Around the state: College football previews

Clark Atlanta (2-2, 2-1 SIAC) vs. Stillman (0-4, 0-4)

When, where: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Atlanta

Key matchup: Clark's defensive backs vs. Stillman's receivers. The defensive for Clark is giving up less than 20 points per game, but it also has scored its share of points. The opportunistic crew has, at times, been Clark's best offensive weapon.

Keep an eye on: Clark's Winston Thompson. The senior running back has a goal of 1,500 yards this season and is behind that pace. This could be a good week to make strides.

Quick fact: Stillman is last in the league in scoring defense and second to last in scoring offense.

Albany State (4-0, 3-0 SIAC) vs. Lane (0-4, 0-3)

When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Albany

Key matchup: Albany State's defensive lineman Jacob Hardwick vs. Lane's offensive line. If Lane is to have any chance, it needs to find a way to keep Hardwick out of its backfield. His five sacks lead the league.

Keep an eye on: Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings, from Marietta High School. Jennings is the league leader in pass efficiency, and has thrown eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Quick fact: Lane is there with Stillman at the bottom of the league. It is last in the league in scoring offense and second to last in scoring defense.

West Georgia (2-2, 1-1 Gulf South) vs. Southern Arkansas (0-4)

When, where: 3 p.m. today, Carrollton

Key matchup: West Georgia's Brandon Behenna vs. Southern Arkansas' secondary. Behenna and the passing game have been efficient, but not spectacular. That could change against a Southern Arkansas team that has allowed 31, 48 and 27 points in its past three games.

Keep an eye on: How staunch the West Georgia defense can look against a largely inept offense. Southern Arkansas twice has been shut out and has scored only 23 points in four games.

Quick fact: West Georgia has a 5-4 record against Southern Arkansas.

Valdosta State (3-1, 1-1 Gulf South) vs. Ouachita Baptist (3-1, 1-1)

When, where: 3 p.m. Saturday, Valdosta

Key matchup: Valdosta State's run defense vs. Ouachita Baptist's ground game. Valdosta State is giving up only 71 yards of rushing per game. Ouachita Baptist's Daniel McGee averages 90 yards per game, and the team averages 177 yards per game.

Keep an eye on: Valdosta State's defensive back Stevie Harden, who has five interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns.

Quick fact: Valdosta State has shown consistency throughout the game on offense, scoring 28 points in the first quarter, 29 in the second, 24 in the third and 39 in the fourth quarter. The Blazers have been stronger in the first and fourth quarters on defense.

Elsewhere

Fort Valley State (3-1, 2-1 SIAC): Benedict College (1-4, 1-3) travels to Fort Valley for a 2 p.m. game Saturday. It should serve as a nice tune-up for next week's trip to Clark Atlanta.
Savannah State (0-4, 0-0 MEAC): The Tigers travel to Lynchburg, Va., to face Liberty (2-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday. Savannah State played perhaps its best game of the season last week, losing 28-14 to Albany State. All of its other losses have been by 31 points or more.