SoCon Pick'em & Power Ranking Week 3 2021

[FUBeAR]

Away
Home
Time
Prediculation


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kentucky.png?width=30Kentucky (https://ukathletics.com/)
12:00 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/e13.png?width=30Cornell (http://www.cornellbigred.com/)
2:00 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)
2:30 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kennesaw.png?width=30Kennesaw State (http://www.ksuowls.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wofford.png?width=30Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
6:00 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/north-greenville.png?width=30North Greenville (http://ngcrusaders.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
6:00 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/wolf_head.png?width=30NC State (http://gopack.com/)
7:30 P.M.
TBD


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/delawarestate_200x200.png?width=30Delaware State (http://www.dsuhornets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
7:30 P.M.
TBD


Off - Conducting a seminar
for Miami’s Offensive Coaches
Mercer

WIN



Welp…as anticipated getting vaxxed (as mandated) for the Prescience virus hit FUBeAR hard this week. So no need to review last week’s picks. Will pick’em for Week 3 later in the week, as always. Power Ranking below…

Power Rankings (WEEK3)
1a) Furman
1b) Mercer
3) ETSU
4) Chatt
5) Woffy
6) Samford
7) VMI
8) WCU
9) CIT

Huge dose of redemption attained by Chatt during their self-reflection retreat to Florence, AL this week. Convincing the Lions to abstain from scoring was viewed quite favorably. Woffy remains unredeemed, but has ascended through the descent of others, at this point. Putting a shellacking on the owlets at home this coming Sat. could help to validate their return from cellar dwelling banishment.

[bonarae]

Kentucky
VMI - can the Keydets regroup?
Samford
Wofford - Kennesaw is fading fast...
The Citadel gets its first win
NC State - whelp, Furman can keep it close, just no scalp.
ETSU

[Reign of Terrier]

We're going to use the RoT model of picking games and categorizing them based on my uncertainty level. This week is going to be a tough one because quite frankly the Socon choked. I was going to write a big blog post for Wofford fans talking about how "actually this year is different, the socon should definitely get 4 teams" but that's just not happening.


My power rankings:
1) ETSU
2) Furman
3) Wofford
4) Chattanooga
5) Samford
6) Mercer
7) VMI
8) Western Carolina
9) The Citadel

Playoff Prognostication of the bottom tier:
The only team that I feel is all but eliminated from the playoffs (they'd have to win 7 conference games to get to the requisite 7 D1 wins to be a bubble team) is the Citadel. I think Western will probably be eliminated at the end of the month. Mercer, because of their scheduling, will probably eliminate themselves half way through the season from any at-large consideration. They only have conference play left and no D1 wins, so they're in a similar spot as the Citadel: they have to run the table. Maybe they're capable of it (and unlike the Citadel, we don't have much evidence that they're incapable). But right now, I don't think it's likely. Right now.

Losing to an FBS team is not irredeemable for VMI, but losing to a MAC team by 50 (39 in the first half!), letting up almost 500 yards rushing the ball on defense, letting them complete 73% of their passes, completing less than 50% of your passes (you're an air raid, right?) and turning the ball over 4 times is. I'm going to be a lot harder on VMI. Yeah, they beat Davidson...but Davidson just pulled out a close one against a D2 opponent, and if you look at that game, VMI was able to put the Wildcats out of it early with some turnovers and by forcing a 3 score deficit early. None of this really bodes well for socon play. They're not going to be able to put teams in a corner like they did against Davidson, and they're not going to be able to wear them down like they did in the Spring, when they played at least 3 teams that didn't have rosters of 60 or more players.

Playoff Prognostication of the Bottom Tier:
ETSU is the only team you can't say anything bad about, so I'm not. And I would say the Bucs and Furman have the clearest path to the playoffs right now. I think the Bucs can be the third place socon team and make the playoffs at 7-4 (5-3), and pending on how socon play happens, I think Furman could do the same (but they're only a shoe-in at 8-3). Wofford could join this group if they win this week against Kennesaw.

If the Terriers lose, they'll be in the same boat as Samford and Chattanooga where they won't be eliminated from playoff consideration, but they'll have to go on something of a run and win 6 or 7 games in conference play and finish in the top 2 or so. I like Wofford's chances of doing that relative to Samford/Chattanooga, but you don't want to push that.

My POV for this week:

Games I am certain about:
NGU vs Citadel
Chattanooga vs Kentucky
Furman vs NC State (Furman is good, but I think the wolfpack will be focused for this one)
Delaware State vs ETSU (Delaware State is not good; they've been at the bottom of the MEAC for a very long time. That win at Vandy really did bail out ETSU's playoff chances, because they would be screwed from a resume perspective, short of running the table in conference)

Games I am confident, but a little less certain:
Samford vs Western Carolina (I think Western is improved and Samford is at their baseline. So, Samford should win, but I wouldn't be surprised if Western pulled the upset)

Games I have no confidence in:
VMI vs Cornell:
VMI is about to be taken down a few pegs this season. I think they're going to have a losing season again. But I could be wrong! Cornell isn't a very notable football team, but they've also not played a game since November 23, 2019. What I saw in the state line for VMI this past week makes me think they could very easily lose this game, but Cornell has wayyyyy too many question marks for me to say anything for certain.

