SoCon 2024 Predictions and Power Rankings - Week 7

[FUBeAR]

Schedule only now - FUBeAR’s Power Rankings to follow…

All Games are on Saturday, October 12th


AWAY
HOME
KICKOFF
TIME


VMI
WOFFORD
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54147_WOF-vs-VMI_20241012/stats/)


CHATTANOOGA
FURMAN
2P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54174_FUR-vs-CHAT_20241012/stats/)


THE CITADEL
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54182_WCU-vs-CIT_20241012/stats/)


SAMFORD
ETSU
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54241_ETSU-vs-SAM_20241012/stats/)


PRINCETON
MERCER
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54187_MER-vs-PRIN_20241012/stats/)

[caribbeanhen]

Princeton at Mercer

love it

[FUBeAR]

All Games are on Saturday, October 12th


AWAY
HOME
KICKOFF
TIME


VMI
WOFFORD
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54147_WOF-vs-VMI_20241012/stats/)


CHATTANOOGA
FURMAN
2P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54174_FUR-vs-CHAT_20241012/stats/)


THE CITADEL
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54182_WCU-vs-CIT_20241012/stats/)


SAMFORD
ETSU
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54241_ETSU-vs-SAM_20241012/stats/)


PRINCETON
MERCER
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54187_MER-vs-PRIN_20241012/stats/)



There may come a point in this season when FUBeAR decides to eschew science, ignore the wisdom of King Solomon, and rely on his own understanding; but we have not reached that point just yet.

Thus, FUBeAR, will once again turn to the Solomon of College Football and rely on Dr. King Kenneth Massey to provide the principal framework for his Power Rankings this week…




FUBeAR’s
PowerRank


SoCon
Team


Massey Projected
Overall Record


Massey
Projected
SoCon Record


Massey
Projected
SoCon
Win %


Massey
Projected
SoCon
Finish


Massey Projected
SoCon W/L Details




1a

Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

11-1


8-0


1.000


1

Only projected loss is to Alabama. FUBeAR is not prepared, at this time, to opine regarding his projection of the outcome of that contest, so he will leave Dr. Massey's thoughts in place, for now



1b

Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

7-4


6-1


0.857


2

loss to Mercer



3

Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

8-4


6-2


0.750


3

losses to Mercer, Furman



4

ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

7-5


5-3


0.625


4

losses to Mercer, Furman, and Chatt



5

Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

6-5


4-3


0.571


5

losses to ETSU, Mercer, and Chatt



6

W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

4-8


3-5


0.375


6

wins over Woffy, CIT, and VMI



7

Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

4-8


2-6


0.250


7

wins over CIT & VMI



8

Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

3-9


1-7


0.125


8

win over VMI



9

VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

0-11


0-8

0.000

9

0’fer / 0’fer



* If FUBeAR were, to any degree, relying on his own unscientific, subjective opinion, he might move Samford down to 7th, thereby elevating WCU & Wofford to 5th & 6th respectively. FUBeAR doesn’t see any other of these scientific rankings that he would feel strongly enough about to challenge. It’s a high-bar to clear when one takes on SCIENCE!

FUBeAR will continue his 100% accurate streak (8 for 8) of picking SoCon vs. SoCon games later in the week.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is going to be so good once we can figure out how to run our 3 plays better:
1) Long pass - gets caught
2) intermediate/short passes - are called more by coaches/audibled into by QBs
3) inside zone - OL isn’t pushed back 50% of the time, resulting in lost yardage.

I’m 80% joking here, but I’m 100% serious when I say these are our weaknesses. Maybe we can still get better! But right now it seems like a system problem.

[bonarae]

Wofford
UTC
WCU
ETSU
Mercer

[OrangeAndBlack]

Here's my take at the power ranks:

Mercer
----
Chatty
----
WCU
ETSU
----
Furman
Citadel
Wofford
----
Samford
----
VMI

[FU_Paladin08]

Week 7 Rankings:
Mercer
Chatt
WCU
ETSU
Wofford
Furman
Samford
CIT
VMI

[FUBeAR]

The who’s better - ETSU or WCU - won’t be settled on the field until 11/9.

We already know both of them are in the NDSU / Montana class - at least Top 10 (although the MVFC/Big Sky voting bloc & CAA apologists-FCS pundits will deny the clear on-field evidence as it goes against their agendas), but FUBeAR is quite intrigued with which of those 2 is better than t’other.

Science sez ETSU is fairly significantly better, but FUBeAR ain’t so sure. That collar made of Campbell soup cans the KittyCats are wearing gets heavier (science-wise) every week, but FUBeAR thinks they might be able to wriggle out of that yoke on the field in the games ahead.

Any takers to pick 1 of those and make the case as to why they are better … or 1 person argue both sides - FUBeAR don’t care - finds both intriguing and just wondering what y’all think?

[OrangeAndBlack]

Biggest disappointments from last week: ETSU and Citadel. ETSU not only losing the huge game at home, but having to go to the backup QB. Now that adds another layer going forward. Not to take away from Chatty though -- this showed that UTC is the clear #2 and is firmly back in control of their season. They could win out?

Citadel... I just can't believe they blew that game. Such a tough loss. Furman never quit, they earned it. That one stings badly for The Citadel.

This Week:
Princeton @ Mercer
VMI @ Wofford
Chattanooga @ Furman
The Citadel @ Western Carolina
Samford @ East Tennessee State

FU Bear won't like it, but give me every home team except Furman xwhistlex

[FU_Paladin08]

ETSU seems to be more consistent, but WCU sure can play up to the competition.
WCU’s best games have been close losses on the road, leading NC St and Montana in the 4th quarter.

I could see ETSU with a better record, but WCU winning the head to head.

[Mocs123]

It is the SoCon so SoCon does SoCon things. Looking at our schedule I think the Mocs are capable of winning every game.....but we could lose any one of those games too. I mean I look at every one of those teams and the only one that I remotely feel comfortable with is VMI. I mean Furman was the best team in the SoCon last year and they just escaped The Citadel with a one point loss. Furman has a few issues - but their not a bad team at all, and The Citadel is always tough.

[ElCid]

It is the SoCon so SoCon does SoCon things. Looking at our schedule I think the Mocs are capable of winning every game.....but we could lose any one of those games too. I mean I look at every one of those teams and the only one that I remotely feel comfortable with is VMI. I mean Furman was the best team in the SoCon last year and they just escaped The Citadel with a one point loss. Furman has a few issues - but their not a bad team at all, and The Citadel is always tough.

If I was a betting man, I would give even money that UTC wins out. It's one of the reasons why I still have them ranked. The only game I see as remotely dangerous is WCU.

[Reign of Terrier]

UTC has the easiest remaining schedule IMO.

[FUBeAR]

UTC has the easiest remaining schedule IMO.
Dr. Kenneth “King Solomon” Massey sez Chatt’s schedule ahead is the 2nd hardest, with Woffy having the toughest row to hoe. Mercer has the easiest path per the King of Science…




Team


FCS Rank


SSF



Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

18


33.84



Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

29


32.25



W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

32


31.86



VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

35


31.35



ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

44


30.45



Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

52


28.85



Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

55


28.60



Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

62


27.63



Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

72


26.70

[PaladinNation]

I'm going to push back a little on this —
"Citadel... I just can't believe they blew that game. Such a tough loss. Furman never quit, they earned it. That one stings badly for The Citadel."

As well as Citadel played in the first half - Furman by it's own account (CCH's post game comments) played poorly on both sides of the ball. Furman made adjustments to Citadel running the option and Furman made adjustments offensively – going uptempo. Citadel was gassed in the 4th quarter — especially the defensive interior line.

One really good sign that Furman's defense is getting its footing. In the second half Colton Hinton muffs a punt (rare for him) the Furman defense tighens up and holds Citidel to a field goal — they go up 16-3. Then Furman goes uptempo which obviously fits Hedden's skill set.

Furman traveled with 35 freshmen. The final touchdown was a true freshman throwing to the 3rd string true freshman tight end (I doubt he will be third string for long) and on the final Citadel offensive play the interception was made by a redshirt freshman.

Furman held the Citadel to five straight three and outs to end the game.

Furman is a work in progress - and you better get'em while they're young. I think Furman will give the MOCS all they can handle this weekend.

Furman will have to play cleaner, avoid knucklehead penalties and missing assignments.

[ElCid]

Dr. Kenneth “King Solomon” Massey sez Chatt’s schedule ahead is the 2nd hardest, with Woffy having the toughest row to hoe. Mercer has the easiest path per the King of Science…




Team


FCS Rank


SSF



Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

18


33.84



Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

29


32.25



W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

32


31.86



VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

35


31.35



ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

44


30.45



Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

52


28.85



Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

55


28.60



Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

62


27.63



Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

72


26.70




Are you sure you did that correctly? I'm not sure. I'm asking. The SOS is games already played. The SSF is not future schedule "only." It is the SOS of games played AND future games based on current ratings. Basically the estimated final SOS. To figure out only the future SOS would take some cyphering.

[ElCid]

I'm going to push back a little on this —
"Citadel... I just can't believe they blew that game. Such a tough loss. Furman never quit, they earned it. That one stings badly for The Citadel."

As well as Citadel played in the first half - Furman by it's own account (CCH's post game comments) played poorly on both sides of the ball. Furman made adjustments to Citadel running the option and Furman made adjustments offensively – going uptempo. Citadel was gassed in the 4th quarter — especially the defensive interior line.

Furman traveled with 35 freshmen. The final touchdown was a true freshman throwing to the 3rd string true freshman tight end (I doubt he will be third string for long) and on the final Citadel offensive play the interception was made by a redshirt freshman.

Furman held the Citadel to five straight three and outs to end the game.

Furman is a work in progress - and you better get'em while they're young. I think Furman will give the MOCS all they can handle this weekend.


Eh. That last int was just a desperation throw with little time left. A cheerleader could have caught it. Not sure our D was gassed. They hardly played the entire first half. What TOP did Furman have then? Like 6 minutes? I think we simply did not finish. They thought they had it in the bag and as momentum shifted to Furman, they were like deer in headlights. They haven't been in that position for a while.
Lol. And the coaches played not to lose, instead of playing to win as well. Almost always a losing proposition. That was clear by their abysmal play calling.

[ElCid]

Dr. Kenneth “King Solomon” Massey sez Chatt’s schedule ahead is the 2nd hardest, with Woffy having the toughest row to hoe. Mercer has the easiest path per the King of Science…




Team


FCS Rank


SSF



Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

18


33.84



Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

29


32.25



W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

32


31.86



VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

35


31.35



ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

44


30.45



Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

52


28.85



Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

55


28.60



Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

62


27.63



Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

72


26.70





Are you sure you did that correctly? I'm not sure. I'm asking. The SOS is games already played. The SSF is not future schedule "only." It is the SOS of games played AND future games based on current ratings. Basically the estimated final SOS. To figure out only the future SOS would take some cyphering.

Yeah, I ciphered one example. You didn't do it right.

Our "future" schedule is 35.075. You would have to just look at each team's future schedule and use the opponents rating and average it out. 28.85 is our final SOS for the "entire" scheduled season.

[PaladinNation]

Eh. That last int was just a desperation throw with little time left. A cheerleader could have caught it. Not sure our D was gassed. They hardly played the entire first half. What TOP did Furman have then? Like 6 minutes? I think we simply did not finish. They thought they had it in the bag and as momentum shifted to Furman, they were like deer in headlights. They haven't been in that position for a while.
Lol. And the coaches played not to lose, instead of playing to win as well. Almost always a losing proposition. That was clear by their abysmal play calling.

My eyes saw differently — and it was mentioned (by a player) that Citadel appeared gassed…
That interception was caused by a bull rush by Luke Clark.
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1842674191050703133

[FUBeAR]

Yeah, I ciphered one example. You didn't do it right.

Our "future" schedule is 35.075. You would have to just look at each team's future schedule and use the opponents rating and average it out. 28.85 is our final SOS for the "entire" scheduled season.
So, SSF is “Strength of Schedule Final,” not “Strength of Schedule Forward.” His key shows different acronyms than he’s using (now), so FUBeAR was legitimately misled…kinda.

…and also learned Massey ain’t no Dr. neither. Doesn’t even have his Masters. He show as ABD on that one. Only a BS from Bluefield College. FUBeAR may have to re-think this SCIENCE thing.

