Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: South

Editor's Note: Our latest installment of the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series focuses on the teams in the South, which includes the remainder of the Carolinas, as well as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi.

Gulf South Conference (GSC)--(NCAA Division II):  With just five teams taking to the gridiron in 2011, even the non-conference games they play will take on added meaning.  As far as conference games are concerned, these three will likely decide who will finish on top in the GSC: Delta State at North Alabama (October 13), Valdosta State at Delta State (October 22), and North Alabama at Valdosta State (November 12).


Mid-South Conference (NAIA):  Although there are sure to be a lot of key games along the way throughout 2011, our pick here is the so-called "Battle of the Cumberlands" on the last day of the regular season, November 12, as Cumberland University (Tenn.) plays host to the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.).  The Patriots from Kentucky crushed the Bulldogs from Tennessee, 52-27, to win the MSC West Division title with a 5-1 conference record. 


Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)--(FCS):  Jacksonville State at Southeast Missouri State (November 12): Showdown in Cape Girardeau, Missouri could determine OVC autobid to FCS playoffs.

South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II):  Carson-Newman at Wingate (October 1): This showdown in North Carolina could have early implications not only on the SAC championship race, but ultimately, the NCAA Division II playoff race as well.

Southern Conference (FCS):  Georgia Southern at Appalachian State (October 29): Thanks to a stunning upset win in overtime, over the then top-ranked Mountaineers in last year's game, this long-standing, long-storied rivalry is relevant again this year.  

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC)--(NCAA Division III):  Centre at Millsaps (October 29): Majors play host to the Colonels in the potential "de-facto" SCAC championship game.


Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC):  SIAC Championship Game (at Atlanta)--(November 12):  The inaugural conference title game pits the winner of the East Division against the winner of the West Division.  Don't be surprised if Albany State (Ga.) and Tuskegee end up playing for all of the SIAC marbles.