Carrollton, GA - A battle that has building below the surface of the Gulf South Conference is ready to explode Saturday in Florence, Ala., as the two teams that have been at the top of the league defensively for the bulk of the season are on a collision course at Braly Memorial Stadium. That's where the Wolves of West Georgia will take on 3rd-ranked North Alabama Saturday at 7 p.m.

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* Week 8 is the final game in a four-week gauntlet for the West Georgia Wolves, as UWG will face off with its third ranked opponent in four weeks at #3 North Alabama. The Wolves are 2-1 in that span, with wins over the two ranked opponents (UWA, DSU) and a loss to unranked Valdosta State. West Georgia was ranked as high as 21st in the nation during that span.

* The Wolves are coached by Will Hall, who is in his first season at West Georgia. He has an overall record of 31-12 in his fourth year as a head coach. Bobby Wallace is the head man at North Alabama, and the legendary coach has a career record of 148-145-1 in 36 years as a head coach.

* West Georgia comes into the game with a 6-1 record on the year and a 2-1 spot in Gulf South Conference play. Third-ranked North Alabama is 6-0 on the year and 3-0 in conference play with GSC victories over Florida Tech, Valdosta State and newcomer Mississippi College.

* Both teams are coming off of hard-fought, close Gulf South Conference victories, as UWG beat 9th-ranked Delta State in Carrollton last week 24-16, building a 24-10 lead and holding off the top scoring offense in the nation in the 4th quarter. UNA held off GSC upstart Florida Tech in the final seconds in Melbourne, Fla., winning 34-31 over the Panthers.
* Any fan watching this game this week can look for a low-scoring battle, as both teams give up less than 315 yards of total offense per game on the year. UNA leads the GSC in scoring defense, allowing 13.8 points per game while the Wolves are allowing 14.4 points per game on the year.

* This week will also be a battle of backs, as the Wolves and Lions each have a running back among the top-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Lamonte Thompson is second in the GSC in rushing, averaging 95.5 yards per game while Seth Hinsley averages 84.7 yards per game, good for third. Hinsley averages 5.6 yards per carry on the year and Thompson 5.7. Thompson has seven touchdowns to Hinsley's four on the year.