But…because FUBeAR is OCD, he’ll prolly try to cipher it out for all SoCon Teams the way you did for the bellhops. Gotta back into your ciphered answer, though, cuz not sure this Bear of very little brain is grasping it all just yet.

[ElCid]

My eyes saw differently — and it was mentioned (by a player) that Citadel appeared gassed…
That interception was caused by a bull rush by Luke Clark.
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1842674191050703133

Sure there was pressure, but my point being if it was in the third, he would have never thrown it there. He would have thrown it away. There was no time, so, desperation and hope for a jump ball.

[FUBeAR]

Sure there was pressure, but my point being if it was in the third, he would have never thrown it there. He would have thrown it away. There was no time, so, desperation and hope for a jump ball.
#8 jumped.

He didn’t stick the landing though - likely broke his collar bone on the dismount.

FU is kinda snakebit since they got hosed by those CAA refs in Missoula.

https://i.postimg.cc/nc375WBp/IMG-8782.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/660G2PHn/IMG-8782.jpg

[Milktruck74]

UTC has the easiest remaining schedule IMO.

I will agree that Chattanooga's schedule this year was absolutely front loaded, but I don't see an easy finish for the Mocs. Can they win every game left on the schedule? Sure! But will they? Not so sure. 4 of the 7 remaining games are on the road and Berea North, Charleston, and Cullowhee are all hard places to play...and up at APSU, the three remaining kids that didn't run to UTEP with Jumpin' Scotty will remember what the Mocs did to end their season last year. And if that didn't make it difficult enough, the Mocs are finishing the season playing 9 straight weeks. A body needs a rest break, but unfortunately there is no week in the SoCon to get one of those without a bye.

[FUBeAR]

Yeah, I ciphered one example. You didn't do it right.

Our "future" schedule is 35.075. You would have to just look at each team's future schedule and use the opponents rating and average it out. 28.85 is our final SOS for the "entire" scheduled season.Ok - can you ‘show your work’ as to how you got to 35.075? FUBeAR added the ratings of future opponents of the bellhops and got 37.28, so guessing that’s not the right cipherin’




WCU


VMI


Samford


Chatt


Wofford


Clemson


Total




5.99


4.7


5.83


6.29


5.95


8.52


37.28

[The Cats]

Picks:

VMI (0-5, 0-1 Southern) at Wofford (2-3, 0-2 Southern)
Chattanooga (2-3, 1-1 Southern) at Furman (2-3, 1-0 Southern)
The Citadel (2-4, 0-3 Southern) at Western Carolina (2-3, 1-0 Southern)
Samford (2-2, 1-0 Southern) at ETSU (3-3, 1-1 Southern)
Princeton (1-2) at Mercer (5-0)


Power Rankings:

Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (1) Mercer (5-0, 3-0 SoCon)
Next: Princeton (1-2)

2. (3) Western Carolina (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: The Citadel(2-4, 0-3 SoCon)

3. (4) Chattanooga (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: at Furman (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)

4. (6) Furman (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)

5. (2) ETSU (3-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: Samford (2-2, 1-0 SoCon)

6. (5) Wofford (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)
Next: VMI (0-5, 0-1 SoCon)

7. (8) Samford (2-2, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: at ETSU (3-3, 1-1 SoCon)

8. (7) The Citadel (2-4, 0-3 SoCon)
Next: Western Carolina (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)

9. (9) VMI (0-5, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)

[Reign of Terrier]

It’s painful watching Wofford rack up socon DPOTW awards and then not be able to score a measly 24 points. Jonathan Saxon is a great coach and I hope we aren’t blowing it with him. Oh, to have an offense…

[ElCid]

Ok - can you ‘show your work’ as to how you got to 35.075? FUBeAR added the ratings of future opponents of the bellhops and got 37.28, so guessing that’s not the right cipherin’




WCU


VMI


Samford


Chatt


Wofford


Clemson


Total




5.99


4.7


5.83


6.29


5.95


8.52


37.28




I used the PWR rating and divided by 6. The SOS and SSF appear to be done using the PWR. No?

[FUBeAR]

Ok - can you ‘show your work’ as to how you got to 35.075? FUBeAR added the ratings of future opponents of the bellhops and got 37.28, so guessing that’s not the right cipherin’




WCU


VMI


Samford


Chatt


Wofford


Clemson


Total




5.99


4.7


5.83


6.29


5.95


8.52


37.28




OK - got it - you use Average “Power,” not rating…



35.075


WCU

VMI

Samford

Chatt

Wofford

Clemson

Total





Rating


5.99

4.7

5.83

6.29

5.95

8.52

37.28
Total



Power


31.67

15.64

31.14

35.02

26.18

70.8

35.075
Average

[ElCid]

OK - got it - you use Average “Power,” not rating…



35.075


WCU

VMI

Samford

Chatt

Wofford

Clemson

Total





Rating


5.99

4.7

5.83

6.29

5.95

8.52

37.28
Total



Power


31.67

15.64

31.14

35.02

26.18

70.8

35.075
Average




Correct. As I said, the SOS appears to use the PWR. Now for the next wrinkle. I have not verified whether he adds/subtracts HFA to the SOS. The best way to verify would be to compare the current SOS, from the PWR, and see if it matches. If not, then it does account for HFA.

[FUBeAR]

Correct. As I said, the SOS appears to use the PWR. Now for the next wrinkle. I have not verified whether he adds/subtracts HFA to the SOS. The best way to verify would be to compare the current SOS, from the PWR, and see if it matches. If not, then it does account for HFA.
Too late…

RoT was right… Chatt should sail thru the rest of the schedule … of course we’ll see how their upcoming loss to FU impacts that…

Mercer has the hardest Overall, but a little date in Tuscaloosa is a big part of that. Only 6th hardest in SoCon-only games.




Team
















Average Overall


Overall Rank


Average SoCon


SoCon Only Rank






Princeton


Samford


WCU


ETSU


VMI


Alabama


Furman











Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

27.54


31.14


31.67


30.49


15.64


81.54


33.15


35.88


1


28.42


6






WCU


VMI


Samford


Chatt


Wofford


Clemson













Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

31.67


15.64


31.14


35.02


26.18


70.80




35.08


2


27.93


7






VMI


Chatt


ETSU


Samford


Furman


CIT


SCaro











Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

15.64


35.02


30.49


31.14


33.15


20.50


63.89


32.83


3


27.66


8






Wofford


CIT


Chatt


Furman


Mercer


WCU


ETSU











VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

26.18


20.50


35.02


33.15


37.19


31.67


30.49


30.60


4


30.60


1






ETSU


Mercer


CIT


Wofford


TTU


Chatt


WCU











Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

30.49


37.19


20.50


26.18


27.03


35.02


31.67


29.73


5


30.18


2






WCU


VMI


Samford


Chatt


Wofford


Clemson













Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

35.02


31.67


15.64


26.18


30.49


37.19




29.37


6


29.37


3






Samford


Wofford


Mercer


WCU


Furman


VMI













ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

31.14


26.18


37.19


31.67


33.15


15.64




29.16


7


29.16


4






CIT


Furman


Mercer


Chatt


ETSU


VMI


Samford











W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

20.50


33.15


37.19


35.02


30.49


15.64


31.14


29.02


8


29.02


5






Furman


Wofford


VMI


WCU


CIT


Samford


APSU











Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

33.15


26.18


15.64


31.67


20.50


31.14


31.85


27.16


9


26.38


9

[wcugrad95]

Here are my weekly "stoopid rankings" using point differential, average total yards gained, and average total yards given up against FCS scholarship teams



Team
Games Played
Avg Pts For
Avg Pts Against
Difference
Rank
Avg Passing
Avg Rushing
Total
Rank
Passing Against
Rushing Against
Total
Rank


Citadel
5
19.20
26.60
(7.40)
8
193
118
311
7
229
165
394
7


ETSU
4
28.25
21.50
6.75
2
152
238
389
3
227
128
355
5


Furman
3
20.33
24.67
(4.33)
6
248
71
319
6
115
217
332
4


Mercer
4
25.25
7.25
18.00
1
189
179
368
4
213
30
243
1


Samford
3
22.67
16.00
6.67
3
228
133
361
5
155
111
265
2


UTC
3
21.67
16.67
5.00
4
312
102
414
1
172
153
325
3


VMI
4
12.00
33.75
(21.75)
9
128
122
249
9
264
137
401
8


WCU
4
24.00
26.00
(2.00)
5
264
138
402
2
253
191
444
9


Wofford
5
17.60
22.00
(4.40)
7
214
94
308
8
193
168
362
6




The numbers are starting to tell us something. I know Samford has a lot of the toughest part of their schedule to go, but they are starting to beat teams they are supposed to and have a middle-of-the-pack set of numbers. Not surprising after a bye week Mercer remains a top pick given their point differential and outstanding defense. UTC is quickly climbing with both offensive and defensive numbers that point to them being well positioned the rest of the season with the rough and tough early season schedule behind them. WCU is climbing offensively, but if we can't score TDs (or at least make FGs) the point differential is going to kill us.

I'd say after another 2 weeks and everybody having 3 or more SOCON games under their belts, this will be a pretty decent set of numbers to help ranking/rating. As-is it shows just how many teams are still very close to one another in their results so far.

[OrangeAndBlack]

I picked Wofford in the survivor pool... don't let me down against VMI!! Maybe the Wofford offense will find it's groove this weekend.

[FUBeAR]

As you are making your SoCon Power Rankings, Picks, and score projections here this week, you should be aware that Mercer’s Coach Jacobs commented on Mercer’s QB1, DJ Smith’s (#4 in FCS Passer Rating) injury status at the Mercer Football Press Conference yesterday (3:12)…

Q - “Any update on DJ Smith’s [inaudible to FUBeAR’s Lee Zeppelin & Rush damaged ears]?”

A - “DJ is back and doing well. We’ll just kind of see how he progresses throughout the week at practice.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO-eoUCIMtE

With the way the injuries to Chatt’s QB Artopoeus last season & Woffy’s QB Odom this season were discussed / handled by their Coaches / Programs, FUBeAR is leery of the phrase ‘back & doing well.’

TBH, FUBeAR does not expect Smith to play this week, at a minimum, as a precautionary decision, but would imagine, the Bears will do everything possible to have him 100% by 10/19 when the Bears head to Homewood for the 1st time since 2022, when they failed, in the final regular season game of the season, to score a TD in 6 tries inside the 5 yard-line, on the final possession of the 4th quarter (kicked a FG to tie with 00:06 remaining), to ultimately fall to Samford 50-44 in 2 OT’s, costing Furman a (more than earned) share of the SoCon Championship and, themselves, a Playoff berth that would have almost certainly come at 8-3 and a win over a SoCon Co-Champ.

The Bears owe themselves (and FUBeAR / Furman) some redemption at Some-New-Name Stadium in Homewood in 2 weeks. Getting Smith healed up only makes sense.

Mercer QB2, Hess Horne, had FBS offers and is a Transfer from an MVFC School. He can get it done over the Ivies.

[Reign of Terrier]

I would literally hold out Smith as long as possible. He's QB1 for a reason, but I don't think he's anything like an all-conference QB yet. He's been a game manager in many ways. Sure, he's one of the most efficient passers in FCS, but so used to be option QBs, when option QBs were a thing at this level. Again, not knocking the guy, just don't think his abilities need to be overstated at this point in his career. It's much better to have him fully healthy (heck, coach him up on the sidelines, it may help to see the mistakes Horne makes). Horne will do fine, as will that run game, and spectacular defense.

[BearDownMU]

I would literally hold out Smith as long as possible. He's QB1 for a reason, but I don't think he's anything like an all-conference QB yet. He's been a game manager in many ways. Sure, he's one of the most efficient passers in FCS, but so used to be option QBs, when option QBs were a thing at this level. Again, not knocking the guy, just don't think his abilities need to be overstated at this point in his career. It's much better to have him fully healthy (heck, coach him up on the sidelines, it may help to see the mistakes Horne makes). Horne will do fine, as will that run game, and spectacular defense.

