Carrollton, GA - Saturday afternoon in Valdosta, a clash will happen that exemplifies the best in college football, as the West Georgia Wolves take on the Valdosta State Blazers at Bazemore-Hyder Field.

The two teams have met 27 times in the series history, dating back to the 1983 season. The series has been somewhat defined by the decades, as each team has dominated each of the three decades that the two teams have been playing. Valdosta State dominated the 80's, winning seven straight to open the series.

West Georgia came firing back in the 90's, winning seven of the 10 meetings in that decade. Since 2000, however, the Blazers have been on top of the series, going 9-1 since the turn of the century.

But the 2010 season is a different year, as two very similar teams will meet on the gridiron Saturday afternoon.

Defensive Comparison
The Wolves are a team that has seen the rise of the defense in 2010, as the UWG defense, led by end #Jeremy Cook# and linebacker #Travis Payton#, has been a solid part of the West Georgia attack all season long. Cook is fourth in the nation in sacks and Payton is one of the top tacklers in the conference, giving the Wolves a threatening presence near the line of scrimmage.

The Blazers are also led by a penetrating defense, as VSU is giving up just 293 yards per game on the season, including 83 on the ground. For a quick glance at just how good the VSU defense is, look no further than corner Stevie Harden, who has seven interceptions on the year, has caught no passes on the offensive side of the ball and has a team-leading four touchdowns.

Offensive Comparison
Perhaps the biggest battle on the day will be between UWG receiver #Arkeem French# and Harden. French is averaging 62.6 yards per game through the air and has six touchdowns to his credit. Another big battle will be between Wolves' center #Jay Jay White# and VSU nose guard Demario Jones. The VSU defensive lineman is a candidate for All-America and has been wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines all season. UWG has a running back by committee, led by #Yusuf Holloway# (40 ypg) and #James Kennebrew# (35 ypg).

Valdosta State also has a running back by committee approach, as three different runners average between 36 and 28 yards per game. The best is David Arnold, who has 73 carries and 372 yards on the season. 

Special Teams Comparison
West Georgia's special teams have taken a turn for the better in 2010, as the Wolves have one of the most electrifying returners in the league this year. Freshman #Denarius Appling# could be nicknamed "The Blur", as he is tied for the lead in the conference in punt returns, averaging 16.2 yards per return with a touchdown on the year. He nearly had another in the GSC opener against Harding, but was tripped up at the last second. Three weeks ago at Arkansas-Monticello, the Wolves also blocked two field goals and a punt, with #Manny Rodriguez# returning one of the blocked field goals for a touchdown.

Special teams has been a strength for the Blazers this season, led by punter #Jack Fulford#, who is averaging 41.5 yards per punt. But that is not where he excels, as he has consistently pinned opponents inside the 20 this season, 20 times to be exact.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 p.m.