3/20 SoCon Pick'em / PowerRanking Thread

[FUBeAR]

PowerRanking

1) VMI
2) Furman
3) ETSU
4) Samford
5) Chattanooga
6) Wofford
7) Mercer
8) WCU
9) bellhops


PickEm



Away
Home
Prediction


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chatt (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
Furman 31
Chattanooga 21


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
VMI 42
Samford 21


https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30CIT
ETSU 20
The Citadel 10


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30WCU
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_mercer.png?width=30Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
Mercer 35
WCU 7

[Mocs123]

I never seem to be able to decide what to think this spring season, and I'm not sure how sure the Mocs are taking this spring season, but I don't think the Mocs are #5 in the SoCon.

[gofurman]

I never seem to be able to decide what to think this spring season, and I'm not sure how sure the Mocs are taking this spring season, but I don't think the Mocs are #5 in the SoCon.

agree. Top three are VMI. CHATT. FURMAN

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR chose not to ignore the full context of these 2 games in his analysis as he prepared his PowerRanking...



https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)25
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)24




https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)14
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)21



If y’all choose to ignore them, that’s certainly your privilege.

[Milktruck74]

I like it when FuBear chooses the Mocs' opponent....That usually means a Mocs dubya. He does a decent job in his predictions, but not so much when he goes against the Mocs!!!!!

[Mocs123]

Chattanooga 27
Furman 24– I think this will be a physical slugfest between the two strongest teams in the SoCon. I’m not sure how seriously the Mocs are taking this spring, but we’ll find out this weekend.

VMI 37
Samford 31 – I think this will be a high scoring shootout, but VMI remains unbeaten in SoCon play. The Keydets are well motivated and continue the push for the autobid.

ETSU 17
The Citadel 13 – Is this the week the Bulldogs win their first game of 2020? I tend to think they are the better team, but I also think they have mailed it in for the year.

WCU 17
Mercer 20 - Do the Catamounts go on a winning streak? I think the Bears spoil Speirs win streak attempt.

1.)VMI
2-A.)Chattanooga
2-B.)Furman
4.)Samford
5.)ETSU
6.)Wofford
7.)Mercer
8.)Western Carolina
9.)The Citadel

[bonarae]

Furman
VMI
ETSU
Mercer

[PaladinNation]

I did get Samford beating Wofford correct, I'm going with Samford again this week. I'me curious to see what happens when VMI plays a high-octane offense on a fast field.

The one consistency this season for Furman is the defense. Furman lists a three-deep depth chart on defense and that's not a gimmick. All the heavy rotation appears to position Furman to play some stiff defense in the fourth quarter. Side note 23 players on the defense depth chart are sophomores and freshman. I'm not sure when Furman has ever had the big bodies up front on defense that are this athletic. Gotta feeling defensive-tackle Matt Sochovka will be on some coaches ballots at the end of the season.

Last weekend was billed by the ESPN crew as a Wynn/Holmes matchup, and this week I'm sure people will want to highlight Wynn/Price. Wynn for the second week in a row is a second-half wrecking ball. Furman is underusing Wynn he only carried the ball 15 times against ETSU but ended up with 152 yards of total offense. I'm betting the Mocs will see a good bit of Wynn Saturday.

A quick highlight package from Furman/ETSU includes a field-level view of the Wynn touchdown trucking of a BUC defensive back.
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1371178262613876740

[FUBeAR]

I did get Samford beating Wofford correct
Didn’t everyone?

[Mocs123]

Too bad we have to wait until the fall to see a Wynn/Ford match up - That ought to be a good one.

[FUBeAR]

Too bad we have to wait until the fall to see a Wynn/Ford match up - That ought to be a good one.
Rumor is that Chatt is claiming they are only bringing some HS Soph’s they met at a recent 7-on-7 tournament in the Scenic City, along with their Beach Volleyball Team to face Furman on Sat.

Can you confirm this to be accurate? I believe I read it in a recent Gene Henley column in the CFP.

[The Cats]

I never seem to be able to decide what to think this spring season, and I'm not sure how sure the Mocs are taking this spring season, but I don't think the Mocs are #5 in the SoCon.