Wofford vs Kennesaw State:
My analytic side says that this is a likely toss up, but one that favors Wofford. The terriers no longer run the option. I mean, we run zone read plays as much as any team these days, but we aren't a flexbone team anymore. Our defense looked pretty stout against Elon, especially when it came to stopping the run, and we have had success stopping the option before.

Having said that, there isn't a good reason on the Wofford side of things to think the Terriers will blow out the owls. Our win against Elon was good, but we still don't know how good Elon is yet (I think they, and Campbell whom they beat this weekend are okay to good teams). We still made lots of mistakes, and I would like to see us play better at QB in the passing game. I think a Josh Conklin defense can contain Kennesaw State, relatively speaking. But the issue has been that the offense has laid an egg and let the owls stick around too much (that's basically what happened in 2019).

This game is going to come down to the Terrier offense moving the chains, opening the run game with the pass game (seriously), not turning the ball over, and getting stops on defense. In week one, we didn't do those things really well. So my pessimistic side says Wofford loses this game.

[SU DOG]

Samford is S-O-F-T. Hatcher has said so much about improving the running game and defense. Last night I just wonder how many missed tackles we had. Our players know how to line up, but making a tackle on a powerful running back is NOT something they seem to know how to do. They are big enough and their bios indicate that they are talented enough, but evidently they don't see this in practice enough. Same for drive blocking, which hampers our chances of having a decent running game. I don't know how much we can improve now, and I don't see Samford in the upper tier of the SoCon. Looks like the SAME OLD - SAME OLD to me.

[kdinva]

I just wonder how many missed tackles we had. Our players know how to line up, but making a tackle on a powerful running back is NOT something they seem to know how to do.....

Same with VMI vs. Kent St., which has a fine stable of running backs, a couple in the 5'8"-190 lb. range with thighs the size of an aircraft carrier.

[ElCid]

Power Rating
1) ETSU – After the Vandy victory this past week, they are looking even better
2) Furman – pitched the shutout
3) Chattanooga – Also pitched the shutout; they may have settled down
4) Samford – I still think they are as dangerous as ever, they just are not consistent
5) Mercer – Eh, they did what was expected
6) Wofford – They didn’t move up obviously, a team just dropped below them; but Elon struggled this week; is Campbell that good yet? All will be revealed this week me thinks
7) VMI – Eeek. Expected a little better from them than a 50 point shellacking by a MAC team
8) Western Carolina – Sooners shut them down pretty hard, but not unexpected
9) The Citadel – We are getting outcoached at every turn; sure we did some things better and I saw a little improvement here and there, but not much; Our secondary is horrendous; our tackling poor; we will pad the stats of every QB’s we face this year unless something changes; our running game is predictable; zero imagination and poor execution; our BBack is the key and we are sorely hurting for a capable one, not to mention our O line is just not up to our recent standards; unless something changes quickly, I can see us going 2-9, 1-10, and even 0-11.


Predictions
Chattanooga at Kentucky – Kentucky ain’t Vandy - 48-6


VMI at Cornell – first time meeting for VMI, again, this time up in the beautiful Fingers Lakes; Cornell didn’t play last year and this is their first game of the this season; I think VMI might struggle on the road by the looks of things the past couple weeks; they appear to have lost some of their folks and their sparkle – 24-21


Samford at WCU – I really thought Samford was going to make a go of it this season, but they are up to their old tricks again; how many games in the last few years have they lead in, sometimes by a lot, only to blow it in the second half? I have lost count; they have a serious coaching issue; they have the talent; in any event, I am not sure WCU is up for the good Samford – 42-28


KSU at Wofford – Wofford has only played a mysterious Elon so far, but KSU played uninspired against Reinhardt and got smoked by Ga Tech; Wofford knows how to defend the triple option; the only time they have met is in the playoffs and KSU won both in close games at home and away; if Wofford can shut down the run and make them pass like Ga Tech did they may not be as effective, although they can pass; I will give Wofford the small edge – 24-20

N Greenville at The Citadel – I have very little faith our secondary can stop any passing team; the last time we played them, at their house due to a hurricane evac, it was 21-14 at half; they scored on a 99 yard pass and a 90 yard pass; different year, same tune so far; I think our guys just don’t get enough reps defending the pass in practice each week; that said, I am sure we will have much better success in our running game than we have had against a ranked CCU and a familiar CSU; we did have some nice runs last week; which hopefully means we can wear out their D and put some points up for once, I just hope the Bulldogs decide to play in the first half, something they have not done the last couple years – 38-21


