UWF Football: No. 7 Argos ready for round two vs. Mississippi College's strong rushing attack

The University of West Florida climbed up one spot in the NCAA Division II rankings after it took a share of the Gulf South Conference regular season title with its win  win at Valdosta State last week.

One of those victories en route to the title was a 45-17 home blowout over Mississippi College on Oct. 22.

Now, the No. 7 Argos prepare for an all-important rematch against the Choctaws, this time on the road. Kickoff for this GSC regional game is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Robinson-Hale Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi.

"When you beat somebody, you go look at what worked and what didn't work. When you don't, you focus on how close you were. We won the first matchup, so we have focused on how close they were and what they did well so we know what to counter with," Argos' head coach Pete Shinnick said.

Last week's win: UWF wins share of Gulf South Conference title in thrilling overtime win

Home finale: No. 8 Argos strong rushing attack led the way again in win over West Alabama

In that game three weeks ago, UWF gained 334 rushing yards, 123 more than Mississippi College. The home team also had possession for three minutes longer than the visitors, which was very surprising.

All season long, the Choctaws (4-6) have led the GSC in rushing (340.8 rushing yards) and time of possession (33 minutes, 25 seconds).

West Florida is tasked again with slowing down the Mississippi College running-back trio of John Henry White, Marcus Williams, and Cole Fagan. With each accounting for at least 600 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, all the three backs are among the top-15 rushers in the GSC this season.

"They are still a dangerous team, still a team we were concerned about three weeks ago, and we know they limit opportunities with how they play," Shinnick said.

Here are three items to look for in Saturday's matchup.

Stakes are still high

The GSC regional game was introduced for the first time this season as every conference team is in action this week.

"We are a league that no one wants to play and two teams have dropped out the league the last few years," Shinnick said. "This guarantees that everyone has enough quality D-2 opponents for strength of schedule instead of playing an NAIA or a game that doesn't help strength of schedule."

Despite the Argos win last week, there is still a lot at stake. This extra game doesn't count in the GSC standings, but it still has an impact on their regional rankings.

With a 7-1 record, UWF is currently ranked third in the NCAA Division II Super Region II. Unbeaten Benedict College sits on top of the region followed by 8-1 Delta State.

West Florida secures a postseason spot and at least one home playoff game with a win on Saturday.

Injury concerns

The Argos will be without Larry Rembert on Saturday due to a shoulder injury. In that Oct. 22 contest, the senior wide receiver had two catches for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Rembert is primarily the team's third option on the outside, but Nate Howard stepped up last week to fill that void. The redshirt 5-foot-9 sophomore from Land O'Lakes had four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Blazers.

"We are pretty good, but Larry is out," Shinnick said. "We have great depth in our receiving room and there are guys who have been chomping at the bit to get playing time. This time of the year it's rare you see guys not banged up."

Meanwhile, junior running back Shomari Mason is dealing with a right high-ankle sprain and foot injury that has limited him in the last three games.

Defensively, Shinnick plans to use more of his backups to combat Mississippi College's physical style of play.

Consistency

Junior quarterback PeeWee Jarrett has had some very good moments in his first season in West Florida, but has also had times that he's looked out of sync with his receivers.

Things appear to be trending upward for the 6-foot-3 signal caller from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jarrett is coming off his best game last week, throwing for 309 yards and four passing touchdowns while racking up 109 rushing yards. He also made his best Cam Newton impression with a game-winning two-point conversion run at the goal line in overtime.

The Argos will likely make the playoffs and face competition that will play better for a full four quarters. That will make it harder for them to make the second-half comebacks they have been accustomed to this season. A way to avoid those situations is for Jarrett to continue playing his best.

His consistent play can easily uplift this team to a deep playoff run and he has shown the ability to play Superman.

Greg Hollis is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached at ghollis@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: UWF Football: Argos get ready for round two against Mississippi College