You are correct, no lower than #2 this week.

[The Cats]

Chattanooga at Furman
VMI at Samford
ETSU at The Citadel
Western Carolina at Mercer

all visiting teams win this week in the SoCon......


2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #4) (https://catamountsportsblog.blogspot.com/2021/03/2021-socon-football-power-rankings_15.html)

[Mocs123]

I think we'll at least bring a few walk-on's to mix with the HS Sophomores and Beach Volleyball Team.

I may be able to gleam some additional information after the game notes get released, but Rusty said in an interview last week that he planned on getting more freshmen and walkons in the rest of the games this spring. We started a few walkon's against The Citadel including a senior NT that had only seen action in two games prior (and no meaningful snaps).

Here is who I expect to be out:

Ailym Ford (RB)- Technically he's been nursing a hamstring issue. Coach Wright said before the Wofford game that he was 95% and would have started and played if it was a fall game. My impression is we will see very little if any Ford this spring.

Chris James (TE)-I'm not sure what his injuries are, but I know he's been held out of practice a lot this spring. I don't expect we will see Mr. James until fall.

DJ Jackson (DB) - DJ has opted out of the spring season. He shows up on the participation report for The Citadel, but that isn't correct - he didn't play.

Christian Smith (NT) - Hasn't played this spring. He's not on the opt out list, so I suspect he's injured.

Aaron Sears (K) - Had off season (spring) surgery to get ready for fall.


Here are some other key guys that might be back (or not I have no idea)

Telly Plummer (DB) - He's been nursing some injuries this spring. We may see him at some point.

Tez Wilson (OLB/DE) - DNP vs. The Citadel - No idea why.

CJ Winston (OLB) - Has not played this spring, no idea why.

Marlon Taylor (NT) - Played well vs Wofford, DNP vs. The Citadel no idea why.

Jeffery Wood (RB/WR) - Has had an eye injury (poked in the eye in practice) - not sure if he'll be back this week or not.

[OhioHen]

Furman
Samford
The Citadel
Mercer

[ElCid]

Furman
Samford
The Citadel
Mercer

Going with all the home teams huh. I like it. I haven't gotten serious picking yet, but the one glaring one I see is VMI/Samford. VMI is crazy balanced this year. Samford will have problems with that. I still might pick them, but I'm fairly sure the Keydets can take them.

[SU DOG]

Unfortunately, as long as there is a 4th quarter, there is a chance for any Samford opponent.

[PaladinNation]

Unfortunately, as long as there is a 4th quarter, there is a chance for any Samford opponent.


wise words… but at Samford on turf I think your speed on offense is going to give VMI fits. I'm a believer this week.

[FUBeAR]

wise words… but at Samford on turf I think your speed on offense is going to give VMI fits. I'm a believer this week.
That will be the test. The Keydets are all about that Man Coverage life. And their DB’s have been able to contain (for the most part) the Retrievers of the 1st 3 opponents. Certainly, Samford has a few man-beaters on the roster (King & Washington come to mind). If they can buy Welch enough time to let them get down the field..and he can get the ball down the field more-or-less on target, we’ll find out if VMI has the wheels they need to play the D they’re playing.

If they do, they won’t lose a SoCon game and can make some noise in the Playoffs.

If they don’t, Sammy will smoke ‘em, deep for 2 or 3 scores, they’ll start doubting / re-jiggering their D schemes / playing more off vs. press...and they’ll be a pretty good SoCon Team that still may lose a game or 2 in the Conference.

FUBeAR, channelling the Little Engine, thinks they can. Do THEY?

Cuz if they try to go away from what got ‘em to 3-0 cuz they’re skeer’t of SammySpeed, then they’ve lost this game already.

[ElCid]

Unfortunately, as long as there is a 4th quarter, there is a chance for any Samford opponent.

I like it. But let me modify it for MY Bulldogs...as long as there is a first half, there is a no chance we win a game this spring. Too funny.

But seriously, as long we stay healthy and get the reps, it will be a good Spring in my book.