I get what you're saying and don't necessarily disagree, but option QBs is a weird comp. Sure Smith is last in attempts, but he's 5th in completions, 5th in YPG, 1st in YPA, and 1st in passing TDs. lol

[FUBeAR]

I get what you're saying and don't necessarily disagree, but option QBs is a weird comp. Sure Smith is last in attempts, but he's 5th in completions, 5th in YPG, 1st in YPA, and 1st in passing TDs. lol
He jes’ hatin’ - 22-3 still stings.

[ElCid]

As you are making your SoCon Power Rankings, Picks, and score projections here this week, you should be aware that Mercer’s Coach Jacobs commented on Mercer’s QB1, DJ Smith’s (#4 in FCS Passer Rating) injury status at the Mercer Football Press Conference yesterday (3:12)…

Q - “Any update on DJ Smith’s [inaudible to FUBeAR’s Lee Zeppelin & Rush damaged ears]?”

A - “DJ is back and doing well. We’ll just kind of see how he progresses throughout the week at practice.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO-eoUCIMtE

With the way the injuries to Chatt’s QB Artopoeus last season & Woffy’s QB Odom this season were discussed / handled by their Coaches / Programs, FUBeAR is leery of the phrase ‘back & doing well.’

TBH, FUBeAR does not expect Smith to play this week, at a minimum, as a precautionary decision, but would imagine, the Bears will do everything possible to have him 100% by 10/19 when the Bears head to Homewood for the 1st time since 2022, when they failed, in the final regular season game of the season, to score a TD in 6 tries inside the 5 yard-line, on the final possession of the 4th quarter (kicked a FG to tie with 00:06 remaining), to ultimately fall to Samford 50-44 in 2 OT’s, costing Furman a (more than earned) share of the SoCon Championship and, themselves, a Playoff berth that would have almost certainly come at 8-3 and a win over a SoCon Co-Champ.

The Bears owe themselves (and FUBeAR / Furman) some redemption at Some-New-Name Stadium in Homewood in 2 weeks. Getting Smith healed up only makes sense.

Mercer QB2, Hess Horne, had FBS offers and is a Transfer from an MVFC School. He can get it done over the Ivies.

Confident he won't be needed against Princeton, who looks bad this year.

[BearDownMU]

Confident he won't be needed against Princeton, who looks bad this year.

I assume nothing. See: Nashville last weekend. lol

[Reign of Terrier]

I get what you're saying and don't necessarily disagree, but option QBs is a weird comp. Sure Smith is last in attempts, but he's 5th in completions, 5th in YPG, 1st in YPA, and 1st in passing TDs. lol

Stats help tell the story, but they aren't the story. If you look at the film, most of his passes are quick, high-efficiency throws, often short/easy stuff (same with Horne). There's good yac yards and the occasional deep bomb, sure, but he's not exactly a field general. Take out the PC game and some of his stats come down to earth. There's nothing wrong with that. It's a good system that allows your QB to grow without having too much pressure under him.

I've watched like 3 Mercer games and he makes at least one really bad read a game that gets picked off.

[FUBeAR]

I've watched like 3 Mercer games and he makes at least one really bad read a game that gets picked off.
100% Accurate - 1 in each game and he added the 1st-play fumble @ Wofford to his repertoire…and you know what FUBeAR said about each of those (except the fumble) … “Good!” … which BearDownMU can confirm.

Cuz here’s the deal - you shoulda seen his JUCO video - his mechanics were worse than horrendous; his decision-making was … “TRYING ONE!” … FUBeAR ain’t so dumb that he couldn’t see the raw talent there though. So, he understood why Mercer’s new Staff went after him. But, as BDMU can also confirm, FUBeAR, uncertain of Horne’s recovery timeline, expected 1 of the 2 True Freshmen to be the Starter for the Bears this year.

Then, FUBeAR learned that Smith had never had a QB Coach - in HS or JUCO and saw the marked improvement in his mechanics after a Spring and a Fall camp under this staff. Changing a lifetime QB’s motion (among other QB things) when he’s 20 years old (or older) is near impossible (see Randall Cunningham), but it’s obvious Smith is absorbing his Coaching like a top-of-the-line Ocello. So, every INT, particularly after locking on his intended Retriever, is just another great lesson for him.

He’s a big ol’ 200 pound lump of highly absorbent, 5-0 (or 4-0, if you!re a quibbler), #4 in FCS Passer Rating, clay.

If he keeps absorbing as Coach “Demi Moore” Soto shapes him, while Bobby Hatfield croons “Unchained Melody” in his head, he’s really gonna be something else.

While he’s drying and before he’s ready for the kiln - we gonna see some more learnings for sure. It’s on the Mercer D to make sure the Bears are gonna hang around long enough to see him glazed. So far, they’ve seemed up to that task.

[wcugrad95]

Using my stoopid rankings I am just averaging out what each team's rank is across the 3 categories, then for where there are ties I put the team with the best point differential higher. That ends up with:



Mercer
ETSU
Samford
Chattanooga
WCU
Furman
Wofford
Citadel
VMI


Another week and I think this might be on to something, as of right now I would put UTC as #2 because of the head-to-head over the Bucs and I would still put Samford behind WCU based on Western's wins right now look better than Sammies so far. The Bulldogs jumped up in point differential and points given up with their last two games being Alabama State and VMI. So my rankings would be:



Mercer
Chattanooga
ETSU
WCU
Samford
Furman
Wofford
Citadel
VMI


Not sure if that is as much weird science as FUBeAR's, but at least it feels a bit objective and number's based versus just my gut.

[BearDownMU]

Stats help tell the story, but they aren't the story. If you look at the film, most of his passes are quick, high-efficiency throws, often short/easy stuff (same with Horne). There's good yac yards and the occasional deep bomb, sure, but he's not exactly a field general. Take out the PC game and some of his stats come down to earth. There's nothing wrong with that. It's a good system that allows your QB to grow without having too much pressure under him.

I've watched like 3 Mercer games and he makes at least one really bad read a game that gets picked off.

I guess I have to start watching Mercer games...

[SU DOG]

Using my stoopid rankings I am just averaging out what each team's rank is across the 3 categories, then for where there are ties I put the team with the best point differential higher. That ends up with:



Mercer
ETSU
Samford
Chattanooga
WCU
Furman
Wofford
Citadel
VMI


Another week and I think this might be on to something, as of right now I would put UTC as #2 because of the head-to-head over the Bucs and I would still put Samford behind WCU based on Western's wins right now look better than Sammies so far. The Bulldogs jumped up in point differential and points given up with their last two games being Alabama State and VMI. So my rankings would be:



Mercer
Chattanooga
ETSU
WCU
Samford
Furman
Wofford
Citadel
VMI


Not sure if that is as much weird science as FUBeAR's, but at least it feels a bit objective and number's based versus just my gut.

Well, 95 I for one like your numbers better than any others I have seen. Could they mean we have at least a chance vs ETSU (asking for a friend)?

[wcugrad95]

SU DOG this is the SOCON, so everybody has a chance against everybody. I think Samford has been relatively high in these for a couple of weeks now, and I personally think the Bulldogs are right there in the mix with a bunch of the teams in the league. Feels like we have 4 or 5 teams that are more than capable of winning 5 or 6 conference games. That being said, I think your rankings will come down a little as your last 2 games skewed you guys upwards. Samford as always has some dudes. You also have a QB that I think can give people problems (not necessarily a big time runner, but certainly a quick guy who can extend plays and then either steal a first down or find a guy deep after a DB loses him).

ETSU has not been very good throwing the football. Chatty held them to 108 yards passing (and only 117 rushing). So if the Bucs struggle to throw the ball again you'll have a good chance. Of course, I also think UTC has an outstanding defense, so the Mocs had a lot to do with the ETSU offensive problems. But for the 4 games I am using for ETSU's numbers, they only average 152 passing yards.

[Reign of Terrier]

I guess I have to start watching Mercer games...

I recommend it

[FUBeAR]

I recommend it
LOL - you know BDMU once spent about a year in an ICU where he had the hospital staff connect his laptop to to 1 of the 14 monitors he was wired to, so he could watch the Mercer games on it, while his daily goal was not dying…right?

[OrangeAndBlack]

SU DOG this is the SOCON, so everybody has a chance against everybody. I think Samford has been relatively high in these for a couple of weeks now, and I personally think the Bulldogs are right there in the mix with a bunch of the teams in the league. Feels like we have 4 or 5 teams that are more than capable of winning 5 or 6 conference games. That being said, I think your rankings will come down a little as your last 2 games skewed you guys upwards. Samford as always has some dudes. You also have a QB that I think can give people problems (not necessarily a big time runner, but certainly a quick guy who can extend plays and then either steal a first down or find a guy deep after a DB loses him).

ETSU has not been very good throwing the football. Chatty held them to 108 yards passing (and only 117 rushing). So if the Bucs struggle to throw the ball again you'll have a good chance. Of course, I also think UTC has an outstanding defense, so the Mocs had a lot to do with the ETSU offensive problems. But for the 4 games I am using for ETSU's numbers, they only average 152 passing yards.

If Samford is the mix, then the league is in big trouble. They have West Georgia their only win. West Georgia lost to North Alabama who’s struggling badly. There’s nothing I can point at from past results to pump up Samford. Their name carries some weight from years past, but that’s it.

[wcugrad95]

Not sure where you have been OrangeAndBlack, but Samford actually lost to West Georgia and now have won back-to-back games albeit against pretty low competition in Alabama State and VMI. I would not sleep on them as they always have plenty of good players. Historically they play a couple of really great games and a couple of head-scratchers every year.

[SU DOG]

O and B, it may be a bit early to eliminate teams just yet, especially saying they don't belong in a mix. No, I am not high on my team's chance to win the conference, but we could end up in a mix of upper tier teams - stranger things have happened. Not ready to play an opening game is nothing new for Samford. Just look at us last year vs Western Carolina and this year vs UWG to show that is true. However, Samford did come on to win 5 of the last seven games last season. The 2 losses were by 6 points to #5 Furman (with Huff) and by 3 points at #23 Mercer. The other ranked opponent was #19 UT Martin who Samford beat by 10 points. That loss to Samford knocked them out of the Playoffs. This was the second year in a row that Samford had on the last game of the season, beaten a ranked team to spoil their hopes of making the Playoffs. I guess you can figure out who that other team was.

[FUBeAR]

Samford…on the last game of the season, beat…a ranked team to spoil their hopes of making the Playoffs. I guess you can figure out who that other team was.
Please enjoy the sounds of Soul Brother #1 as you consider and reflect upon 11/19/22 while anticipating 9/28/24…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cDuwibflL4

”I don’t know karate, but I know ka-razor”

[FU_Paladin08]

I’d say Samford and Furman are on similar paths this year. Hanging onto to the name recognition of the last few years until the new players can catch up. They’ve started slow but might be spoilers by the end of the season.

[FUBeAR]

Just in case any Stetson fans or other evacuees happen to be @-lurkin’ here…

https://mercerbears.com/news/2024/10/9/hurricane-milton-evacuees-to-be-welcomed-at-saturdays-football-game.aspx

Hurricane Milton Evacuees To Be Welcomed At Saturday’s Football Game
10/9/2024 2:08:00 PM



TICKET SIGN UP (https://mercerbears.com/sb_output.aspx?form=1810)


MACON – Athletics department officials at Mercer University announced Wednesday afternoon that complimentary tickets for Saturday's football contest between Princeton and the undefeated and 7th-ranked Bears will be offered to individuals displaced by Hurricane Milton which is expected to make its way through the Florida peninsula on Wednesday evening and into Thursday.

"We want to welcome our friends from Florida and all areas affected by Hurricane Milton to Five Star Stadium on Saturday afternoon," said Director of Athletics Jim Cole. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those displaced by this storm, and our hope is to provide an outlet to those who have evacuated to Middle Georgia."

Patrons wishing to take advantage of the offer can do so by claiming their complimentary tickets at MercerBears.com/Milton (https://mercerbears.com/sb_output.aspx?form=1810). Kickoff for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

[gofurman]

Sure there was pressure, but my point being if it was in the third, he would have never thrown it there. He would have thrown it away. There was no time, so, desperation and hope for a jump ball.


