GAC Week Three Preview

The Great American Conference has had a great start to the season. Five of the top 16 rushing offenses in the nation can be found in GAC. However, five of bottom 11 rushing defense can also be seen in conference. It's only two games in, but it's a troubling trend for those schools.

Tylan Morton, quarterback, Southwestern Oklahoma State, was named the Offensive Player of the Week.

Kaytron Allen, safety, Arkansas-Monticello, was the GAC's Defensive Player of the Week. Allen made eight tackles and two interceptions, including a 90-yard pick-six.

Jaren Van Winkle was the Special Teams Player of the Week for Southwestern Oklahoma State. He made 3 extra points, 3 field goals and 2 punts over 70 yards.

Arkansas-Monticello (2-0) is playing at Henderson State (0-2). The Weevils are 2-1 for the first time since 2011. Henderson has a good ground game, but the quarterback position is uncertain. The most interesting question is if UAM's Demilon Brown can take advantage of Henderson's inexperienced secondary.

Southeastern OSU (1-1) is playing Southwestern OSu (0-2) in Weatherford. SouthWestern won last week against Southern Arkansas. Southeastern lost at Harding. Offensive Player of the Week Tylan Morton wasn't sacked at all against Henderson State. The Savage Storm defense was gashed for 389 yards on the ground against Harding last weekend.

No. 9 Ouachita Baptist (2-0) is leading the nation in rushing offense at 354.5 yards per game. Arkansas Tech (1-1) won its first game after a close loss to Southeastern. Ouacha Baptist is coming off a shutout of Southern Nazarene. Tech's first foray with one of the big five rushing offenses in the conference will be a measuring stick for how much improvement the Wonder Boys have achieved under coach Kyle Shipp.

Southern Arkansas (1-1) is at No. 7 Harding (2-0) in GAC Week Three. Harding beat Southeastern last week. Southern Arkansas put up nearly 300 yards on the ground against Southwestern last time. The Bisons looked much more like the Bison last game.

Oklahoma Baptist (0-2) at Northwestern OSU (1-0) is the first of two GAC games this week. Both teams have struggled in the opening two games. OBU's performance last week at Arkansas-Monticello was shocking. Northwestern hasn't shown much improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

East Central (0-2) plays Southern Nazarene (1-0) in a GAC game. Both teams are struggling to find their form. The key matchup will be the ECU offense vs. the SNU defense. The Tigers are giving up just 331 yards per game and converting just 29 percent on third downs.