorter 34-21

SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN - HARDING AT NORTH ALABAMA

This new running game of North Alabama gets an early test against a dominant defensive line this week. We'll find out how good this attack is because Harding returns 9 of 11 defensive starters and has been preparing for UNA for a while, with this being their first game of the year.

In 2011, the starters on this Harding defensive front combined for 29 tackles for loss. If the Lion rushing game is stalled can Chris Alexander win the game through the air?

This is where we find out how good the North Alabama running game is. We also find out if Chris Alexander can make big plays. We may also find out how far UNA needs to go to get back to their dominant ways.

Limiting what Harding quarterback Kevin Martin does in the option game will be vital. While this will be just his fifth start, he is the leading returning rusher for Harding. Can the former GSC member knock off one of it's marquee names?

Prediction; Harding over North Alabama 21-17

SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – FORT VALLEY STATE AT VALDOSTA STATE

The two teams have totally different feelings this week. Fort Valley is riding high after a last minute upset of Delta State while Valdosta State is looking for redemption after a fourth quarter collapse.

This is also a trap game for VSU. This game is sandwhiched between the build up of a trip to Michigan last week which went on all off season and the knowing about the trip to Dallas, Texas for a game in Jerry's World next week.

Blazer quarterback Cayden Cochran will not play against FVSU with another injury. In his limited time as the signal caller of Valdosta State, Cochran has suffered his fair share of injuries. His style of play is all-out all the time and he isn't afraid of contact.

Unfortunately for him, a quarterback coming off a great performance last week will fill in for him. Could Graham Craig steal his job if he builds on his 12 of 19 183 yard performance a week ago?

If VSU can force the inefficient Antonio Henton (who has been playing college football as long as Squints Palladouris from The Sandlot says 'The Beast' is to be locked up: FOREVER) to beat them through the air, he should make mistakes. The key to success is keeping the ball away from Fort Valley State running back Seth Hill. You do that by jumping out to a big lead.

Prediction: Valdosta State over Fort Valley State 34-14

SATURDAY 7 PM EASTERN – WEST ALABAMA AT SAMFORD

This is a great litmus test for the class of the GSC. West Alabama can find out just where they are by facing FCS Samford, who beat Furman 24-21 to open their season.

UWA will need to go to it's best player all day to send a message. Matt Willis should carry the rock at least 25 times. This is why he was taken out after exploding last week, so that he can have fresher legs for this big one. A lot of you don't care if a Division II schools tops an FCS one; West Alabama does and should.

Think about what this could do for recruiting or marketing among the rest of the state's smaller schools. Beating Samford would tell the state of Alabama that there is a new program on the rise. Look out for the Tigers. The test for the UWA defense early on should be exciting. Samford running back Fabian Truss is coming off a 19 rush 112 yard performance while quarterback Andy Summerlin was efficient in a 216 yard, two touchdown day.

Let's see how well Shontral Ford, D'Erick Johnson and Rico Jernighan can do against this passing game. Samford may be in for a surprise if they try to attack that secondary.

Prediction: West Alabama over Samford 31-27

Big Swede's Five Minutes On The Gulf South Conference

((HT: d2Football.com))

This is a reprint of FOSG Big Swede's new column about life in the Gulf South Conference... they got a head start in the recognition department with Shorter's win over Campbell...

The names of programs in transition mean nothing. History is dead. Things are not what they used to be in the Gulf South Conference. That is what we found out last weekend.

GSC teams went 4-2 to open the season. The way the two losses occurred has to have created concern. How much concern is up for debate. This week's power rankings shouldn't come as too much a surprise. Keep in mind, who each school opened with and that program's talent level is a major factor this early in the season.

Power Rankings:

1. West Alabama- My preseason favorite to win the conference and the region showed why with a silly 44-0 domination of Clark Atlanta.

Running back Matt Willis scored three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and went for 163 yards on just 15 carries. The senior also added two receptions for 73 yards. That's stupid. He's good at football. But most of all, Willis has a serious chance to contend for this year's Harlon Hill Trophy.

Kyle Caldwell was an efficient 12 of 19 for 215 yards and two touchdowns. His continued growth will only further this team's ability. So far in his career, he seems to get better every week. We did see a little of his back up Gary Johnston, but this looks like Caldwell's offense.

Then there was the defense that allowed 78 total yards. I don't care who you are playing, if you can hold an NCAA program to under the yardage amount of the length of a football field, you are pretty special. Especially when a lot of the familiar names on this side of the ball didn't have to contribute much.

2. Valdosta State- Oops they did it again. Valdosta State blew another late lead in the final minutes dropping their opener to Saginaw Valley State 28-24.

Earl Arms has the details and an interesting beginning...
((HT: MINBCNews.com))


One time is expected. Two times is a coincidence. Three times is a trend. But now it's just a concern. But who do you blame? This is an oddity that is tough to explain. So for now, I will point to the only thing glaringly different with the VSU defense; the staff.

The Blazers have two co-defensive coordinators. Seth Wallace and Earl Chambers. Two guys who have paid their dues in this business and two guys I know are capable of leading a defense. But can a defense have two leaders? Can any group? Ask 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'.

3. North Alabama- How different are things in the GSC this year? North Alabama almost lost to Miles. It took a stop on a 2 point conversion for the win for the Lions to beat a SIAC team. Never thought I'd see the day.