ElCid you further ruined our year - nothing dirty at all... but on the freaking LAST play we lost that Starting DB who made the INT for the year... wait, it gets worse. He is a Freshman backed up by a "lesser" freshman... so that guy will be playing now. AND THEN.. just Two plays earlier? on your last ditch drive with one minute left in game.. we lost possibly our BEST DL for his career !! Number 40 Xavier Stephens.. went out with about 50 seconds left. Done for season and is a Senior. Game 5? He probably can never play again ... Possibly our top DL for us. You saw how we jammed the middle runs ya'll attempted. Well, those runs just got a lot easier for every future team.

***Reign of Terrier will get this - what was that year your whole team got hurt? 2016? THat is this year for us:
***Seriously, ROT what year was it you all lost like 9 starters???

Furman is now down at least SEVEN starters now.. combine that with a Freshman QB and a Freshman Center too... and as of this week ANOTHER DIFFERENT Freshman DB is going to have to start... and then we are out several guys who play 40% of the plays like Maier. He would have been the next man up. Many positions we are on the 3rd guy... UGH. In reality we are missing about 1/3 to 1/2 the guys who should be on the field this year ... .and that is not counting how young we were going to be Already because of so many super seniors staying last year. Legit we are missing almost half the team.

As someone said... it is just "that" year for us. Thankfully it was a rebuilding year anyway. With all this I am thinking maybe 4-7 or 5-6 AT BEST. (11 games as we probably don't make up Samford? - another FREAK thing to our detriment.. Samford woulda been winnable at least and we may not play it. Win or lose our guys need to play some games !!)


WR Josh Harris (starter) - ALL CONFERENCE our best WR. GONE.
TE Josh Burrell (starter) - an FSU transfer !! man - a top 300 ESPN recruit ! OUT for year?
DB AK Burrell (starter)
WR Santino Varvel
DB Jalen Tate (2 deep)
Spur Justin Hartwell (starter)
Ban Alex Maier (2 deep - would play a LOT)
RB Jayquan Smith (2 deep - still out from last year where he was already getting carries)
LB Raleigh Herbert (2 deep - missed a couple of games). BACK 100% now ?..
DE David Alabi (contributor)
DT Bryce Stanfield (starter) - he DIED !!! Just horrible- HORRIBLE.

We were down at least 3 starters before the season even started (Stanfield, Hartwell, AK Burrell), and since then we have lost at least 2 more for multiple games (Burrell and Harris).
Add to that 3 guys from the two deep (Maier, Smith, Tate) and that's a lot of guys we were counting on playing a lot of snaps who aren't going to play a ton or at all for us this year.

**Not to mention we now have a true freshman QB starting now as well. This team was already going to be young, but it's even younger than we all expected.

Someone else mentioned it earlier this week I think, but this team has already faced it's fair share of adversity and is having to grow up on the job very quickly.

———-
NOW 2 more out for the YEAR in the last 3 plays vs Citadel. Last 3 plays !!

8 - Moson at DB ? Citadel game gimpy shoulder - Out for year on LAST PLAY v Citadel as he made the INT to end game.
40 - this is key to me. Xavier is a HUGE part of our DL. HUGE - Out for year as possibly our best DL.

[Milktruck74]

ElCid you further ruined our year - nothing dirty at all... but on the freaking LAST play we lost that Starting DB who made the INT for the year... wait, it gets worse. He is a Freshman backed up by a "lesser" freshman... so that guy will be playing now. AND THEN.. just Two plays earlier? on your last ditch drive with one minute left in game.. we lost possibly our BEST DL for his career !! Number 40 Xavier Stephens.. went out with about 50 seconds left. Done for season and is a Senior. Game 5? He probably can never play again ... Possibly our top DL for us. You saw how we jammed the middle runs ya'll attempted. Well, those runs just got a lot easier for every future team.

***Reign of Terrier will get this - what was that year your whole team got hurt? 2016? THat is this year for us:
***Seriously, ROT what year was it you all lost like 9 starters???

Furman is now down at least SEVEN starters now.. combine that with a Freshman QB and a Freshman Center too... and as of this week ANOTHER DIFFERENT Freshman DB is going to have to start... and then we are out several guys who play 40% of the plays like Maier. He would have been the next man up. Many positions we are on the 3rd guy... UGH. In reality we are missing about 1/3 to 1/2 the guys who should be on the field this year ... .and that is not counting how young we were going to be Already because of so many super seniors staying last year. Legit we are missing almost half the team.

As someone said... it is just "that" year for us. Thankfully it was a rebuilding year anyway. With all this I am thinking maybe 4-7 or 5-6 AT BEST. (11 games as we probably don't make up Samford? - another FREAK thing to our detriment.. Samford woulda been winnable at least and we may not play it. Win or lose our guys need to play some games !!)


WR Josh Harris (starter) - ALL CONFERENCE our best WR. GONE.
TE Josh Burrell (starter) - an FSU transfer !! man - a top 300 ESPN recruit ! OUT for year?
DB AK Burrell (starter)
WR Santino Varvel
DB Jalen Tate (2 deep)
Spur Justin Hartwell (starter)
Ban Alex Maier (2 deep - would play a LOT)
RB Jayquan Smith (2 deep - still out from last year where he was already getting carries)
LB Raleigh Herbert (2 deep - missed a couple of games). BACK 100% now ?..
DE David Alabi (contributor)
DT Bryce Stanfield (starter) - he DIED !!! Just horrible- HORRIBLE.

We were down at least 3 starters before the season even started (Stanfield, Hartwell, AK Burrell), and since then we have lost at least 2 more for multiple games (Burrell and Harris).
Add to that 3 guys from the two deep (Maier, Smith, Tate) and that's a lot of guys we were counting on playing a lot of snaps who aren't going to play a ton or at all for us this year.

**Not to mention we now have a true freshman QB starting now as well. This team was already going to be young, but it's even younger than we all expected.

Someone else mentioned it earlier this week I think, but this team has already faced it's fair share of adversity and is having to grow up on the job very quickly.

———-
NOW 2 more out for the YEAR in the last 3 plays vs Citadel. Last 3 plays !!

8 - Moson at DB ? Citadel game gimpy shoulder - Out for year on LAST PLAY v Citadel as he made the INT to end game.
40 - this is key to me. Xavier is a HUGE part of our DL. HUGE - Out for year as possibly our best DL.

I'm never going to celebrate anyone's injuries. Those of us that played will tell you that you feel it when anyone goes down, even your biggest rival...because you know that could be you the next play. I especially hate it for the career ender too, #40 was a stud, and nobody wants to go out like that.

That said, I feel like Furple already had an uphill battle against my Mocs, with the bright spot for furple being the ability to clog up the middle on the run and force the Mocs to the outside. Joe P is a run first play caller and about 70% of his runs called are between the tackles. So, all injuries are bad, but this one especially hurts vs the Mocs this week.

[SU DOG]

Betting Lines For SoCon Football 10/12/2024

For Entertainment Purposes ONLY!

VMI @ Wofford - Terriers by 25.5 points. Might be closer than this.
UTC @ Furman - Mocs by 6 points. Six probably not enough spread.
Citadel @ Western - Cats by 12 points.
Samford @ ETSU - Bucs by 12 points. Sounds about right.
Princeton @ Mercer - Bears by 23.5 points.

Bonus - Biggest Spread: Wabash @ Oberlin - The Little Giants of Wabash are making the 335 mile trip from Crawfordsville IN to Oberlin OH to be greeted by Yeobie The Albino Squirrel mascot of Oberlin College. Yeobie would probably be better served to just skip the game and go gather nuts for the winter.
Wabash @ Oberlin - Wabash by 63 points!

[FUBeAR]

Bonus - Biggest Spread: Wabash @ Oberlin - The Little Giants of Wabash are making the 335 mile trip from Crawfordsville IN to Oberlin OH to be greeted by Yeobie The Albino Squirrel mascot of Oberlin College. Yeobie would probably be better served to just skip the game and go gather nuts for the winter.
Wabash @ Oberlin - Wabash by 63 points!
Great job, SU DOG - this is the kind of content for which FUBeAR is here!

That said - FUBeAR believes we need to be ever-aware, with vigilance, of our commitment, within SoCon threads, and AGS, as a whole, to amplify inclusivity.

Thus…

The National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) Recommendation: Refer to a “squirrel with albinism,” rather than an “albino squirrel.”

Thank you for your increased efforts in this area going forward.

[FUBeAR]

Metric
ETSU vs.

NDSU
Chatt @

ETSU


Points Scored
35

38
17

10


Point Allowed
38

35
10

17


Point Difference
-3

+3
+7

-7


Total Offense Yds
383

481
397

225


Rushing Yds Offense
270

231
116

117


Passing Yds Offense
113

250
281

108


Offense Yds Allowed
481

383
225

397


Rushing Yds Allowed
231

270
117

116


Passing Yds Allowed
250

113
108

281


1st Downs
20

28
22

12


1st Downs Allowed
28

20
12

22


3rd Down %
44%

50%
31%

27%


3rd Down % Allowed
50%

44%
27%

31%











STATS Perform FCS Rank
27

2
23

27


AFCA FCS Coaches Poll Rank
40

2
35

40


Average Rank - Major Polls
33.5

2
29

33.5



Thoughts on this data?…

Does #23/#35 Chatt seem a lot closer to being the 2nd best FCS Team in the country than they do to being the 29th best … or nah?

Do the bizuns even Defense, bro … or nah?

Is the MVFC starting to play D like they have/do in the Big Sky … or nah?


…and if NDSU is #2, ETSU, sure as shinola, ain’t no dang 33.5 neither! 40 … Bunch of malarkey!

[FU_Paladin08]

Picks:
Chatt beats Furman
Wofford beats VMI
WCU beats The Citadel
ETSU beats Samford
Mercer beats Princeton

[ElCid]

Betting Lines For SoCon Football 10/12/2024

For Entertainment Purposes ONLY!

VMI @ Wofford - Terriers by 25.5 points. Might be closer than this.
UTC @ Furman - Mocs by 6 points. Six probably not enough spread.
Citadel @ Western - Cats by 12 points.
Samford @ ETSU - Bucs by 12 points. Sounds about right.
Princeton @ Mercer - Bears by 23.5 points.

Bonus - Biggest Spread: Wabash @ Oberlin - The Little Giants of Wabash are making the 335 mile trip from Crawfordsville IN to Oberlin OH to be greeted by Yeobie The Albino Squirrel mascot of Oberlin College. Yeobie would probably be better served to just skip the game and go gather nuts for the winter.
Wabash @ Oberlin - Wabash by 63 points!

I don't think the school actually refers to him as an "albino" squirrel. That is just used by people for whatever reason. You can imagine. You should look up his particulars. Can't post the particulars in this forum. Kind of weird.

We have white squirrels here. They are not albinos, but just have white fur. I have three living around my house. They are all over the area.

[FUBeAR]

I don't think the school actually refers to him as an "albino" squirrel. That is just used by people for whatever reason. You can imagine. You should look up his particulars. Can't post the particulars in this forum. Kind of weird.

We have white squirrels here. They are not albinos, but just have white fur. I have three living around my house. They are all over the area.
*SQUIRREL WITH ALBINISM … DAMMIT!

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford's favored by 25 against VMI? LOL

Fam, you can count on one hand how many times we have scored more than 24 under Watson. We'll probably win, but I expect it to be 23-7 or so. In fact, if I was a betting man, I'd say Wofford wins in that neighborhood of a game. I'm confident that we can win (but given how we have been the last few years, wouldn't be surprised if we blew it either), but I don't expect us to stomp the Keydets. Our defense is pretty good and VMI's struggles on offense, but our offense (even with Odom) has shown no indication that we can consistently execute to blow out anybody.

Now, admittedly I'm sandbagging a little bit. If Wofford is going to break its low scoring streak, it would be against a team like VMI. In fact, the last time we did play good offensively was against the socon military schools in 2022. I have a strong instinct we can get there again, but I just don't have the confidence in our offense to be confident in a blowout.

[gofurman]

I'm never going to celebrate anyone's injuries. Those of us that played will tell you that you feel it when anyone goes down, even your biggest rival...because you know that could be you the next play. I especially hate it for the career ender too, #40 was a stud, and nobody wants to go out like that.

