Know Your Foe: No. 7 MS Gulf Coast

Indians looks to finish strong against tough opponent
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com

The regular season comes to a close Saturday with the Indians look to finish strong against a tough No. 7 ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast team.

The Indians (4-4, 4-2) wrapped up North Division play last week winning their third consecutive game giving them momentum heading into Saturday's homecoming game with the Bulldogs. Picking up their fourth straight and the homecoming win will be a tall task for the Indians. Gulf Coast (7-1, 5-1) is the first place team in the South Division and are coming in hungry after suffering their first loss last week to Co-Lin. With both teams hungry to finish strong, it is sure to be an intense battle.

Defense

The defense struggled last week in the Indians offensive shootout win over Delta last week, but had strong showing the two week's prior Myles Harges (Grenada) led the Indians last week with 11-tackles and Quindarius Thagard (Luverne, AL) picked up an interception that led to a touchdown. The Indians applied pressure on Delta's quarterback last week but he was able to scramble and make things happen. The Indians will be faced with another quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs in Jason Smith. Smith, who is an Auburn commit, has thrown for 1,171-yards and 9-touchdowns, all without throwing a single interception. The 6'1" 180 pound quarterback is also third in rushing for the Bulldogs with 365-yards and 7-touchdowns. The Indians are preparing to get back to their style of play that has brought them success late this season, and close the season strong.

Offense

The Indians lit up the Delta sky last week with players having career days. Kwadra Griggs (Greenwood) threw for 374-yards and 4-touchdowns against the Trojans while connecting with six different receivers. Jaquez McMillian (Southaven) and D'Andre Belton (Ridgeway, SC) had the most impressive catches on the day and both found their way into the end zone combining for 3-touchdowns. McMillian's tip drill like catch for a touchdown and Belton's one handed grab were highlights in a very high scoring affair. Richard McQuarley (Meridian), who is currently third nationally in rushing yards (1,139), ran for his sixth 100 plus yard game this season on Saturday. The Indians have averaged 45 points per game over the last three weeks and if they can continue their high scoring they are sure to give themselves a chance to pick up their fourth consecutive win.

The Foe

Throughout the season, the Bulldogs have been ranked in the top five nationally and are the team many believe could give No. 1 East Mississippi a run for their money. Gulf Coast ranks in the top 25 in 29 different categories including being third in red zone touchdowns, scoring 90 percent of the time. However, they have only been in the red zone ten times this season, which means they make big plays. Their big plays all start from Smith, but he utilizes several receivers who all have play making capabilities. Smith's favorite target is Tyrone Williams, who he connected with 37 times this season for 666-yards and 10-touchdowns. Despite their success through the air, the Bulldogs are more productive on the ground averaging 237 yards a game. Defensively, the Bulldogs are allowing only 221 yards per game and have picked up 29 sacks this season.

Saturday's game will be broadcast live from Eaton Field on WAFM 95.7 FM (Amory) and LetsGoICC.com with the Davis Ford Pregame Show starting at 3:10 p.m. followed by the First American National Bank Opening Kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

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