[paward]

Furman
VMI
Citi
Mecer

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR’s (1st) Feral Flash (y’know...like a “Hot Take”...maybe it’ll become a thing)

the bellhops, who currently hold the 2nd longest losing streak in FCS Football (9 games), lose out to Sammy, the Teary-ers, Furman, and VMI. Texas Southern wins 1 of their remaining 4, sending CIT into the ‘21 Fall season with the longest losing streak in FCS (13 games) and having failed to win a Football game for at least 672 days. Further, FUBeAR doesn’t see them having any chance of beating CCU on 9/4/21. They might have a chance against Charleston Southern the following week, but if they lose their 15th consecutive game to the Bucs, they are off the following week...and the streak could run to 693 days without a win...or longer if they, then, fall to SC State. How long is that in (bull)dog years?

[Mocs123]

If the bellhops finish the spring season without a win - how hot would Thompson's seat get? I know The Citadel has had a history of cyclical success but would the fan base start calling for a change?

No matter what happens this spring, I'll be pulling for the Charleston Bulldogs the first three games of 2021. I always pull for SoCon teams OOC.

[Mocs123]

The Mocs released the Game Notes for the Furman game today and for whatever it's worth (RB)Ailym Ford, (TE)Chris James, and (DT)Christian Smith are not listed on the 2 - deep. (DB)DJ Jackson and (K) Aaron Sears are also not listed but they are not playing this spring due to opt out and surgery respectively. Second teamers (LB) CJ Winston, (DT) Marlon Taylor, and (WR) Tyrin Summers are also not listed.I

I did notice that (DB) Jalen Lee is back on the 2-deep . Jalen had been out due to injury.

[kdinva]

UTC 21 at Furman 28
VMI 31 at Samford 24
ETSU 20 at The Citadel 23
Western Carolina 17 at Mercer 30

[FUBeAR]

The Mocs released the Game Notes for the Furman game today and for whatever it's worth (RB)Ailym Ford, (TE)Chris James, and (DT)Christian Smith are not listed on the 2 - deep. (DB)DJ Jackson and (K) Aaron Sears are also not listed but they are not playing this spring due to opt out and surgery respectively. Second teamers (LB) CJ Winston, (DT) Marlon Taylor, and (WR) Tyrin Summers are also not listed.I

I did notice that (DB) Jalen Lee is back on the 2-deep . Jalen had been out due to injury.Stanford Jennings (RB), Louis Ivory (RB), Jerome Felton (FB), Dakota Dozier (OL), Ingle Martin (QB), David Whitehurst (QB), Sam Wyche (QB), and Rhoten Shetley (P) all will not be playing for Furman on Saturday.

Should we assume that TO is also Out...or maybe, just Questionable?

[Mocs123]

TO is out of eligibility or otherwise he would be out there Saturday making a mockery of a few Paladin defensive backs. In all honestly, Reggie Henderson has looked pretty TO like the first couple of games. There were two catches in the Wofford game that were Sportcenter worthy - one he was called out of bounds or it would have been though from the replay it looked like he was forced out to me.

A few of those guys were before my time, but I am absolutely glad I don't have to see Felton or Martin again. I remember Dozier, but he played on some sub-par Furman teams. You will get to see Furman great Adam Mims on Saturday though, just not wearing the color your remember.

[PaladinNation]

Bringing up Felton brings me to Devin Wynn. Not sure Furman's had a tailback with his power - maybe Robbie Gardner or Louis Ivory. Wynn was physically dominate in the 4th against the BUCS. I hope we seem more Wynn Saturday…

[FUBeAR]

Bringing up Felton brings me to Devin Wynn. Not sure Furman's had a tailback with his power - maybe Robbie Gardner or Louis Ivory. Wynn was physically dominate in the 4th against the BUCS. I hope we seem more Wynn Saturday…
Robbie Gardner?

THE LAST TIME THEY MET: OCT. 16, 1982
Furman built up an 18-point lead and held off a fourth-quarter comeback as the Paladins defeated South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium, 28-23. Robbie Gardner ran for a four-yard touchdown with 2:37 to play to give Furman a 28-16 lead...