That said, I feel like Furple already had an uphill battle against my Mocs, with the bright spot for furple being the ability to clog up the middle on the run and force the Mocs to the outside. Joe P is a run first play caller and about 70% of his runs called are between the tackles. So, all injuries are bad, but this one especially hurts vs the Mocs this week.

Right, I would say #40 Xavier Stephens was in the top 2 on our DL (2nd team all conference level) - part of last years great defense ! Not sure if saw us play Citadel. Our D got 5 straight 3 and outs to end the game! Mainly due to the ability to stuff the inside run. THIS HURTS.

I saw the line was UTC -6.

Take UTC ... only hesitation is ya'll dont score a lot and we do have a decent defense. But we are SUPER YOUNG. SUPER YOUNG. TRUE FR QB. Freshman Center. OL struggles MIGHTILY !!!!!!!!!!

roughly 9 STARTERS OUT w injury or other. Lost 2 for year vs Citadel... it's just that year

- - - Updated - - -

- - - Updated - - -


Wofford's favored by 25 against VMI? LOL

Fam, you can count on one hand how many times we have scored more than 24 under Watson. We'll probably win, but I expect it to be 23-7 or so. In fact, if I was a betting man, I'd say Wofford wins in that neighborhood of a game. I'm confident that we can win (but given how we have been the last few years, wouldn't be surprised if we blew it either), but I don't expect us to stomp the Keydets. Our defense is pretty good and VMI's struggles on offense, but our offense (even with Odom) has shown no indication that we can consistently execute to blow out anybody.

Now, admittedly I'm sandbagging a little bit. If Wofford is going to break its low scoring streak, it would be against a team like VMI. In fact, the last time we did play good offensively was against the socon military schools in 2022. I have a strong instinct we can get there again, but I just don't have the confidence in our offense to be confident in a blowout.


** Reign of Terrier , did you read my "inury post" for Furman???

What year was that ya'll had all those injuries? 2016 or something?


Heck, other people said "Wofford stinks" that year. I keep up with injuries and defended ya'll saying "they have the most injuries in the SoCon and you just can't handle that at FCS"... - this is our year for that it appears.. Always one team that gets the injury bug. Not much positive as I don't want anyone hurt... BUT, we probably aren't playoff contenders this year anyway so get it out of the way this year...

[OrangeAndBlack]

O and B, it may be a bit early to eliminate teams just yet, especially saying they don't belong in a mix. No, I am not high on my team's chance to win the conference, but we could end up in a mix of upper tier teams - stranger things have happened. Not ready to play an opening game is nothing new for Samford. Just look at us last year vs Western Carolina and this year vs UWG to show that is true. However, Samford did come on to win 5 of the last seven games last season. The 2 losses were by 6 points to #5 Furman (with Huff) and by 3 points at #23 Mercer. The other ranked opponent was #19 UT Martin who Samford beat by 10 points. That loss to Samford knocked them out of the Playoffs. This was the second year in a row that Samford had on the last game of the season, beaten a ranked team to spoil their hopes of making the Playoffs. I guess you can figure out who that other team was.

It's just that Samford's overall body of work is very bad. VMI is several notches below everyone, so of course Samford handled them. What I mainly meant is: IF Samford is "in the mix" later in the year, the SoCon as a whole will have a poor overall rating. So the rest of us had better hope that doesn't happen. That's the main issue.

I'm aware of how tough Samford has been in the past. This is the weakest they have looked in a long time.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Wofford's favored by 25 against VMI? LOL

Fam, you can count on one hand how many times we have scored more than 24 under Watson. We'll probably win, but I expect it to be 23-7 or so. In fact, if I was a betting man, I'd say Wofford wins in that neighborhood of a game. I'm confident that we can win (but given how we have been the last few years, wouldn't be surprised if we blew it either), but I don't expect us to stomp the Keydets. Our defense is pretty good and VMI's struggles on offense, but our offense (even with Odom) has shown no indication that we can consistently execute to blow out anybody.

Now, admittedly I'm sandbagging a little bit. If Wofford is going to break its low scoring streak, it would be against a team like VMI. In fact, the last time we did play good offensively was against the socon military schools in 2022. I have a strong instinct we can get there again, but I just don't have the confidence in our offense to be confident in a blowout.

I'll take the over on 24 points for Wofford! You're underestimating how bad VMI is this year. Norfolk State was actually a 6 point UNDERDOG to VMI (Somehow!). Norfolk controlled that game from start to finish. I know you're intentionally sandbagging though, or reverse jinxing your own team!

[Reign of Terrier]

I'll take the over on 24 points for Wofford! You're underestimating how bad VMI is this year. Norfolk State was actually a 6 point UNDERDOG to VMI (Somehow!). Norfolk controlled that game from start to finish. I know you're intentionally sandbagging though, or reverse jinxing your own team!

I'm not sandbagging. Maybe reverse jinxing. I just want to solidify myself as the undisputed socon pessimist. I'm mean to every team, but especially my own! xlolx

But I'm legitimately not confident we can score 30 points. I'd give it maybe a 50% chance. I think a normal person would give it 75% chance. Combine that with shutting out a team is very hard and Wofford -25 seems like a good bet against Wofford.

[FUBeAR]

Metric
ETSU vs.

NDSU
Chatt @

ETSU


Points Scored
35

38
17

10


Point Allowed
38

35
10

17


Point Difference
-3

+3
+7

-7


Total Offense Yds
383

481
397

225


Rushing Yds Offense
270

231
116

117


Passing Yds Offense
113

250
281

108


Offense Yds Allowed
481

383
225

397


Rushing Yds Allowed
231

270
117

116


Passing Yds Allowed
250

113
108

281


1st Downs
20

28
22

12


1st Downs Allowed
28

20
12

22


3rd Down %
44%

50%
31%

27%


3rd Down % Allowed
50%

44%
27%

31%











STATS Perform FCS Rank
27

2
23

27


AFCA FCS Coaches Poll Rank
40

2
35

40


Average Rank - Major Polls
33.5

2
29

33.5



Thoughts on this data?…

Does #23/#35 Chatt seem a lot closer to being the 2nd best FCS Team in the country than they do to being the 29th best … or nah?

Do the bizuns even Defense, bro … or nah?

Is the MVFC starting to play D like they have/do in the Big Sky … or nah?


…and if NDSU is #2, ETSU, sure as shinola, ain’t no dang 33.5 neither! 40 … Bunch of malarkey!
Nuthin’ huh?

Not even a peep out of the SnakeBirdTrainDrivingShoes fans?

Are FUBeAR’s fellow SoConMen afraid to speak truth to power?

Carrying the SoCon Banner into these Rankings & Playoff Selections / Seeding battles is getting pretty dang weighty on FUBeAR’s aging & atrophying arms. They weren’t all that big to begin with.

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR’s PICKS & POWER RATINGS

FUBeAR’s PICKS
All Games are on Saturday, October 12th


AWAY
HOME
KICKOFF
TIME
TRUTH


VMI
WOFFORD
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54147_WOF-vs-VMI_20241012/stats/)
The Roos head to SparkleCity hoping to catch a reeling - haven’t won a game since near ‘bout August - PursePup squad that, nonsensically, just may be arrogant enough to overlook the troop from LexVegas, thinking they have this one in the bag and can turn around their season @ should-be-Top-10-if-not-Top-5 Chattanooga next week. But the GiantRats left their cannons in Virginia and LittleDogs romp like a 1/2 day at the dog park.

Wofford 25 - VMI 6


CHATTANOOGA
FURMAN
2P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54174_FUR-vs-CHAT_20241012/stats/)
The toddler-aged Paladins keep seeing their budding bundles of joy fall out of their high chairs and coming up with season-ending boo-boo’s. It’s a combination Day Care and M*A*S*H unit hard by Travelers Rest. Meanwhile, the should-be-Top-10-if-not-Top-5 TrainDrivingAvians switched over to a winning track, taking down the best of the Big Sky and the bizuns near-vanquishers in successive weeks. But the anti-Moc Mojo is strong in Paladin Stadium. Stetson gave the Paladins a much tougher game there this season than the FeatheryFailures did in last year’s Playoff. And, down in The Holy City last week, the ArmoredHeroes proved they have a prayer if there is time on the clock. These DiaperedDandies showed they are going to play with a “Refuse to Lose” mien. So, they don’t this week. To be specific, a 9 yard TD pass with 1:44 to play provides the winning score and clinches it.

Furman 17 - Chattanooga 14


THE CITADEL
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54182_WCU-vs-CIT_20241012/stats/)
The bellhops, silly bellhops, got their little hearts broken last week. But they played hard and, at times, played well. At the same time, the Cantamounts high-powered Offense, was scoring at the astronomical rate of 1 TD/half against Woffy. At least it was better than their All-World O’s TD-less effort against the SoupSellers. The MountainFelines were more than fortunate to come away with an unwitnessed win. They have fans back in Whitmire Stadium this week and that is the difference because CIT’s D gives them all they can handle.

WCU 24 - CIT 10


SAMFORD
ETSU
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54241_ETSU-vs-SAM_20241012/stats/)
Like NDSU, Samford is known for not playing Defense. That was almost enough for the MountainFelons to take down the bizuns a few weeks back. They are licking their battle-wounds from last week when the Mocs grounded their already-grounded ship, but Samford, although coming off a big home win, also played in front of no fans in a show of solidarity with WCU, is still trying to find out who they are. FUBeAR suggests name tags - 3 years in a row of a new bus load of transfer every year can lead to a great deal of unfamiliarity with one another and zero Team chemistry/culture. They also can’t stop the run.

ETSU 38 - Samford 20


PRINCETON
MERCER
3:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54187_MER-vs-PRIN_20241012/stats/)
So, the Ivy Leaguers are going to put aside their “objection” to Georgia’s “ xxx xxxx on steroids” laws, their opportunity to appear humanitarian by giving up their hotel rooms to Milton evacuees, and show up in Maconga to face the Top 10 Bears. Thought those guys were supposed to be smart. Watched some of their game @ Columbia and those TawnyBrindledFelines can play a little bit - despite the final score. FUBeAR would rank ‘em somewhere between Woffy & CIT, which is where Mr. Massey has them (with Samford in there somewhere). Their O may be better than those 2 Teams, that Mercer has already defeated, but their Defense is not as strong. The KittyKats use their brains to hang close early, but the Bears boa constrictor Defense and Punting game work their magic again.

Mercer 24 - Princeton 13

BONUS FUN FACT: Princeton, NJ is located in Mercer County, NJ



FUBeAR’s Power Rankings
There may come a point in this season when FUBeAR decides to eschew science, ignore the wisdom of King Solomon, and rely on his own understanding; but we have not reached that point just yet.

Thus, FUBeAR, will once again turn to the Solomon of College Football and rely on Dr. King Kenneth Massey to provide the principal framework for his Power Rankings this week…




FUBeAR’s
PowerRank


SoCon
Team


Massey Projected
Overall Record


Massey
Projected
SoCon Record


Massey
Projected
SoCon
Win %


Massey
Projected
SoCon
Finish


Massey Projected
SoCon W/L Details




1a

Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/4649)

11-1


8-0


1.000


1

Only projected loss is to Alabama. FUBeAR is not prepared, at this time, to opine regarding his projection of the outcome of that contest, so he will leave Dr. Massey's thoughts in place, for now



1b

Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2800)

7-4


6-1


0.857


2

loss to Mercer



3

Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/7809)

8-4


6-2


0.750


3

losses to Mercer, Furman



4

ETSU (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/2321)

7-5


5-3


0.625


4

losses to Mercer, Furman, and Chatt



5

Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/6987)

6-5


4-3


0.571


5

losses to ETSU, Mercer, and Chatt



6

W Carolina (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8742)

4-8


3-5


0.375


6

wins over Woffy, CIT, and VMI



7

Wofford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/9126)

4-8


2-6


0.250


7

wins over CIT & VMI



8

Citadel (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/1545)

3-9


1-7


0.125


8

win over VMI



9

VMI (https://masseyratings.com/cf2024/8450)

0-11


0-8

0.000

9

0’fer / 0’fer



* If FUBeAR were, to any degree, relying on his own unscientific, subjective opinion, he might move Samford down to 7th, thereby elevating WCU & Wofford to 5th & 6th respectively. FUBeAR doesn’t see any other of these scientific rankings that he would feel strongly enough about to challenge. It’s a high-bar to clear when one takes on SCIENCE!

