Falcons (1-7) vs Saints
This will be the week that Matt Ryan is likely to come back after a much-needed bye week. The struggling Falcons have seen their season fold right in front of their eyes, but with divisional games just beginning for the Falcons, they have a very interesting position.
While they are 1-7, none of their losses are division. Yeah, I get it. They still do not look that good as a team, but with so much riding on the last half of the season, if there is any room for improvement, the Falcons look to fill that space. With Matt Ryan returning, the once potent Falcons offense can get a much-needed boost. The offense isn’t what looks that bad anyway. It is Falcons ineffective ground game and their defense like in previous weeks.
The Saints are 7-1, leading the division without Drew Brees for the past 5 weeks and now that Brees will likely be back, the Saints divisional dominance can continue. The Falcons are obviously the underdog in this matchup, but with a Drew Brees coming off of hand surgery, if the Falcons can produce any pressure on Brees, they may be able to force some mistakes. Without a pass rush though, the Falcons are unlikely to compete for all four quarters and likely to give up a big day of offense. Tune in on Sunday to watch the Divisional matchup between the 1-7 Falcons and the 7-1 Saints.
Georgia (7-1) vs Missouri
After a big must-win game against Florida, Georgia likely solidified their spot in the SEC East. Their win over Florida showed that they are able to win the “big game” and that they are a legitimate team even if they are the favorites of the East. Their one loss makes them the best one-loss team in the playoff picture.
Now that UGA is back solidified as a top team, teams like Missouri without a consistent culture are not enough for Georgia. Georgia’s dominant ground game and stiff defense are able to control the game and prove their consistency. As they enter the last part of the season, a great late season rally will potentially help keep their playoffs within reach.
Georgia Tech (2-6) vs Virginia
Still last in the ACC, Tech is trying to stay above water and make something positive out of their season. Starting with the offense: It could be good, but with the lack of a consistent quarterback that can make all the throws, a spread offense for Georgia Tech is not yet possible. Through more recruiting and coach Collins getting the players to fit his potentially dangerous system, Tech will have success in the future, but for now, the offense will continue to struggle.
The Georgia Tech defense is not as bad as the offense, and it has struggled due to the lack of an offense to keep them off the field. With several young playmakers in the secondary, the passing game has been a bright spot, but the defense has struggled to stop the run. With coach Collins being largely an offensive mind coming from a high powered Temple University, this may be a reflection of his focus on tendency, however, with Virginia possessing a solid team coming into this game, Georgia Tech will need to lean heavily on their ground game and make plays without turning the ball over.
Georgia State (6-2) vs Louisiana-Monroe
Coming off of a bye week and boasting a 4 game winning streak, State has a very big opportunity; to win the Sun Belt Championship. As the best team that Georgia State has had to date, they have shown they are one of the best teams in the Sun Belt and has even shown more dominance than many teams in the state.
Tra Barnett, Georgia State running back, looks to become the first 1,000-yard rusher in school history. His efforts have contributed to an offense that dominated against a conference opponent, Troy University with 590 yards and 340 yards on the ground. Head Coach Shawn Elliot is well aware of the task that his team is facing. In an interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution,
“Elliot: “It’s great to be bowl-eligible,” Elliott said. “...we have an opportunity to do so much more than going to a bowl game and that’s why I’m so proud.””
As State goes into easily their toughest stretch of games with ULM, Southern and App State, they will have to beat App for the first time in school history if they want to have a legitimate shot at the conference title.
Georgia Southern (5-3) vs Troy
Last week, Georgia Southern grabbed a great win against the conference leader, Appalachian State. Over the years, Georgia Southern has proved to be a team to be reckoned with and beating App State proved that once again. With App State boasting a win against UNC this season, it proves that Georgia Southern is obviously a legitimate football team. However, with 3 losses, their chances of winning the conference title will be difficult as their championship will depend on either another App State loss or a victory against Georgia State.
Against Troy, Southern will be able to control the game with their ground game. Their triple-option attack is one of the hardest offenses to defend, which is what makes them so dangerous against any opponent. At any given time, a lapse in focus will allow the high powered ground game an opportunity to break. Going into the final 4 games, a victory in all 4 contests will determine their fate in a tough conference.
Kennesaw State (7-2) vs Campbell
After a devastating loss to the top team in the Big South, Monmouth, KSU is now in a tough spot for the conference lead. At this point, Monmouth remains the only undefeated Big South team and does not have much more of a challenge this season. Kennesaw State can only hope Monmouth loses and continue to win in large fashion against the remaining opponents.
Campbell Camels boast a defense that is very athletic and fast and an offense that is led by Senior transfer, Johnathan Hawkins. His rushing efforts have helped them get some good wins this season and stay relevant in the conference. But KSU’s offense may prove too much for their conference opponent and maintaining a strict defense against the option offense will be difficult against an experienced coach in Bohannon.
Mercer University (4-5) vs Wofford
For Mercer University to stay at .500 or greater on the season, the final two conference games will determine their outcome. With the final game coming against UNC, it will be a test that will certainly challenge the team. However, this upcoming Saturday has big implications; senior night, which signifies the final home game as well and it is homecoming too. This game is clearly a must-win for the Bears and for them to accomplish it, the defense has to come up big and have an effect on the game.
Ever since the resurgence of the Mercer Football team and their entrance into the Southern Conference, Mercer has never beaten Wofford in 5 attempts. Wofford remains as the only team that Mercer has yet to get a win against in conference play and each attempt has seen the margin get smaller and smaller. Despite the usually tight contest, last year's game saw Mercer lose in a lopsided contest that did not sit well. However, this season, there is no clear favorite of the conference and this game can definitely be decided by a score or less.