Furman at NC State – Since the 80s Furman is 2-2 against the Wolf Pack; but if you thought the P5 coaches were on high alert last week (except maybe FSU), they will be insane this week; unless Furman pulls something out of their hat, I just don’t see them threatening NC St. This past week the Pack held their own against Miss St but had some turnover issues which guaranteed their loss; it’s always possible, but I think they will be well prepared and Furman will need to play flawless and get a few timely breaks, otherwise - 34-14


Delaware State at ETSU – ETSU should roll; but I can see a chance of it being closer than anticipated with the Vandy game in the books and a lazy game last time out; they need to take charge early and pour it on early or Delaware St might hang around; they need to have a dominating victory – 42-10

Mercer - Idle, and singing their own praises on how they scored on Bama

I think it is ridiculously early to even think about playoff chances.

[Mocs123]

Beatdown of the Week:
Chattanooga - 7
Kentucky – 41 – FBS teams will be on high alert this week and won’t let anyone sneak up on them.


VMI – 28 – Honestly I know nothing about Cornell and they haven’t played since 2019. VMI has so I think they win this game on the road.
Cornell -24


Samford – 31 – I could really see this going either way and I expect a good game, but in the end the Bulldogs have better athletes.
Western Carolina -27


Game of the Week:
Kennesaw State - 24
Wofford – 27- The Terriers get revenge on the Owls


North Greenville - 21
The Citadel – 28 – The Bulldogs squeak out a win but it will be closer than fans expect.


Furman - 10
NC State – 38 – Furman has had NC States number in the past – but no this week.


Delaware St. - 7
ETSU – 31 – The Bucs beat up on a bad MEAC team


Power Rankings
1.) ETSU (0) – Still here from the Vandy win no credit for the non D1 win
2.) Furman (0) – Looked strong in a win vs. TTU
3.) Wofford (0) – Here from the Elon win – we’ll know more this week.
4.) Chattanooga (+2) – Special teams and running game much improved, D looked dominant, passing game still a work in progress.
5.) Mercer (+2) – Teams will score less against the Tide
6.) VMI (-1) – Expexted a closer game vs. Kent St.
7.) Samford (-4) – Tough loss to Martin.
8.) The Citadel (0) – To be fair CSU might be pretty good, but I know that stings after Bulldog fans have given them so much crap over the years.
9.) Western Carolina (0) – No shame in a beatdown from the Sooners, just hard to move up. The Catamounts get their chance this week.

[ElCid]

North Greenville - 21
The Citadel – 28 – The Bulldogs squeak out a win but it will be closer than fans expect.


Oh if this part were only true. I was generous in my prediction, but I would bet good money we will struggle. We are as disjointed as I've seen us in years.

[Mocs123]

ElCid - Is it the coaching staff or just the players you have available at the moment?

[FUBeAR]

Oh if this part were only true. I was generous in my prediction, but I would bet good money we will struggle. We are as disjointed as I've seen us in years.
Interestingly, NGU’s QB has previously beaten the bellhops in Chucktown…

https://nguathletics.com/sports/football/roster/kaelan-riley/3335

Passing



#
Player
GP
Rating
COMP
ATT
INT
%
YDS
TD
Long
AVG/G


2
Riley, Kaelan
2
172.21
43
64
1
67.19 %
549
7
79
274.50









Team
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total


Mercer
7
7
7
3
24


The Citadel
0
0
0
14
14


MER: Kaelan Riley (https://mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4881) (111)
DATE:10/7/2017 SITE:Charleston, S.C.

[Catamount87]

This will be a telling week. Predictions in bold

UTC at UK - Chatt makes it interesting but in the end it's another paycheck collection day
VMI at Cornell - I know nothing about Cornell but I'll put money on VMI for now.
Samford at WCU - Heart says the Cat's pull it out but the gut isn't so sure. I'll go with the homer pick though.
Kenn. St at Wofford - It should be interesting but I'll go with the dogs on this one.
N Green at Citadel - Dawgs don't seem to have any wheels on the bus but I'll give them the slight nod here.
Furman at NCSU - Should be fun to watch but going with the hometown boys
Deleware St at ETSU - sticking with a SoCon pick here

[walliver]

UTC at UK - Kentucky ain't Vanderbilt. After watching the first two weeks of this year. the Wildcats may actually show up. The TrainBirds keep it close for a half but Kentucky pulls away in the second half and wins 42-20.
VMI at Cornell - It's been a long time since I have heard anybody mention Cornell and football in the same sentence. The Keydets pull out a 31-24 win.
Samford at WCU - On paper, Sammy should win easily, but you never know which Hatch team will show up. Bullpups pull out a 52-49 win.
Kennesaw State at Wofford - I know the T-dogs will win the first half, the second half worries me. Somehow we hold them off in the second for a Terrier 31-28 win
North Greenville at the Citadel - The Crusaders should not be taken lightly and have a chance for an upset. When looking to check their schedule for this year, I noticed their home games are on FloSports. As a result a docked them 2 TD and predict a 35-20 ChuckPup win.
Furman at NCSU - Furman actually leads the series 5-8-4, but last won in 1984 and 1985. Times have changed. Furman may actually have a small lead at halftime, but the Pack wins 30-22
Delaware State at ETSU - If this Mountain Pirates played the hens, it might be a good game, but this is Delaware State and isn't. The Bucs go to 3-0 with a 38-17 win.

