Valdosta State has climbed to No. 10 in the Division II coaches poll by continuing to win close games, sometimes in dramatic fashion.
That’s fine with coach David Dean, who is preparing the Blazers (6-1, 1-0 Gulf South Conference) for a showdown at No. 1 Delta State (7-1, 1-0) on Saturday.
“That’s kind of the way we’ve done it all year long,” Dean said on his coach’s show. “We are finding ways to win. I will continue to take it each and every week.”
The Blazers’ latest escape was a 22-21 victory over then-No. 22 West Alabama on Saturday. Matt Pierce returned two interceptions for touchdowns, including an 85-yard score with less than six minutes to play.
Earlier this season Valdosta State came from two touchdowns behind to defeat No. 20 Wingate in double overtime. The Blazers needed touchdowns on a fumble and punt return to defeat Newberry 24-17 and kicked a field goal with 3:15 to play to defeat No. 6 Albany State 30-27.
Their recent history against Delta State suggests the Blazers may play another close game Saturday. Delta State has won five consecutive games in the series, with each victory by a margin of eight points or less.
“We just can’t find a way to beat those guys,” Dean said. “Hopefully this is the going to be the year do that. It’s not an easy place to play. ... They’ve got a lot of confidence playing us. We have go to try to somehow knock that confidence out.”
Delta State, the national runner-up in 2010, surged to No. 1 after beating then-No. 1 North Alabama 30-24 in overtime Saturday. Delta State’s only defeat was a 24-23 loss to FCS (formerly Division I-AA) opponent Northwestern State.
“They’ve got everything,” Dean said. “They’ve got great speed on defense. They’ve got a veteran quarterback who’s outstanding, great wide receivers, a big line.”
The Blazers are 3-0 this season in games against ranked opponents. They are 2-5 all-time in games against top-ranked teams, including a 70-12 victory against Delta State in 2001.
Kickoff for the game Saturday was moved to 8 p.m. to accommodate television. The game will be available on ESPN Game Plan or online at ESPN3.
Playoff push
The NCAA will release its first Division II regional rankings Tuesday. The top six teams from each super region will receive playoff bids, and Valdosta State is among three state teams that look to have a good chance at invitations from Super Region 2, if they finish strong.
Albany State (5-2, 3-1 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) is back in the coaches and media polls after its 25-15 victory over Morehouse on Saturday. By winning their final three games, the Golden Rams would win the East division and essentially assure their eighth consecutive playoffs berth.
Morehouse (5-2, 3-1) also figures to get strong postseason consideration if it wins out. The Maroon Tigers earned their first playoffs berth in 2010 with a 7-3 record that included two conference losses.
West Georgia (4-2) will have to navigate a demanding schedule to make the postseason. The Wolves played West Alabama on Thursday night and finish with games against Valdosta State, No. 5 North Alabama and Delta State.
The NCAA selection committee’s criteria include Division II record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results and results against common opponents. The first round of the playoffs, with games played at campus sites, begins Nov. 19.
Etc.
West Georgia junior Davis Brackett (Harrison High) was named Gulf South special-teams player of the week. Brackett’s 35-yard field goal as time expired sent the Wolves to a 23-21 victory over Saint Augustine’s. Brackett also had four punts for 160 yards, including a long of 56. ... The SIAC named Albany State’s Rashad McRae its defensive player of the week. McRae had 10 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble during the victory over Morehouse. ... Fort Valley State freshman quarterback Cameron Pearson was named SIAC offensive player of the week after he completed 16 of 29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns in a 58-30 loss to FCS-foe Bethune-Cookman.
Quotable
“The playbook is expanded to about as far as it can go. It probably does not look real fancy out there. It is the same stuff every week, but our guys get better at it, and that is one of the things that I think is great about this offense. You do the same things over and over.” — Georgia Southern coach Jeff Monken on his team’s triple-option offense after a 50-20 victory against Furman on Saturday
By the numbers
129 Consecutive extra points made by Georgia Southern Adrian Mora, who broke the FCS record of 126 in a row in the third quarter against Furman.
4 Consecutive losses for Clark Atlanta, which must beat Albany State on Saturday to avoid a losing season.
Saturday’s schedule
Fort Valley State vs. Stillman, 2 p.m.
Georgia Southern vs. Presbyterian College, 2 p.m.
Albany State vs. Clark Atlanta (Waycross), 3 p.m.
Valdosta State at Delta State, 8 p.m.
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