That Robbie Gardner? The one with a center of gravity about 10” above sea level, who could also motor, and who ran the ball like the Tasmanian Devil (saw him spin (with power) 8 times on 1 run). Yeah - he was pretty dang good. Doesn’t get the credit he deserves following so closely in Stanford Jennings’ shadow and before Louis Ivory’s Payton run. I guess Carl Tremble was in between as well, but FUBeAR was a Left-Coaster most of Tremble’s time & no ESPN+ in those days.

[Mocs123]

Wynn runs similar to Ford, who I don't think we will see. A heavy dose of Wynn in the 4th quarter mean s the Paladins are protecting a lead. I'd rather see Sisson having to pass so we can bring the pressure!

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR’s (1st) Feral Flash (y’know...like a “Hot Take”...maybe it’ll become a thing)

the bellhops, who currently hold the 2nd longest losing streak in FCS Football (9 games), lose out to Sammy, the Teary-ers, Furman, and VMI. Texas Southern wins 1 of their remaining 4, sending CIT into the ‘21 Fall season with the longest losing streak in FCS (13 games) and having failed to win a Football game for at least 672 days. Further, FUBeAR doesn’t see them having any chance of beating CCU on 9/4/21. They might have a chance against Charleston Southern the following week, but if they lose their 15th consecutive game to the Bucs, they are off the following week...and the streak could run to 693 days without a win...or longer if they, then, fall to SC State. How long is that in (bull)dog years?
Public Service...

This pic popped up on FUBeAR’s Facebook Memories today. Feeling bad about the post above, I thought CIT fans might be gladdened by seeing this and reminiscing about the glory days when they had more than half-a-stadium - The Citadel Spring Scrimmage, 3/15/14...

https://i.postimg.cc/P5y0Vmkd/EBC8692-B-D47-C-48-EB-BCE6-B25011-FE41-A0.jpg

[PaladinNation]

Wynn runs similar to Ford, who I don't think we will see. A heavy dose of Wynn in the 4th quarter mean s the Paladins are protecting a lead. I'd rather see Sisson having to pass so we can bring the pressure!

You could be right - hell - we've been behind going into the fourth quarter in three out of the four games. What would concern me if I were the MOCS is Wynn's ability to catch and run.

To Bear's point - when it comes to Furman and running backs we've had some good ones. I believe Wynn sits at 10 yards shy of being in the top ten rushers in purple. Not to get ahead of things but Wynn has four more games to play this season and the word is he'll play in the fall.

[FUBeAR]

I think we'll at least bring a few walk-on's to mix with the HS Sophomores and Beach Volleyball Team.

I may be able to gleam some additional information after the game notes get released, but Rusty said in an interview last week that he planned on getting more freshmen and walkons in the rest of the games this spring. We started a few walkon's against The Citadel including a senior NT that had only seen action in two games prior (and no meaningful snaps).

Here is who I expect to be out:

Ailym Ford (RB)- Technically he's been nursing a hamstring issue. Coach Wright said before the Wofford game that he was 95% and would have started and played if it was a fall game. My impression is we will see very little if any Ford this spring.

Chris James (TE)-I'm not sure what his injuries are, but I know he's been held out of practice a lot this spring. I don't expect we will see Mr. James until fall.

DJ Jackson (DB) - DJ has opted out of the spring season. He shows up on the participation report for The Citadel, but that isn't correct - he didn't play.

Christian Smith (NT) - Hasn't played this spring. He's not on the opt out list, so I suspect he's injured.

Aaron Sears (K) - Had off season (spring) surgery to get ready for fall.


Here are some other key guys that might be back (or not I have no idea)

Telly Plummer (DB) - He's been nursing some injuries this spring. We may see him at some point.

Tez Wilson (OLB/DE) - DNP vs. The Citadel - No idea why.

CJ Winston (OLB) - Has not played this spring, no idea why.

Marlon Taylor (NT) - Played well vs Wofford, DNP vs. The Citadel no idea why.

