Pittsburgh Power Vs. Georgia Force Preview

Saturday April 30th, 2011 - 7:30 PM

The Arena at Gwinnett Center

TV: NiFTy TV

Radio: 93.7 FM (Pittsburgh), 790 AM (Atlanta/Duluth)

It's the battle of second place teams in the American Conference as the Pittsburgh Power (3-3) travel to Duluth, Georgia to take on the Georgia Force (4-2).

Both teams are coming off wins that helped the team they face this week.  Pittsburgh was on the road in the Graveyard and brought home a 56-49 victory over the Force's division rival New Orleans VooDoo.  Georgia returned the favor by defeating the Milwaukee Mustangs 57-48.

Pittsburgh benefited greatly by recovering three VooDoo fumbles.  The Force are dead even in turnover differential this year, so don't look for them to make too many mistakes in that department.  Georgia does rank next to last in penalty yards per game, so that could play a factor in this matchup.

After a rocky start to the year at the quarterback position, Anthony Morelli has been very solid for the Power during his two starts.  He has thrown for 522 yards, 11 TD's, and also run for 73 yards and a score.  He's done all of this while only losing one fumble.  Is it enough to keep a hold on the starting gig though? 

The Power have reactivated original starter Bernard Morris, so head coach Chris Siegfried has a decision to make.  Stick with the hot hand in Morelli, or go back to who he originally felt was the best quarterback.  

Whoever he chooses, they will be facing the second best pass defense in the AFL.  Tracy Belton and Eric Crosby both have four interceptions, which ties them for sixth in the league.  Ahmad Hawkins has added three picks as well.  

One of the strengths of the Power offense is the fact they have tremendous depth at wide receiver.  This makes it hard to pick one person to focus on.  Even if the Force take away some of the receiving threats, Josh Rue can be a strong factor on the ground against one of the league's weakest run defenses.

Force quarterback Brett Elliott is having a very strong 2011 campaign.  He has posted 1626 yards, 33 TD's and only 5 interceptions.  His 120.7 QB rating is good for third in the league. 

The key to this game will be how well the Power can contain the dual threat of wide receivers Maurice Purify (700 yards, 14 TD) and Larry Shipp, Jr. (638 yards, 11 TD).  Combine that with WR/KR C.J. Johnson who has combined for 882 multipurpose yards and 6 total TD's. 

I do think this is going to be a very close game and ultimately is going to come down to who makes less mistakes.  The Power have been a little better in that department so far this year so I will give them a slight edge.

THE VOICE SAYS.... POWER 63-56