[ElCid]

ElCid - Is it the coaching staff or just the players you have available at the moment?

Not sure. But the current combo ain't working.

[The Cats]

UTC at UK
VMI at Cornell
Samford at WCU
Kenn. St at Wofford
N Green at Citadel
Furman at NCSU
Deleware St at ETSU


Power Ranking - (https://catamountsportsblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/2021-socon-football-power-rankings_13.html)https://catamountsportsblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/2021-socon-football-power-rankings_13.html

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

I was 5-3 last week, I was shocked by The Citadel's performance but also by Chattanooga's performance as well. The rankings are as follows:

1) ETSU - buoyed by the Vandyland win, bet you a dollar they can beat Colorado St.
2) Furman - played in two impressive D1 wins
3) Wofford - off this week wondering if their run of luck would last
4) Mercer - had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of against Bammerland
5) Samford - came up short
6) VMI - got burninated on the road
7) Chattanooga - maybe they grew out of the quitter's mentality
8) A Citadel - what the buck was that?
9) Western Carolina - and the Sooners came in the niiiiiiiiight!

This Week's Games
Chattanooga @ Kentucky - Mildcats stuff the Mocs
VMI @ Cornell - Keydets get back on track
Samford @ Western Carolina (Upset Special of the Week) - Catamounts ring the Bammerdogs' bell.
Kennesaw State @ Wofford - Terriers stays unbeaten for now
North Greenville @ A Citadel - Chuckydogs finally beat a team formerly coached by Jamey Chadwell
Furman @ NC State - Paladins are good, but this is still not 1987 and you're still not ETSU
Delaware State @ ETSU - Bucs get another convincing home win

[FUBeAR]

North Greenville @ A Citadel - Chuckydogs finally beat a team formerly coached by Jamey Chadwell
LOL

”A Citadel” - LOL+ - Dang…wish I woulda come up with that.

[kdinva]

Kentucky 42; UTC 13
Samford 38; WCU 28
VMI 31; Cornell 20
Wofford 28; Kenny St. 21
The Citadel 31; N. Greenville 23
N C State 48; Furman 20
ETSU 40; Delaware State 16

[FUBeAR]

Away
Home
Time
Prediculation


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kentucky.png?width=30Kentucky (https://ukathletics.com/)
12:00 P.M.
After last week’s domination of a pride of Lions, FUBeAR is inclined toward picking the avians to continue their feline domination, BUT the trains still only seem to be able to move overland; yep, the soft leather shoes seem to be firmly planted on the ground; snakes just a-crawlin’ on their bellies. A 1D O ain’t gonna get it done vs. a good & improving SEC squad.

Chatt 10 - UK 52


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/e13.png?width=30Cornell (http://www.cornellbigred.com/)
2:00 P.M.
The Roos were lookin’ for a way to stuff themselves in their own pouches last week when they embarrassed themselves and the SoCon. They got totally MACked up in their continued quest for respectability. I’m thinking Ivied Halls may be a bit welcoming and enable them to, at least, scale this OOC wall.

VMI 31 - Cornell 21


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)
2:30 P.M.
So…SoCon action opens with 2 Teams that were recently waxed, Brazilian-style for the Cats. Tough call here, but I just haven’t seen enough Bell ringing from the young kitties yet to see them overtaking the talented bullpups, who don’t seem, yet, quite able to overcome their coaching & culture.

Samford 45 - WCU 20


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kennesaw.png?width=30Kennesaw State (http://www.ksuowls.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wofford.png?width=30Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
6:00 P.M.
The owlets appeared quite regressed in their matchup with GT, but they did upset Reinhardt in a tight slugfest the week prior, so I can understand their letdown. Woffy, assuming their Players & Coaches haven’t mistakenly thought last week was the beginning of their opt-out season, should be well-rested and ready. But the birds of prey have regularly swooped up the small pups for snacktime, and I hate it, but I think they do it again.