Here's your recap from UNA Athletics their own selves...


In the 31-30 win three UNA players ran for at least 65 yards. That's a new thing but not unexpected with Bobby Wallace at the helm. If Lamonte Thompson can continue to run like he did in the opener (21 rushes for 102 yards and a touchdown) and take pressure off quarterback Chris Alexander, it bodes well for this offense's future.

While the offense was nothing to get overly excited about, the defense was even worse. This unit let David Thomas do whatever he wanted through the air. The Miles signal caller went 23 of 35 for 379 yards and three touchdowns. I didn't know a SIAC quarterback could look so good. Not a good sign for this defense. This was an unimpressive performance, in a win, leaving me to wonder how far this team can go.

4. Delta State- It doesn't seem as though Jamey Chadwell's system has been fully developed in Cleveland, Mississippi. Like a soup without spices, something just seems missing. It doesn't look like it's something monumental but whatever it is, is throwing everything else off.

The Statesmen offense looked great for most of the first half. Trevor Wooden marched the squad up and down the field but couldn't punch the ball in for points on numerous occasions deep in Fort Valley territory. From that failure, it looked like the team lost confidence and carried that with them to an anemic second half of offensive play.

Like UNA, there has to be some concern on defense. They limited Antonio Henton from getting in a passing rhythm most of the contest but in the second half FVSU's quarterback rallied to finish with 234 passing yards and two touchdowns. They also let running back Seth Hill walk all over them for 144 yards and two scores. This is even more concerning than the offensive struggles. Creating a terrible recipe right now. Someone just dropped lamb and tuna fish into this soup instead of spices.

And, then, Fort Valley got back to work...
((HT: 13WMAZ-TV Macon))
5. West Georgia- If you're a West Georgia fan and aren't happy to open the season with a 55-3 win over Point, you're a terrible person. So, go ahead and look... ((HT: gouwgwolves10)) It wasn't so long ago that other teams beat the hell out of the Wolves with no regard for their level of play. Don't be better than scheduling a team to get a win. This has larger ramifications than missing out on contests that impact playoff hopes. Marking down more and more wins in the record books can help with recruiting. The most important aspect of this game was new quarterback Austin Trainor getting acclimated with his new teammates going 11 of 15 for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His development and knowledge of this offense is what can carry this program to the next level. Having a running back like Seth Hinsley rush for 111 yards on just 17 carries with two scores helps any quarterback get in a rhythm. But don't be better than scheduling a team just to get a W. Nobody did that when you were down. 6. Shorter- Welcome to the GSC Shorter.

I normally don't get overly excited when a Division II team beats a non-scholarship FCS program but this was a unique scenario. Shorter is coming up from the NAIA ranks so it's not just playing up one level, or two, it can be portrayed like the Hawks played up three levels.

As long as Shorter can establish their running game, I like their chances to upset at least one of the preexisting GSC teams this year.

New signal caller Eric Dodson was brilliant on offense, throwing for 191 yards and adding a rushing and a passing touchdown. If the sophomore can play like that and continue to grow, this offense could be dangerous in week to week preparations for a lot of teams.

So Much For That... Greg Reid Injures Knee, Out For Season...

((HT: Valdosta Daily Times/Hooper))

Call it what you want... karma, bad luck, whatever...

But Greg Reid's career at Valdosta State didn't even get into its first game...

Last night at practice, Reid tore his ACL while returning a punt in the Blazers' Friday scrimmage.

"It is frustrating right now," Dean told the VDT's Ed Hooper. "He came into camp a little late and he gets injured. I know he is frustrated about it. It is was a non-contact deal."

The Blazers start their season at Saginaw Valley State this weekend...

FSU gets rid of Greg Reid (UPDATED: 12 Days Later, OSG Was Right...))

One of the most talented athletes in recent Florida State Football history is no longer a part of the Seminole team.

Just a couple weeks after being arrested for marijuana possession, troubled defensive back Greg Reid will now have to find another football home.

If someone will take him.

Who are we kidding, Reid will end up at a 1-AA (FCS) or D-2 school, but still, FSU's dismissal of a preseason All-American is kind of a big deal.

The arrest was not Reid's 1st brush with Johnny Law, he had been arrested for interfering in a police investigation last season. He also sat for a game for violating team rules.

In fact...that's what FSU coach Jimbo Fisher called this particular "Final Straw". FSU issued a statement Wednesday morning saying "Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher announced Wednesday that Greg Reid has been dismissed from the FSU Football Team for a violation of team rules."


Like we said, Reid will land at a smaller school, be eligible to play immediately and get a shot at the NFL, this will certainly raise flags with NFL scouts, but if he behaves, he'll get a shot.

Oh, in case you are an FSU fan and curious, we'll bet he ends up at home...playing for Valdosta State.

8/13 UPDATE: Yep, he's in the process of enrolling there... if you believe the four-letter's Joe Schad...

Over the weekend, Valdosta Head Coach David Dean told Ed Hooper of the Valdosta Daily News:

"The thing I want to do for Greg Reid, and yes, I’d love to have him as part of this football team, but the main thing he needs to do is make the right decision for Greg Reid,” Dean said. “We are not going to put pressure on him and we are going to let him make the situation he needs to make.”

And, now, we have what we thought all along...