Sept. 24, 2002
Southern Arkansas-Valdosta State
Match Crucial
Magnolia, Ark.-Southern Arkansas University, off to a good start in Gulf South Conference play after ambushing favored State University of West Georgia 42-21 here last Saturday, will face their toughest test so far this season Saturday in Valdosta, Ga., against unbeaten Valdosta State University.
The Muleriders, after losing their opener to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Tex., 35-26, evened their record the following week by defeating Texas A&M-Commerce in Commerce, Tex., 27-23. The win over West Georgia was SAU’s first home game of the year.
The Blazers are a perfect 3-0, shutting out Albany State at Albany, Ga., 26-0 in their opener. In home games, VSU breezed past Fort Valley State 32-6 and blanked highly-regarded Delta State last week 42-0. The Blazers have scored 100 points to six by their three opponents. Delta was the NCAA Division II national champion only two years ago.
While the ‘Riders are leading the GSC in rushing with 253.7 yards a game, the Blazer defense has allowed only an incredible 20 rushing yards a contest, an astonishing statistic in this era of high-octane offenses. VSU is reported to have outstanding linebackers, defensive linemen and an excellent secondary with speed and physical ability. Their offense is supposed to be good, too, with outstanding receivers, a capable quarterback, good running backs and an experienced offensive line.
For the first time since 1999, the ‘Riders have made a Top 25 in the national rankings. SAU has climbed to 23rd in Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette released Tuesday. Valdosta State was third. Other GSC schools ranked were Central Arkansas 11th, Harding 22nd and West Georgia fell to 39th after their first loss. In the American Football Coaches Association poll, Valdosta is second-ranked in the nation and SAU is unranked. UCA is ranked ninth and Harding 24th. In D2Football.com, Valdosta is ranked third and Central Arkansas fifth, the only two GSC schools ranked.