KSU 21 - Woffy 17


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/north-greenville.png?width=30North Greenville (http://ngcrusaders.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
6:00 P.M.
NGU QB, Kaelan Riley, has strutted into that half-a-stadium before and led his Team to a double-digit win over the baggagehandlers. Now, he won’t have a supporting cast of Mercer Bears around him this time, but he’s playing like he’s on a Crusade so far this year. Meanwhile, the boys in baby blue have been looking like they’ve already asked their valet co-workers to call them an UberPool to lift them out of this season. Hate to say it, but the CIT Alums may run their coach out of chucktown on a rail after this one.

NGU 35 - CIT 21


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/wolf_head.png?width=30NC State (http://gopack.com/)
7:30 P.M.
FU and NCSU have faced off 17 times. The Wolfpack has won a grand total of 5 of these. Yep, they’ve only come up winners over Furman <30% of the time. The Pack lost their Top Tackler/Best D player & another NFL prospect starting DB last week while Crazy Mike Leach’s MissState crew was running circles around them. Furman is 2-0, playing well, and the Din’s D has been absolutely soul-crushing for both of their opponents. Confident FU channels their ‘85 National Finalist Team’s beat-down of the canines and duplicates that score.

Furman 42 - NCSU 20


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/delawarestate_200x200.png?width=30Delaware State (http://www.dsuhornets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
7:30 P.M.
Seriously? Does ETSU have the easiest schedule in FCS? 1st…a bottom-feeding fake FBS Team. Then, a D-whatever Team named after a potato chip company, and now a MEAC Team that I thought I heard was shutting down their program. Well, I guess we’ll know something about the, when they start SoCon play next week.

Delaware State 7 - ETSU 24


Off - Conducting a seminar
for Miami’s Offensive Coaches
Mercer

WIN…prepping for a HUGE SoCon Showdown @ Furman next week.

Winner of that one, clearly, has the inside track for the SoCon Championship & Playoff AutoBid. The loser will have some work to do.

It’s gonna be a #SlobberKnocker



Power Rankings (WEEK3)
1a) Furman
1b) Mercer
3) ETSU
4) Chatt
5) Woffy
6) Samford
7) VMI
8) WCU
9) CIT

Huge dose of redemption attained by Chatt during their self-reflection retreat to Florence, AL this week. Convincing the Lions to abstain from scoring was viewed quite favorably. Woffy remains unredeemed, but has ascended through the descent of others, at this point. Putting a shellacking on the owlets at home this coming Sat. could help to validate their return from cellar dwelling banishment.

[Libertine]

UK
VMI
Sam
Woffy
The Cid (in a shootout)
NCSU
ETSU

[kdinva]

Away
Home
Time
Prediculation


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kentucky.png?width=30Kentucky (https://ukathletics.com/)
12:00 P.M.
After last week’s domination of a pride of Lions, FUBeAR is inclined toward picking the avians to continue their feline domination, BUT the trains still only seem to be able to move overland; yep, the soft leather shoes seem to be firmly planted on the ground; snakes just a-crawlin’ on their bellies. A 1D O ain’t gonna get it done vs. a good & improving SEC squad.

Chatt 10 - UK 52


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/e13.png?width=30Cornell (http://www.cornellbigred.com/)
2:00 P.M.
The Roos were lookin’ for a way to stuff themselves in their own pouches last week when they embarrassed themselves and the SoCon. They got totally MACked up in their continued quest for respectability. I’m thinking Ivied Halls may be a bit welcoming and enable them to, at least, scale this OOC wall.

VMI 31 - Cornell 21








Power Rankings (WEEK3)
1a) Furman
1b) Mercer
3) ETSU
4) Chatt
5) Woffy
6) Samford
7) VMI
8) WCU
9) CIT

Huge dose of redemption attained by Chatt during their self-reflection retreat to Florence, AL this week. Convincing the Lions to abstain from scoring was viewed quite favorably. Woffy remains unredeemed, but has ascended through the descent of others, at this point. Putting a shellacking on the owlets at home this coming Sat. could help to validate their return from cellar dwelling banishment.

Yes, no one expected VMI to lose by 50, but the Coaches felt this Kent St. team is the best the MAC has to offer in many years. I predict Kent. St. will beat Maryland in nine days. Also Kent State will beat Ohio U (who lost to Duquesne) by 40+.

[FUBeAR]

Yes, no one expected VMI to lose by 50, but the Coaches felt this Kent St. team is the best the MAC has to offer in many years. I predict Kent. St. will beat Maryland in nine days. Also Kent State will beat Ohio U (who lost to Duquesne) by 40+.…Did they also tell you that Davidson would beat Alabama?

[Reign of Terrier]

If VMI beats Wofford in a couple weeks, I will shut up about how I don't think they're any good this year, but in the meantime I saw highlights of that game and it was just awful on VMI's part.

Even if Kent State is really great or whatever, the 50ish-3 deficit in the third quarter is not a good look. I think Wofford had a closer deficit on Clemson on 2019. I don't usually hold FBS losses against people, but there's a difference between losing to Kent State by half a hundred and by 20-30.