[SU DOG]

A few things here about Samford that I want to say. First off, out of the 22 starters listed on the game notes for the ETSU Game, there are a grand total of two that did not play for the Dogs last year. One is a Portal xfer and the other is a Juco product. That hardly qualifies as a team that doesn't know their teammates. I'm still convinced that the front seven poses a very good defensive front. With an All-American MLB and another LB with all conference type stats, a big front four with 2 Sr. and two Gr. starters I'm thinking that this group will surprise some teams this season. I know our history with run defense, but I like the new DC and the experienced talent he has to work with. TBH, I am more concerned about our secondary and our offense. How this will play out vs ETSU I'm not sure. I do think the game may be more competitive than most are thinking. This will be a huge test for Samford for sure, but at least I will learn a lot about my team.

[OrangeAndBlack]

VMI 3 @ Wofford 35
UTC 24 @ Furman 7
Citadel 17 @ WCU 24
Samford 20 @ ETSU 34
Princeton 3 @ Mercer 38

extra reading: The Princetonian predictions https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2024/10/princeton-sports-previews-staff-picks-princeton-football-at-mercer

[FUBeAR]

A few things here about Samford that I want to say. First off, out of the 22 starters listed on the game notes for the ETSU Game, there are a grand total of two that did not play for the Dogs last year. One is a Portal xfer and the other is a Juco product. That hardly qualifies as a team that doesn't know their teammates. I'm still convinced that the front seven poses a very good defensive front. With an All-American MLB and another LB with all conference type stats, a big front four with 2 Sr. and two Gr. starters I'm thinking that this group will surprise some teams this season. I know our history with run defense, but I like the new DC and the experienced talent he has to work with. TBH, I am more concerned about our secondary and our offense. How this will play out vs ETSU I'm not sure. I do think the game may be more competitive than most are thinking. This will be a huge test for Samford for sure, but at least I will learn a lot about my team.
Ain’t statistics great…

Samford has 118 Players on their roster.
41% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

Samford lists 54 unique Players on their 2-Deep / Depth Chart for their game @ ETSU (see below)
50% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

That certainly qualifies as a Team tossing a bunch of Rent-a-Players out there. Hey, it has worked pretty well for UIW - just own it. FUBeAR did compare Samford, favorably, to NDSU. Maybe just take that ‘win.’

How well they actually know one another is purely subjective, but name tags couldn’t hurt, could they?




#

FULL NAME

POS.

PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Xfer/JUCO


ETSU 2-Deep




1

Dontae Pollard (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/dontae-pollard/9274)

CB

Arkon

X


X




2

Quincy Crittendon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/quincy-crittendon/9277)

QB

Austin HS



X




2

Jalik Yancey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalik-yancey/9276)

CB

Northeast Mississippi CC

X


X




3

E. Jai Mason (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/e-jai-mason/9278)

WR

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




4

Xavier Lanier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/xavier-lanier/9281)

CB

Tulsa

X


X




5

Noah Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/noah-martin/9282)

LB

The Baylor School



X




6

Ben Levine (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-levine/9284)

WR

Second Baptist HS



X




6

Jalen Nelson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalen-nelson/9283)

S

Northwest Rankin HS



X




7

D.J. Rias (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/d-j-rias/9285)

WR

Alabama

X


X




9

Midnight Steward (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/midnight-steward/9290)

S

Daphne HS



X




10

Haden Klees (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/haden-klees/9293)

QB

Wakulla County HS



X




11

Rayf Vinson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/rayf-vinson/9294)

WR

Ole Miss

X


X




12

Brendan Jenkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brendan-jenkins/9296)

WR

Mill Creek HS



X




13

Jamari Cannon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamari-cannon/9298)

CB

Santa Barbara CC

X


X




15

Iaan Cousin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/iaan-cousin/9394)

WR

Kennesaw State

X


X




16

Kamron Smith (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/kamron-smith/9302)

CB

Charleston Southern

X


X




18

Stephen Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/stephen-martin/9305)

WR

UCF

X


X




20

Micah Kelly (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/micah-kelly/9307)

RB

Toledo

X


X




24

Edwin Dearman (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/edwin-dearman/9313)

S

Northern Iowa

X


X




27

Gumbo Gaskins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gumbo-gaskins/9319)

CB

Vanderbilt

X


X




29

C.J. Douglas (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/c-j-douglas/9322)

S

Leeds HS



X




31

Damonta Witherspoon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/damonta-witherspoon/9325)

RB

Murray State

X


X




33

Teddy Davenport (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/teddy-davenport/9329)

WR

UAB

X


X




33

Jaden Mosley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaden-mosley/9328)

LB

Hutchinson CC

X


X




34

Mailk Gaither (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/mailk-gaither/9330)

LB

Alcorn State

X


X




39

Gavin Morris (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gavin-morris/9335)

LB

South Forsyth HS



X




41

Tate Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tate-taylor/9338)

TE

Lipscomb Academy



X




42

Jordan Russell (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jordan-russell/9392)

DE

Georgia State

X


X




45

Thomas Neville (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/thomas-neville/9343)

LB

Dunwoody HS



X




50

Darrian King (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/darrian-king/9348)

OL

East Misssissippi CC

X


X




54

Luke Byrne (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/luke-byrne/9352)

OL

Mary Persons HS



X




55

Johnny Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/johnny-johnson/9353)

DL

St. Amant HS



X




56

Aidan Barr (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/aidan-barr/9354)

LS

Cardinal Newman HS



X




57

Cooper Frazier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-frazier/9355)

OL

Corinth HS



X




58

Chris Noble (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/chris-noble/9356)

OL

UAB

X


X




59

Will Thorley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/will-thorley/9357)

P

Prokick Australia

X


X




61

Alex Applefield (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/alex-applefield/9358)

LS

Houston Academy



X




63

Zach Bond (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-bond/9359)

OL

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




70

Brett Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brett-johnson/9362)

OL

UAB

X


X




74

Tyler Douthit (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-douthit/9367)

OL

Woodstock HS



X




77

Zach Brown (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-brown/9370)

OL

Loretto HS



X




78

Duncan Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/duncan-johnson/9372)

OL

Aquinas HS



X




79

Donovan Hawkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/donovan-hawkins/9373)

OL

Pinson Valley HS



X




80

Wilson Beaverstock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wilson-beaverstock/9374)

K

UAB

X


X




81

Jamall Thompson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamall-thompson/9375)

DL

Sarasota HS



X




82

Jaylon Barden (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylon-barden/9376)

WR

Georgia Southern

X


X




84

Preston Bird (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/preston-bird/9378)

WR

Veterans HS



X




85

Wesley Carlock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wesley-carlock/9379)

WR

University School of Jackson



X




87

Forrest Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/forrest-taylor/9381)

K

Coffeyville CC

X


X




91

Jaylin Rainey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylin-rainey/9393)

DL

Dartmouth

X


X




93

Daniel Bettis (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-bettis/9385)

TE

Booker T. Washington HS



X




94

Makhi Gilbert (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/makhi-gilbert/9386)

DL

Central HS



X




97

Nick Jackson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/nick-jackson/9389)

DL

Winter Park HS



X




98

Joshua Mathiasen (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/joshua-mathiasen/9390)

DL

Olivet Nazarene



X












27


54












50.00%






In terms of Samford’s ability to stop the run, they haven’t been horrendous so far. But, their FCS opponents average per game rushing yardage would rank #70 of 123 Teams in FCS. ETSU is #8 and running with the elites. Samford should have the opportunity to prove FUBeAR wrong and if they can stop the run or not on Saturday.

RUSHING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 05, 2024


Rank
Team
# of Games
Attempts
Yards
Yds/Attempt
TD’s
Yds/Game








1
Davidson (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/davidson)
5
299
1843
6.16
21
368.6


2
Montana St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana-st)
6
276
1820
6.59
20
303.3


3
Montana (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana)
6
239
1588
6.64
23
264.7


4
William & Mary (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/william-mary)
6
275
1584
5.76
19
264.0


5
Central Ark. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/central-ark)
6
238
1566
6.58
22
261.0


6
Butler (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/butler)
5
218
1286
5.90
18
257.2


7
South Dakota (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/south-dakota)
5
194
1244
6.41
20
248.8


8
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
6
227
1388
6.11
15
231.3


9
North Dakota St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/north-dakota-st)
6
272
1317
4.84
17
219.5


10
SFA (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/stephen-f-austin)
5
187
1077
5.76
9
215.4

[kdinva]

UTC 27; Furman 24
WCU 34; The Citadel 17
ETSU 35, Samford 20
Mercer 34; Princeton 16
Wofford 20; VMI 17

[caribbeanhen]

UTC 27; Furman 24
WCU 34; The Citadel 17
ETSU 35, Samford 20
Mercer 34; Princeton 16
Wofford 20; VMI 17

is VMI going defeated this year?

[FUBeAR]

IF you are a fan of College Football, FUBeAR will compensate you for the 22 minutes of your time if you watch & don’t enjoy this long-form interview with Mercer Head Football Coach, Mike Jacobs.

Football Scoop interviewer does an excellent job and FUBeAR found Coach Jacob’s perspectives across the broad spectrum of College Football quite interesting and he enjoyed some of Coach Jacobs’ tales of Coaching (and picking up cases & bottles of GatorAde while dodging traffic) most enjoyable. Two thumbs 👍🏻 👍🏻 up!
https://twitter.com/ourcoachingnet/status/1844741529220616638

[SU DOG]

I don't have a problem with Samford having loads of xfers IF Hacher can win with them. Two years ago yes but last season no. ETSU may run wild vs our front, I dunno, but like I said I will know lots more after tomorrow. As for our opponent stats in rushing vs Samford, the Florida Game is also to be considered. The score was lopsided yes but remember that in the middle of the 3rd quarter the score was 21-7. They killed us through the air. In our 4 games the average yards/rush have been 4.1, 4.9, 2.6 and 1.4. That high of 4.9 was against the Gators and their total was 166 total net yards rushing. Their longest run was for 16 yards, they were 5/11 on 3rd down conversions, and 1/3 on 4th down conversions. Florida might not be a tremendous FBS Power, but they have plenty of 4**** and 5***** players on their offense. I just wanted to add this tidbit into the discussion since there is so much talk about our run defense vs weak opponents. Again, we may not even slow the Bucs rushing down, but I do have hope.

[SU DOG]

After listening to Coach Jacobs, I'm even more convinced that Mercer has a very good one and a very unpretentious and down to earth guy. An inside joke maybe, but I wonder if after listening to the interview if FUBeAR has developed a little more respect for Long Snappers? LOL!

[FUBeAR]

After listening to Coach Jacobs, I'm even more convinced that Mercer has a very good one and a very unpretentious and down to earth guy. An inside joke maybe, but I wonder if after listening to the interview if FUBeAR has developed a little more respect for Long Snappers? LOL!
LOL - as you know, FUBeAR WAS a Long Snapper, in addition to being a Football Player.

Thus, he respects them fully IF they will snap, block / screen, cover, and tackle, with full effort in each of these functions … ALMOST like a real Football Player

That said…

FULL-TIME Long Snappers have not been, are not, and never will be Offensive Linemen. They are no more Offensive Linemen than Placekickers or Punters are Quarterbacks.

To conflate the two, particularly putting Long Snappers on All-Whatever Teams as “Offensive Linemen,” does nothing except expose those that would do so and/or accept and/or publicize such recognition as having little to no understanding of the game of Football and/or just PlaqueWhores.

It would be almost as crazy as if we let biological men compete and win awards participating in Women’s Sports and we know that would NEVER happen!

[gofurman]

Ain’t statistics great…

Samford has 118 Players on their roster.
41% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

Samford lists 54 unique Players on their 2-Deep / Depth Chart for their game @ ETSU (see below)
50% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

That certainly qualifies as a Team tossing a bunch of Rent-a-Players out there. Hey, it has worked pretty well for UIW - just own it. FUBeAR did compare Samford, favorably, to NDSU. Maybe just take that ‘win.’

How well they actually know one another is purely subjective, but name tags couldn’t hurt, could they?




#

FULL NAME

POS.

PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Xfer/JUCO


ETSU 2-Deep




1

Dontae Pollard (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/dontae-pollard/9274)

CB

Arkon

X


X




2

Quincy Crittendon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/quincy-crittendon/9277)

QB

Austin HS



X




2

Jalik Yancey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalik-yancey/9276)

CB

Northeast Mississippi CC

X


X




3

E. Jai Mason (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/e-jai-mason/9278)

WR

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




4

Xavier Lanier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/xavier-lanier/9281)

CB

Tulsa

X


X




5

Noah Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/noah-martin/9282)

LB

The Baylor School



X




6

Ben Levine (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-levine/9284)

WR

Second Baptist HS



X




6

Jalen Nelson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalen-nelson/9283)

S

Northwest Rankin HS



X




7

D.J. Rias (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/d-j-rias/9285)

WR

Alabama

X


X




9

Midnight Steward (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/midnight-steward/9290)

S

Daphne HS



X




10

Haden Klees (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/haden-klees/9293)

QB

Wakulla County HS



X




11

Rayf Vinson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/rayf-vinson/9294)

WR

Ole Miss

X


X




12

Brendan Jenkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brendan-jenkins/9296)

WR

Mill Creek HS



X




13

Jamari Cannon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamari-cannon/9298)

CB

Santa Barbara CC

X


X




15

Iaan Cousin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/iaan-cousin/9394)

WR

Kennesaw State

X


X




16

Kamron Smith (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/kamron-smith/9302)

CB

Charleston Southern

X


X




18

Stephen Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/stephen-martin/9305)

WR

UCF

X


X




20

Micah Kelly (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/micah-kelly/9307)

RB

Toledo

X


X




24

Edwin Dearman (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/edwin-dearman/9313)

S

Northern Iowa

X


X




27

Gumbo Gaskins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gumbo-gaskins/9319)

CB

Vanderbilt

X


X




29

C.J. Douglas (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/c-j-douglas/9322)

S

Leeds HS



X




31

Damonta Witherspoon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/damonta-witherspoon/9325)

RB

Murray State

X


X




33

Teddy Davenport (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/teddy-davenport/9329)

WR

UAB

X


X




33

Jaden Mosley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaden-mosley/9328)

LB

Hutchinson CC

X


X




34

Mailk Gaither (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/mailk-gaither/9330)

LB

Alcorn State

X


X




39

Gavin Morris (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gavin-morris/9335)

LB

South Forsyth HS



X




41

Tate Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tate-taylor/9338)

TE

Lipscomb Academy



X




42

Jordan Russell (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jordan-russell/9392)

DE

Georgia State

X


X




45

Thomas Neville (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/thomas-neville/9343)

LB

Dunwoody HS



X




50

Darrian King (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/darrian-king/9348)

OL

East Misssissippi CC

X


X




54

Luke Byrne (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/luke-byrne/9352)

OL

Mary Persons HS



X




55

Johnny Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/johnny-johnson/9353)

DL

St. Amant HS



X




56

Aidan Barr (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/aidan-barr/9354)

LS

Cardinal Newman HS



X




57

Cooper Frazier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-frazier/9355)

OL

Corinth HS



X




58

Chris Noble (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/chris-noble/9356)

OL

UAB

X


X




59

Will Thorley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/will-thorley/9357)

P

Prokick Australia

X


X




61

Alex Applefield (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/alex-applefield/9358)

LS

Houston Academy



X




63

Zach Bond (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-bond/9359)

OL

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




70

Brett Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brett-johnson/9362)

OL

UAB

X


X




74

Tyler Douthit (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-douthit/9367)

OL

Woodstock HS



X




77

Zach Brown (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-brown/9370)

OL

Loretto HS



X




78

Duncan Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/duncan-johnson/9372)

OL

Aquinas HS



X




79

Donovan Hawkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/donovan-hawkins/9373)

OL

Pinson Valley HS



X




80

Wilson Beaverstock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wilson-beaverstock/9374)

K

UAB

X


X




81

Jamall Thompson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamall-thompson/9375)

DL

Sarasota HS



X




82

Jaylon Barden (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylon-barden/9376)

WR

Georgia Southern

X


X




84

Preston Bird (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/preston-bird/9378)

WR

Veterans HS



X




85

Wesley Carlock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wesley-carlock/9379)

WR

University School of Jackson



X




87

Forrest Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/forrest-taylor/9381)

K

Coffeyville CC

X


X




91

Jaylin Rainey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylin-rainey/9393)

DL

Dartmouth

X


X




93

Daniel Bettis (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-bettis/9385)

TE

Booker T. Washington HS



X




94

Makhi Gilbert (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/makhi-gilbert/9386)

DL

Central HS



X




97

Nick Jackson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/nick-jackson/9389)

DL

Winter Park HS



X




98

Joshua Mathiasen (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/joshua-mathiasen/9390)

DL

Olivet Nazarene



X












27


54












50.00%






In terms of Samford’s ability to stop the run, they haven’t been horrendous so far. But, their FCS opponents average per game rushing yardage would rank #70 of 123 Teams in FCS. ETSU is #8 and running with the elites. Samford should have the opportunity to prove FUBeAR wrong and if they can stop the run or not on Saturday.

RUSHING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 05, 2024


Rank
Team
# of Games
Attempts
Yards
Yds/Attempt
TD’s
Yds/Game








1
Davidson (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/davidson)
5
299
1843
6.16
21
368.6


2
Montana St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana-st)
6
276
1820
6.59
20
303.3


3
Montana (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana)
6
239
1588
6.64
23
264.7


4
William & Mary (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/william-mary)
6
275
1584
5.76
19
264.0


5
Central Ark. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/central-ark)
6
238
1566
6.58
22
261.0


6
Butler (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/butler)
5
218
1286
5.90
18
257.2


7
South Dakota (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/south-dakota)
5
194
1244
6.41
20
248.8


8
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
6
227
1388
6.11
15
231.3


9
North Dakota St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/north-dakota-st)
6
272
1317
4.84
17
219.5


10
SFA (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/stephen-f-austin)
5
187
1077
5.76
9
215.4




yeah, but anyone with a guy named "GUMBO GASKINS" is worth an extra point right there. GUmbo - I love it

- - - Updated - - -


Ain’t statistics great…

Samford has 118 Players on their roster.
41% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

Samford lists 54 unique Players on their 2-Deep / Depth Chart for their game @ ETSU (see below)
50% of those Players are not direct-to-Samford Players

That certainly qualifies as a Team tossing a bunch of Rent-a-Players out there. Hey, it has worked pretty well for UIW - just own it. FUBeAR did compare Samford, favorably, to NDSU. Maybe just take that ‘win.’

How well they actually know one another is purely subjective, but name tags couldn’t hurt, could they?




#

FULL NAME

POS.

PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Xfer/JUCO


ETSU 2-Deep




1

Dontae Pollard (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/dontae-pollard/9274)

CB

Arkon

X


X




2

Quincy Crittendon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/quincy-crittendon/9277)

QB

Austin HS



X




2

Jalik Yancey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalik-yancey/9276)

CB

Northeast Mississippi CC

X


X




3

E. Jai Mason (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/e-jai-mason/9278)

WR

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




4

Xavier Lanier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/xavier-lanier/9281)

CB

Tulsa

X


X




5

Noah Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/noah-martin/9282)

LB

The Baylor School



X




6

Ben Levine (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-levine/9284)

WR

Second Baptist HS



X




6

Jalen Nelson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jalen-nelson/9283)

S

Northwest Rankin HS



X




7

D.J. Rias (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/d-j-rias/9285)

WR

Alabama

X


X




9

Midnight Steward (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/midnight-steward/9290)

S

Daphne HS



X




10

Haden Klees (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/haden-klees/9293)

QB

Wakulla County HS



X




11

Rayf Vinson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/rayf-vinson/9294)

WR

Ole Miss

X


X




12

Brendan Jenkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brendan-jenkins/9296)

WR

Mill Creek HS



X




13

Jamari Cannon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamari-cannon/9298)

CB

Santa Barbara CC

X


X




15

Iaan Cousin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/iaan-cousin/9394)

WR

Kennesaw State

X


X




16

Kamron Smith (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/kamron-smith/9302)

CB

Charleston Southern

X


X




18

Stephen Martin (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/stephen-martin/9305)

WR

UCF

X


X




20

Micah Kelly (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/micah-kelly/9307)

RB

Toledo

X


X




24

Edwin Dearman (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/edwin-dearman/9313)

S

Northern Iowa

X


X




27

Gumbo Gaskins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gumbo-gaskins/9319)

CB

Vanderbilt

X


X




29

C.J. Douglas (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/c-j-douglas/9322)

S

Leeds HS



X




31

Damonta Witherspoon (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/damonta-witherspoon/9325)

RB

Murray State

X


X




33

Teddy Davenport (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/teddy-davenport/9329)

WR

UAB

X


X




33

Jaden Mosley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaden-mosley/9328)

LB

Hutchinson CC

X


X




34

Mailk Gaither (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/mailk-gaither/9330)

LB

Alcorn State

X


X




39

Gavin Morris (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/gavin-morris/9335)

LB

South Forsyth HS



X




41

Tate Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tate-taylor/9338)

TE

Lipscomb Academy



X




42

Jordan Russell (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jordan-russell/9392)

DE

Georgia State

X


X




45

Thomas Neville (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/thomas-neville/9343)

LB

Dunwoody HS



X




50

Darrian King (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/darrian-king/9348)

OL

East Misssissippi CC

X


X




54

Luke Byrne (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/luke-byrne/9352)

OL

Mary Persons HS



X




55

Johnny Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/johnny-johnson/9353)

DL

St. Amant HS



X




56

Aidan Barr (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/aidan-barr/9354)

LS

Cardinal Newman HS



X




57

Cooper Frazier (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-frazier/9355)

OL

Corinth HS



X




58

Chris Noble (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/chris-noble/9356)

OL

UAB

X


X




59

Will Thorley (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/will-thorley/9357)

P

Prokick Australia

X


X




61

Alex Applefield (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/alex-applefield/9358)

LS

Houston Academy



X




63

Zach Bond (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-bond/9359)

OL

N.W. Mississippi CC

X


X




70

Brett Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/brett-johnson/9362)

OL

UAB

X


X




74

Tyler Douthit (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-douthit/9367)

OL

Woodstock HS



X




77

Zach Brown (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/zach-brown/9370)

OL

Loretto HS



X




78

Duncan Johnson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/duncan-johnson/9372)

OL

Aquinas HS



X




79

Donovan Hawkins (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/donovan-hawkins/9373)

OL

Pinson Valley HS



X




80

Wilson Beaverstock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wilson-beaverstock/9374)

K

UAB

X


X




81

Jamall Thompson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jamall-thompson/9375)

DL

Sarasota HS



X




82

Jaylon Barden (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylon-barden/9376)

WR

Georgia Southern

X


X




84

Preston Bird (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/preston-bird/9378)

WR

Veterans HS



X




85

Wesley Carlock (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/wesley-carlock/9379)

WR

University School of Jackson



X




87

Forrest Taylor (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/forrest-taylor/9381)

K

Coffeyville CC

X


X




91

Jaylin Rainey (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylin-rainey/9393)

DL

Dartmouth

X


X




93

Daniel Bettis (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-bettis/9385)

TE

Booker T. Washington HS



X




94

Makhi Gilbert (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/makhi-gilbert/9386)

DL

Central HS



X




97

Nick Jackson (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/nick-jackson/9389)

DL

Winter Park HS



X




98

Joshua Mathiasen (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/joshua-mathiasen/9390)

DL

Olivet Nazarene



X












27


54












50.00%






In terms of Samford’s ability to stop the run, they haven’t been horrendous so far. But, their FCS opponents average per game rushing yardage would rank #70 of 123 Teams in FCS. ETSU is #8 and running with the elites. Samford should have the opportunity to prove FUBeAR wrong and if they can stop the run or not on Saturday.

