State college football notes

Around the state

Georgia Southern

Record: 3-3 (1-2 Southern Conference)

Next game: at The Citadel (2-5, 0-3), 1 p.m. Saturday, Charleston

• When an option team isn't controlling the time of possession, more times than not that team is going to be in trouble. That's what happened to the Eagles last week against Chattanooga, when they endured several long Mocs' drives, including a nine-minute third-quarter drive that resulted in a touchdown. ... Against another option team this weekend, Georgia Southern will have to be better on various fronts. "We are disappointed with where we are at right now and we have a lot of improvements to make, but we have five games to go," coach Jeff Monken said after the 12-point loss. ... Freshman QB Jerick McKinnon (Sprayberry) got his most extensive play of the year, splitting time with Jaybo Shaw. FB Tobi Akinniranye (Centennial) ran for a career-best 102 yards.

West Georgia

Record: 3-4 (2-3 GSC)

Next game: vs. Delta State (5-2, 4-1), 2 p.m. Saturday, Carrollton

• Delta State is ranked No. 22 in Division II but oddly, the Statesmen have given up almost as many points as they have scored. In conference games, Delta State  has scored 222 points in five game and given up 212. ... Expect Delta State to be seeking an outlet for its frustration. It was upset last week by Harding, 38-35. Harding had not won a conference game this season. ... The Wolves are seeking to right the ship too, having lost its last two games by seven and six points respectively.

Valdosta State

Record: 5-1 (3-1 GSC)

Next game: vs. Arkansas-Monticello (3-4, 2-3), 2 p.m. Saturday, Valdosta

• Valdosta State is riding high after last week's upset of No. 3 North Alabama. It has lost only once in eight all-time meetings with Arkansas-Monticello. ... The Blazers continue to balance their offensive attack, averaging 148 yards on the ground and 189 through the air. But it's an opportunistic defense that has stood out. Valdosta State has caused 16 turnovers in six games, including 12 interceptions. That has helped the Blazers limit opponents to an average if 14 points.

Morehouse

Record: 6-1 (5-1 SIAC)

Next game: vs. Albany State (7-0, 6-0), 2 p.m. Saturday, Atlanta

• This one is about as big as it gets. The winner will become the front-runner to win the SIAC. ... Morehouse running back David Carter (Sprayberry) ran for 205 yards and two touchdowns last week in a 14-point win against winless Stillman. ... Coach Rich Freeman continues to preach that this season needs to be the start of a new 100-year tradition at Morehouse. The Maroon Tigers expect a sellout for their homecoming game and Freeman is calling for everyone with any emotional ties to Morehouse to "stop what they are doing and get to the game."

Albany State

Record: 7-0 (6-0 SIAC)

Next game: at Morehouse (6-1, 5-1) 2 p.m. Saturday, Atlanta

• The Golden Rams have barely been tested this year, winning every game by two touchdowns or more. Early in the year, they trounced Tuskegee 34-6 and that doesn't bode well for Morehouse. The Maroon Tigers' sole loss was to Tuskegee 31-15. ... Last week's 27 points against Benedict was Albany State's lowest scoring performance of the year. ... The Golden Rams have not yielded more than 14 points all year, but Morehouse will be the strongest offense it has faced.

Fort Valley State