Fort Valley State (0-0) at Miles (0-0)
When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Fairfield, Ala.
Key matchups: Fort Valley State's passing attack vs. Miles' secondary. On offense, Fort Valley was the SIAC leader in total offense last season, averaging 349 yards per game and 29.6 points. Fort Valley ranked No. 1 in the SIAC in pass efficiency and averaged 229 yards per game.
Keep an eye on: All-conference defensive back Dajuan Williams highlights a talented secondary. Williams, a sophomore, won dual SIAC honors as a freshman. He was named second-team all-conference and freshman of the year. Williams led the SIAC in interceptions with six.
Quick fact: Fort Valley State has won six of its past eight games, but gave up 83 points in the two losses.
Wingate at West Georgia, 7 p.m.
When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Carrollton
Key matchups: Wingate tailback Vince Jordan vs. West Georgia linebacker Travis Payton. Jordan had 215 yards rushing in Wingate's victory against West Georgia a year ago. Keeping him under control is huge for the Wolves.
Keep an eye on: The return of West Georgia center Ukandu Emeonye and defensive tackle Juan Pickett from injuries. Emeonye missed all of 2009 with a broken leg suffered in preseason, and Pickett missed almost of 2009 with a broken kneecap.
Quick fact: Playing a season opener at home has been a rarity for West Georgia. This game marks only the second time since 2002 that the Wolves have opened at home.
Morehouse (0-0) at Benedict (0-0)
When, where: 4 p.m. Saturday, Columbia, Palmetto Capital City Classic
Key matchups: Morehouse running back David Carter will need to exploit the Benedict defensive front. Benedict finished eighth in the SIAC against the run.
Keep an eye on: Morehouse's offensive line. With five starters averaging more than 315 pounds, coaches expect the line not to miss a beat, despite losing left tackle Ramon Harewood, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. Also, linebacker Charlie Wilson was on several postseason all-conference teams last year.
Quick fact: Since the arrival of coach Rich Freeman in 2007, the Maroon Tigers have amassed a 20-10 record, the second-best span in school history.
Clark Atlanta (0-0) at Lane (0-0)
When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jackson, Tenn.
Key matchups: Clark Atlanta running back Winston Thompson vs. the Lane defensive front. Thompson was selected this week as a second-team Division II All-American by d2proday.com. The Dragons allowed 34.7 points per game in the 2009 season.
Keep an eye on: Clark linebacker Harrison and safety Dominic Hughes and on offense, the holes created for Thompson by mammoth lineman James Ingram.
Quick fact: Former NFL players Bruce Smith and Darryl Talley will join the Panthers and the Dragons on the field for the traditional coin-toss. The two played alongside new Lane coach Derrick Burroughs for the Buffalo Bills.
Albany State (0-0) at Kentucky State (0-0)
When, where: 7 p.m. Saturday, Frankfort, Ky.
Key matchups: The Golden Rams' pass rush vs. the Kentucky State offensive line. Returning starters Antorio Wells and Justin Blash anchor the defensive line, and returning starters Frederick Green and Jacob Hardwick should provide experience at linebacker.
Keep an eye on: Wide receivers Ronnie Childs and Janell Jones. Both are returning starters and expected to be key contributors. Also, Albany State safety Mario Fuller is a first-team d2proday.com All-American.
Quick fact: Albany State won eight games last season before losing in the first round of the playoffs to West Alabama.
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