[Reign of Terrier]

Away
Home
Time
Prediculation


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kentucky.png?width=30Kentucky (https://ukathletics.com/)
12:00 P.M.
After last week’s domination of a pride of Lions, FUBeAR is inclined toward picking the avians to continue their feline domination, BUT the trains still only seem to be able to move overland; yep, the soft leather shoes seem to be firmly planted on the ground; snakes just a-crawlin’ on their bellies. A 1D O ain’t gonna get it done vs. a good & improving SEC squad.

Chatt 10 - UK 52


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/e13.png?width=30Cornell (http://www.cornellbigred.com/)
2:00 P.M.
The Roos were lookin’ for a way to stuff themselves in their own pouches last week when they embarrassed themselves and the SoCon. They got totally MACked up in their continued quest for respectability. I’m thinking Ivied Halls may be a bit welcoming and enable them to, at least, scale this OOC wall.

VMI 31 - Cornell 21


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)
2:30 P.M.
So…SoCon action opens with 2 Teams that were recently waxed, Brazilian-style for the Cats. Tough call here, but I just haven’t seen enough Bell ringing from the young kitties yet to see them overtaking the talented bullpups, who don’t seem, yet, quite able to overcome their coaching & culture.

Samford 45 - WCU 20


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Kennesaw.png?width=30Kennesaw State (http://www.ksuowls.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wofford.png?width=30Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
6:00 P.M.
The owlets appeared quite regressed in their matchup with GT, but they did upset Reinhardt in a tight slugfest the week prior, so I can understand their letdown. Woffy, assuming their Players & Coaches haven’t mistakenly thought last week was the beginning of their opt-out season, should be well-rested and ready. But the birds of prey have regularly swooped up the small pups for snacktime, and I hate it, but I think they do it again.

KSU 21 - Woffy 17


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/north-greenville.png?width=30North Greenville (http://ngcrusaders.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
6:00 P.M.
NGU QB, Kaelan Riley, has strutted into that half-a-stadium before and led his Team to a double-digit win over the baggagehandlers. Now, he won’t have a supporting cast of Mercer Bears around him this time, but he’s playing like he’s on a Crusade so far this year. Meanwhile, the boys in baby blue have been looking like they’ve already asked their valet co-workers to call them an UberPool to lift them out of this season. Hate to say it, but the CIT Alums may run their coach out of chucktown on a rail after this one.

NGU 35 - CIT 21


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/wolf_head.png?width=30NC State (http://gopack.com/)
7:30 P.M.
FU and NCSU have faced off 17 times. The Wolfpack has won a grand total of 5 of these. Yep, they’ve only come up winners over Furman <30% of the time. The Pack lost their Top Tackler/Best D player & another NFL prospect starting DB last week while Crazy Mike Leach’s MissState crew was running circles around them. Furman is 2-0, playing well, and the Din’s D has been absolutely soul-crushing for both of their opponents. Confident FU channels their ‘85 National Finalist Team’s beat-down of the canines and duplicates that score.

Furman 42 - NCSU 20


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/delawarestate_200x200.png?width=30Delaware State (http://www.dsuhornets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
7:30 P.M.
Seriously? Does ETSU have the easiest schedule in FCS? 1st…a bottom-feeding fake FBS Team. Then, a D-whatever Team named after a potato chip company, and now a MEAC Team that I thought I heard was shutting down their program. Well, I guess we’ll know something about the, when they start SoCon play next week.

Delaware State 7 - ETSU 24


Off - Conducting a seminar
for Miami’s Offensive Coaches
Mercer

WIN…prepping for a HUGE SoCon Showdown @ Furman next week.

Winner of that one, clearly, has the inside track for the SoCon Championship & Playoff AutoBid. The loser will have some work to do.

It’s gonna be a #SlobberKnocker



Power Rankings (WEEK3)
1a) Furman
1b) Mercer
3) ETSU
4) Chatt
5) Woffy
6) Samford
7) VMI
8) WCU
9) CIT

Huge dose of redemption attained by Chatt during their self-reflection retreat to Florence, AL this week. Convincing the Lions to abstain from scoring was viewed quite favorably. Woffy remains unredeemed, but has ascended through the descent of others, at this point. Putting a shellacking on the owlets at home this coming Sat. could help to validate their return from cellar dwelling banishment.

One thing I appreciate about FU_bear is that he posts like a vintage 2005-2010 AGS poster. Rare thing nowadays. Never change.

[FUBeAR]

One thing I appreciate about FU_bear is that he posts like a vintage 2005-2010 AGS poster. Rare thing nowadays. Never change.
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Reign of Terrier again.

Thank you, Grasshopper. I was those posters’ sensei.