Jeffery Wood (RB/WR) - Has had an eye injury (poked in the eye in practice) - not sure if he'll be back this week or not.
Just noticed this...

The Chattanooga women's soccer team hits the road for the first time this season to take on Furman in a Southern Conference match Friday evening at Stone Stadium.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Greenville, S.C.


You guys decide the Beach Volleyball Team wasn’t bringing enough numbers for Chatt to field a Football Team on Sat.?

[Mocs123]

Just noticed this...

The Chattanooga women's soccer team hits the road for the first time this season to take on Furman in a Southern Conference match Friday evening at Stone Stadium.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Site: Greenville, S.C.


You guys decide the Beach Volleyball Team wasn’t bringing enough numbers for Chatt to field a Football Team on Sat.?


Hey they are football players right?

[FUBeAR]

Hey they are football players right?
Yep...

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/83/17/88/83178899ccebf7388712fa8e68f0df84.png

[FUBeAR]

Hey they are football players right?
Uh oh - trending on Twitter...

https://twitter.com/furmanwsoccer/status/1373061771083268096

Revenge game tomorrow?

[FUBeAR]

Uh oh - trending on Twitter...

https://twitter.com/furmanwsoccer/status/1373061771083268096

Revenge game tomorrow?

...also trending on Twitter...

https://twitter.com/countryhamhouse/status/1373098137523470336

...once you go to Tommy’s, you never go back to Mommy’s!

[ElCid]

Giving most home teams a bit more love.

Chatty at Furman - Furman may look awesome on paper, but like everyone else, they are in the twilight zone and Chatty is no slouch; close game - 20-13
VMI at Samford - Still waiting for VMI's Cinderella season to end; I keep picking against them and they keep winning - 35-31
ETSU at The Citadel - A little bit too much turmoil going on with my Bulldogs; they could win if things finally gel, they limit mistakes, and the ball bounces right,...and they show up in the first half, but I am a pessimist, no, a realist - 31-21
WCU at Mercer - I am almost certain that Mercer will be pissed and hungry after their epic beatdown last week; poor WCU - 38-13

[Milktruck74]

You could be right - hell - we've been behind going into the fourth quarter in three out of the four games. What would concern me if I were the MOCS is Wynn's ability to catch and run.

To Bear's point - when it comes to Furman and running backs we've had some good ones. I believe Wynn sits at 10 yards shy of being in the top ten rushers in purple. Not to get ahead of things but Wynn has four more games to play this season and the word is he'll play in the fall.

And he got 9...maybe he can get that one more this week against Bye?

Seriously, Wynn is impressive, but the Mocs DL had his number all day...That was surprising to all of us.

[FUBeAR]

And he got 9...maybe he can get that one more this week against Bye?

Seriously, Wynn is impressive, but the Mocs DL had his number all day...That was surprising to all of us.We weren’t really trying.

[Mocs123]

We did get one of our starters back for the Furman game (DT Christian Smith) as well as two other reserve defensive linemen (Giovanni Reveare and Marlon Taylor) but looks like we lost a starter on offensive line in center Kyle Miskelley who appeared to have a significant lower leg injury in the first half (knee?). True Freshman Reid Williams took over duty for the rest of the game.

My guess is Wynn will be pissed and Mercer will pay the price for it in two weeks.

[FUBeAR]

We did get one of our starters back for the Furman game (DT Christian Smith) as well as two other reserve defensive linemen (Giovanni Reveare and Marlon Taylor) but looks like we lost a starter on offensive line in center Kyle Miskelley who appeared to have a significant lower leg injury in the first half (knee?). True Freshman Reid Williams took over duty for the rest of the game.

My guess is Wynn will be pissed and Mercer will pay the price for it in two weeks.
Mercer isn’t really trying either.

Furman did an excellent job of out-not-trying Chatt on Saturday.

I’m hopeful Mercer can also get over the hump & try even less against Chatt this week than Furman did.

If so, the following week, with both coming off successful efforts at trying even less than Chatt, will they both be able to throttle down enough to sink lower than they did in their no-contests vs. Chatt. If so, which one will prevail in making less effort?