[PaladinNation]

I have no idea what's going to happen in Raleigh Saturday night it could be a butt whoopin'?
But—my Spidey-Sense is giving me hopes. I was designated driver up to Raleigh for the 84' matchup and I'm been having flashbacks of that trip and game all week.
After the final whistle, I consoled a young boy sitting with his dad—crying after his beloved Wolfpack was beaten by 'FUR-MAN'?
On the drive home, I stepped in a hole at the South Carolina welcome center and suffered a badly sprained ankle.
During the 4-0-1 run Furman had against 1A opponents I attended all of those games, but the 84 game is the most sticky in my memory banks.

I think this game comes down to explosive plays.
I'm not going to waste my mojo and make a pick,
just saying I feel something special could happen Saturday night.

[Mocs123]

I'll certainly be pulling for the Paladin's on Saturday.

[SCPALADIN]

Yes, no one expected VMI to lose by 50, but the Coaches felt this Kent St. team is the best the MAC has to offer in many years. I predict Kent. St. will beat Maryland in nine days. Also Kent State will beat Ohio U (who lost to Duquesne) by 40+.

The VMI coaching staff must not realize Toledo is also in the MAC.

[kdinva]

The VMI coaching staff must not realize Toledo is also in the MAC.

That was five or so years ago, the current VMI team would beat the 2015 team by 35 points....

[FUBeAR]

That was five or so years ago, the current VMI team would beat the 2015 team by 40 points....
I believe he was referring to something more current, like this…



Massey Rank
Team


84
Toledo (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/7978) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12397)


89
C Michigan (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/1404) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12397)


92
Kent (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/3771) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12387)




…or this…

Jeff Sagarin'stm College Football Ratings46 Toledo A = 74.46
60 Kent State A = 72.49

…vs VMI @ Toledo in 2015.

[kdinva]

.....but there's a difference between losing to Kent State by half a hundred and by 20-30.

I totally agree....

[SCPALADIN]

I believe he was referring to something more current, like this…



Massey Rank
Team


84
Toledo (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/7978) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12397)


89
C Michigan (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/1404) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12397)


92
Kent (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/3771) MAC (https://masseyratings.com/cf2021/12387)




…or this…

Jeff Sagarin'stm College Football Ratings

46 Toledo A = 74.46
60 Kent State A = 72.49

…vs VMI @ Toledo in 2015.

Bingo.
As a lifelong Akron fan, I follow the MAC closer than most (not embarrassed). Toledo is playing the best football in the MAC...hands down.

[caribbeanhen]

Is VMI going to beat Cornell today ?

[Reign of Terrier]

Is VMI going to beat Cornell today ?

VMI looked awful last week and Cornell hasn't played a game since 2019. I'm not certain either way, but I think the Keydets can pull it off.

[ElCid]

Huge cell over Cullawhee. Game delayed. That screws everyone up when you have those delays. May give WCU a leg up.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Kentucky 28, NottaQuitta 23 Final Honk if any of you saw that coming

[BearDownMU]

Is it me, or every time the camera goes to Rusty Wright he's either throwing a tantrum, putting his hands on one of his players, or both?

[SCPALADIN]

Bingo.
As a lifelong Akron fan, I follow the MAC closer than most (not embarrassed). Toledo is playing the best football in the MAC...hands down.

I'll gladly eat crow should Kent upset Iowa...which is looking like a possibility at the moment.

[caribbeanhen]

VMI looked awful last week and Cornell hasn't played a game since 2019. I'm not certain either way, but I think the Keydets can pull it off.

good game

[SCPALADIN]

Is it me, or every time the camera goes to Rusty Wright he's either throwing a tantrum, putting his hands on one of his players, or both?

It's not you...he's a gigantic *sshole.

[ElCid]

Samford WCU still delayed. Looking at the radar it seems that it might be a while still.

[kdinva]

VMI looked awful last week and Cornell hasn't played a game since 2019. I'm not certain either way, but I think the Keydets can pull it off.

Keydets did pull it off, 31-21, very ugly, VMI left at least 10 points on the field late in 2nd period (missed open receiver in end zone, missed mid-range FG).

[ElCid]

Wow, WCU mounted quite the 3rd qtr comeback. Samford is unbelievably uneven. It's far from over though. At least my Dogs are not embarrassing themselves.

[ElCid]

Looks like Wofford is done. We got a shoot out in Cullowhee. Good game there.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is bad. Conklin has broken me. Our expectations as a program have fallen in 5 years.

Congrats to ETSU or Furman, I think they'll win the conference quite comfortably. Wofford doesn't even know how to coach a quarterback to not throw to a triple covered receiver. We're just so awful.

[gofurman]

NC State whooped Furman but My take away was I think State is best or Second best ACC team after watching - they may beat Clemson this coming week

[FUBeAR]

Wofford is bad. Conklin has broken me. Our expectations as a program have fallen in 5 years.

Congrats to ETSU or Furman, I think they'll win the conference quite comfortably. Wofford doesn't even know how to coach a quarterback to not throw to a triple covered receiver. We're just so awful.
But Conklin’s Teary-ers showed up to play a scheduled game, so they’ve improved since this Spring. #SmallDogs #SmallVictories

[tallgeorgiagent]

NC State whooped Furman but My take away was I think State is best or Second best ACC team after watching - they may beat Clemson this coming weekIf NC State is one the ACCs best that's saying a lot for how bad that conference is. Considering they got hosed by Miss State who besides Vandy could be the worst team in the SEC.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[PaladinNation]

The Furman/NCST was painful at times and promising at times.
As far as what kind of team is NCST—I think they will beat Clemson next Saturday.

To say Furman subbed liberally is an understatement.
The reality was Furman had to on defense.

Several Paladin freshmen played tough and hard on defense;
Dominic Morris DB—first game of the season due to infected finger
Caden Richards SPUR—backup to Dae'one Wilkins
I think both of these players will see more PT in the SoCon regular season.

Offense; Furman only gave up one sack, but again struggled at blocking on the option and when ever a lane was open, credit the Wolfpack for closing the holes fast.
Hamp again missed on passes at critical times. In the first half Furman had receivers open, we just couldn't get the ball to them.
Hamp does deserve credit for the drive for Furman's touchdown, making a great throw to Ryan Miller.

The Furman offense the rest of the way… what is Furman's offensive identity?
The Furman broadcast team was asking this in the fourth quarter of the game.
Furman started weaving in Luke Shiflett at QB.
I personally think Shiflett is more than a wildcat option.
I will be curious to see how Shiflett's used the rest of the way.
The coaches are high on Dominic Roberto, we got to see why in several of his 4th quarter runs.
Roberto trucked several Wolfpack defenders and the big fella showed his receiving skills.
I'll be curious to see how a player with his size and athletic ability (5-11 242) plays against FCS foes.

Should be a fun game in Paladin Stadium against the Bears.
Look for a very inspired defensive effort from the DINS.

[Milktruck74]

It's not you...he's a gigantic *sshole.

I realize he isn't as mild mannered as your old band director, but Rusty is not an Asshole. He is very fine man who is loved by his players and loves them back. I know you have ever met the man, because if you had, you would know how wrong you are. I'm not just defending him as my team's coach, but as my teammate and a personal friend. He is far from what you say...but I shouldn't expect anything more from a Furman Fan.

[FUBeAR]

I realize he isn't as mild mannered as your old band director, but Rusty is not an Asshole. He is very fine man who is loved by his players and loves them back. I know you have ever met the man, because if you had, you would know how wrong you are. I'm not just defending him as my team's coach, but as my teammate and a personal friend. He is far from what you say...but I shouldn't expect anything more from a Furman Fan.Not doubting you at all. That said, FUBeAR rec’d multiple texts from fans of multiple Teams, noted commentary on several Teams’ message boards, and viewed more than a few comments on a variety of social mediums (over 100 Tweets) about this topic - with specific commentary about ‘putting his hands on Players.’ Today is not the same world as it was when you and I played. As much attention as it rec’d this week, I would be surprised if he doesn’t have a conversation with Chatt’s AD about it. Kinda put a damper on an excellent performance by the Mocs. It’s just not a good look in 2021.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

The Furman/NCST was painful at times and promising at times.
As far as what kind of team is NCST—I think they will beat Clemson next Saturday.



Saw the boxscore for Clemson v. Georgia Tech game. Noted Uiagaleiei's performance. If I didn't know any better, Clemson may have college football's equivalent of Lonzo Ball on their hands.

[gofurman]

If NC State is one the ACCs best that's saying a lot for how bad that conference is. Considering they got hosed by Miss State who besides Vandy could be the worst team in the SEC.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

It's possible they are legitimately good - at least top 25 minimum. Just because they had a few bad plays and blew the MSU game doesn't mean everything. Hell, ETSU beat Vandy who turned around and beat FBS Colorado State ! You can't take everything from one week.. have to give it several data points/games. NC State has the potential for sure. Ill be shocked if they aren't top 25 at year's end. Maybe top 15

[Milktruck74]

Today is not the same world as it was when you and I played.

Maybe this is part of the problem. I'm not advocating striking a player, but grabbing a facemask to get their attention is different. Rusty may have been spirited on the sideline and may have been in players and coaches faces during the game, but I guarantee he was the first to grab them around the neck after the game and tell them how proud he was of them. The kids love him, that should tell you all you need to know. Too often people look in from the outside, formulate opinions, and never know the context. If you don't like him, don't play for him...that's all.

[Reign of Terrier]

Conversations UTC's AD may have with the UTC Football coach: Don't be so physically rough with your plays

Conversations Wofford's AD may have with the Wofford football coach: please log off indeed and stop liking conspiracy theories where everyone can see you on twitter lol