RUSHING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 05, 2024


Rank
Team
# of Games
Attempts
Yards
Yds/Attempt
TD’s
Yds/Game








1
Davidson (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/davidson)
5
299
1843
6.16
21
368.6


2
Montana St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana-st)
6
276
1820
6.59
20
303.3


3
Montana (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/montana)
6
239
1588
6.64
23
264.7


4
William & Mary (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/william-mary)
6
275
1584
5.76
19
264.0


5
Central Ark. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/central-ark)
6
238
1566
6.58
22
261.0


6
Butler (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/butler)
5
218
1286
5.90
18
257.2


7
South Dakota (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/south-dakota)
5
194
1244
6.41
20
248.8


8
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
6
227
1388
6.11
15
231.3


9
North Dakota St. (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/north-dakota-st)
6
272
1317
4.84
17
219.5


10
SFA (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/stephen-f-austin)
5
187
1077
5.76
9
215.4




yeah, but anyone with a guy named "GUMBO GASKINS" is worth an extra point right there. GUmbo - I love it

[Reign of Terrier]

I'm having connectivity issues with AGS and will just cut to the chase
Wofford over VMI
Mercer over Princeton
UTC over Furman
ETSU over Samford
Western over Citadel

I have nuanced takes on stuff but it was lost in the connectivity issues. I think the only teams with a prayer at the playoffs are Mercer, ETSU, and Chatt. I don't expect anyone to make the semis, not our of socon hating but just because the FCS playoffs is kind of broken. Could see both ETSU and Mercer getting to the quarters though. My hope for Wofford is .500, retaining our DC, and retooling our offense for 2025 to finally be "back"

[FUBeAR]

I'm having connectivity issues with AGS and will just cut to the chase
Wofford over VMI
Mercer over Princeton
UTC over Furman
ETSU over Samford
Western over Citadel

I have nuanced takes on stuff but it was lost in the connectivity issues. I think the only teams with a prayer at the playoffs are Mercer, ETSU, and Chatt. I don't expect anyone to make the semis, not our of socon hating but just because the FCS playoffs is kind of broken. Could see both ETSU and Mercer getting to the quarters though. My hope for Wofford is .500, retaining our DC, and retooling our offense for 2025 to finally be "back"
Good post.

Some points where your assessment aligns with or differs from FUBeAR’s..

1) FCS Playoffs are “broken” - 100% - FUBeAR did a deep-dive 10-year/ 9-season data analysis and presentation on this subject before last season. TL/DR: Rankings, Computer Models, Playoff Selection (including home fields), Seeding Selection (i.e., byes, home fields, early round competition-level affected by regionalization), and weather/unique home field advantages have created almost a closed-shop environment in the FCS Playoffs and only the MVFC & Big Sky have their Union cards. The CAA is granted a temporary work permit occasionally, but the rest of ‘us’ are left with a Sisyphean task ahead every November.

2) IF Mercer’s Defense is as ‘real’ as it has seemed, the Bears can advance beyond your expectations. A Team cannot lose if their opponent cannot score. We’ll know more about that capability in about 3 weeks.

3) Watched Chatt @ ETSU last night. FUBeAR thinks Chatt is built better to advance farther than ETSU. Unsurprisingly, ETSU reminds FUBeAR of Gardner Webb’s Playoff Teams of the 2 previous seasons, only with a few degrees more depth and breadth of talent. They can compete with the best and look great, but they can also ‘stink it up’ and even do both during the same game / quarter / possession. Lack of consistency is a severe detriment in the Playoffs. Such a Team may be ‘on’ and win a game or 2, but they are apt to stumble the following week.

4) FUBeAR would not eliminate WCU, Furman, or even Samford, from having a shot at the Playoffs at this point in the season. With only 11 games, and with losing the W they woulda had at home vs. Samford, and with the Paladins’ injury report now requiring extra pages, Furman has a big uphill battle to get there. If the Paladins top the Mocs today, they clearly have a shot at the Playoffs. If Chatt wins, Furman is almost certainly out. A win for Samford today over ETSU would absolutely reignite the Bulldogs Playoff hopes. WCU must defeat CIT or their Playoff hopes are almost gone. If they win, as expected, with FU, Mercer, Chatt, and ETSU - 3 of those away - in 4 successive weeks, the Catamounts have to successfully run a month-long gauntlet in order to survive. FUBeAR is rather skeptical that WCU is built for that.

[ElCid]

Wofford over VMI by 17
Mercer over Princeton by 31
UTC over Furman by 20
ETSU over Samford by 7
Western over The Citadel by 13

[FUBeAR]

Wofford over VMI by 17
Mercer over Princeton by 31
UTC over Furman by 20
ETSU over Samford by 7
Western over The Citadel by 13
Outside of 3 consecutive forgettable seasons between the Lamb and Hendrix eras, Chatt hasn’t beaten Furman by 20 since FUBeAR was playing in ‘79 when we started 0-5 and Chatt was the 3rd loss in that horror of a start.

[Reign of Terrier]

Will just say if Wofford can score 30 and win I’m going to meme so hard

[OrangeAndBlack]

Will just say if Wofford can score 30 and win I’m going to meme so hard

prepare the memes. Wofford can name their score today.

[ElCid]

Outside of 3 consecutive forgettable seasons between the Lamb and Hendrix eras, Chatt hasn’t beaten Furman by 20 since FUBeAR was playing in ‘79 when we started 0-5 and Chatt was the 3rd loss in that horror of a start.

So they have beaten Furman by 20, multiple times, and you simply refuse to accept it? Got it.

[FUBeAR]

So they have beaten Furman by 20, multiple times, and you simply refuse to accept it? Got it.
Yes - 3 times in about half a century - during a highly unusual streak of mediocrity (or slightly worse) for the Mighty Paladins.

[ElCid]

Yes - 3 times in about half a century - during a highly unusual streak of mediocrity (or slightly worse) for the Mighty Paladins.

You better check again. It was four times since 2012.

[ElCid]

VMI/ Wofford having a turnover contest. Three so far and only 2/3s the way through the 1st qtr.

[ElCid]

VMI/ Wofford having a turnover contest. Three so far and only 2/3s the way through the 1st qtr.

Make that four turnovers. Over 3 minutes to go in 1st.

[Reign of Terrier]

Vmi has turned the ball over on 3 consecutive possessions. Wofford scored on one, threw a pick on the other, and now has the ball again. 8-0 Wofford.

[Reign of Terrier]

Touchdown Terriers. 15-0 in the first quarter. Wonder if that’s the most points scored in a quarter in a while

[FUBeAR]

Make that four turnovers. Over 3 minutes to go in 1st.
You’re right - that one anomaly streak went 4 years. Other than that - 0 in roughly a semi-century

[ElCid]

You’re right - that one anomaly streak went 4 years. Other than that - 0 in roughly a semi-century

Looks like Furman going for another streak. Throwing two INTs in a little over two minutes.

[ElCid]

Chatty scores fairly easily. I may be a little low on my margin of victory.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Touchdown Terriers. 15-0 in the first quarter. Wonder if that’s the most points scored in a quarter in a while

Woffords decision to run a poorly executed onside kick has allowed 3 points for VMI. That might be VMI’s only score.

[Reign of Terrier]

Woffords decision to run a poorly executed onside kick has allowed 3 points for VMI. That might be VMI’s only score.

Should have taken the flag and pushed them back a little.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford has probably a monopoly of uniquely stupid penalties.

I roast us all the time, but it’s one indicator among many that our offense just isn’t good.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is getting out gained lol

[OrangeAndBlack]

Wofford is getting out gained lol

And yet, VMI has never felt threatening. Wofford could stop shooting themselves in the foot with penalties.

[Reign of Terrier]

And yet, VMI has never felt threatening. Wofford could stop shooting themselves in the foot with penalties.

Our offense is so stupid. We are so lucky VMI is bad.

[Reign of Terrier]

Like, I’m sorry, but we have had the ball 6 times and only have about 100 yards of offense? That’s awful. They aren’t the 85 bears.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford’s running game is so uncreative that VMI knows to not even try to defend the run inside 2 minutes.

We might lose this game. Our offense is that bad. We just keep giving them shots. At a certain point, blind squirrels find nuts.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Wofford’s running game is so uncreative that VMI knows to not even try to defend the run inside 2 minutes.

We might lose this game. Our offense is that bad. We just keep giving them shots. At a certain point, blind squirrels find nuts.

Wofford is still leagues ahead of VMI

this type of game really exposes why Wofford can’t be an upper level SoCon team. Sooooo many unforced, dumb decisions. Whether penalized or not. For example, didn’t make the fair catch on the punt before half.

woffords yardage is low because they’ve had short fields all day, plus dumb penalties all the time, and just a generally mid level offense. The defense is the show.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is going 3-9. Our offense is just bad.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is still leagues ahead of VMI

this type of game really exposes why Wofford can’t be an upper level SoCon team. Sooooo many unforced, dumb decisions. Whether penalized or not. For example, didn’t make the fair catch on the punt before half.

woffords yardage is low because they’ve had short fields all day, plus dumb penalties all the time, and just a generally mid level offense. The defense is the show.

I don’t disagree. Our offense looks like we have no one on staff dedicated exclusively as an OC. Because we don’t. 3-9.

[kdinva]

Wofford is going 3-9. Our offense is just bad.

Yet three VMI turnovers are the difference, Wofford's scoring drives were 15 and 22 yards, VMI a +10 in yards and +2 in TOP, but VMI's blocking not good, Rice can't find a hole due to Wofford's LBs plugging holes, and Wofford needs to keep rushing six on VMI pass plays.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Furmans streak at #1 in the power rankings is in jeopardy.

[ElCid]

14-7 now, WCU. Our D isn't terrible. Slightly inconsistent. Our O is still fairly mediocre and terribly inconsistent. Our play calling remains uninspired most of the time.

[Reign of Terrier]

We are going to lose and go 2-10

[ElCid]

Furmans streak at #1 in the power rankings is in jeopardy.

Are you kidding me? FUBeAR will rank them 1b if they were 2-10.

[ElCid]

Furman looks about the same as last week. The only difference is UTC's D won't let them back in.

[Reign of Terrier]

Pick 6. Fire everyone.

[wcugrad95]

WCU game might be out of hand by now if we somehow could figure out Citadel’s only offense so far is the QB running it. I don’t like having games where the other team hangs around. Bennet has 76 rushing yards for basically 1/2 of all Citadel’s yards.

[ElCid]

UTC has their 20 point margin already. Oh my.

[ElCid]

Hah, our QB drives us all the way to inside the ten, with little in the half, and throws an int in the end zone. Yikes.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Pick 6. Fire everyone.

Wofford D has given up 0 today. I’m not counting the onside kick FG. Just punt every possession and you’ll win. It’s crazy they might lose this one!

[ElCid]

You’re right - that one anomaly streak went 4 years. Other than that - 0 in roughly a semi-century

"Houston, we have another anomaly."

[Reign of Terrier]

VMI is going to beat Wofford with another non-offensive touchdown. Book it. It’s absolutely embarrassing to lose to these people seemingly every year now.

[Reign of Terrier]

told you.

[wcugrad95]

FOOBs must be concentrating on the Mercer game. I think the 20 by UTC might end up being 40 El Cid.

[ElCid]

After watching a good amount of the VMI game, there is no way I would have expected them to come back. Or if you prefer, Wofford to blow it this bad.

Mercer is getting gifted big time by some embarrassing play by Princeton. They really haven't done much on O, but lead by 17. Special teams and D have done it all.

[OrangeAndBlack]

VMI is going to beat Wofford with another non-offensive touchdown. Book it. It’s absolutely embarrassing to lose to these people seemingly every year now.

Did you really call that one?? Im not watching Wofford anymore, but keeping tabs. The coaching staff should be ashamed. This is wild. Pitching a shutout and losing thanks to an onside kick attempt, pick 6, and block 6

[kdinva]

VMI's offense is its own worst enemy, they complete a pass inside wofford's 20,but the receiver stiff arms the defender in the face mask, VMI then clanked a makeable FG

[OrangeAndBlack]

VMI's offense is its own worst enemy, they complete a pass inside wofford's 20,but the receiver stiff arms the defender in the face mask, VMI then clanked a makeable FG

I gotta “put my hand up” as ‘Bob does sports’ would say. I gave Wofford way too much credit in this one.

Wofford being up 15-0 feels like a different timeline.

hand up on Samford too. I talked some smack on them this week. They’re handling ETSU with some ease. Although it’s early in that one!

[kdinva]

and VMI's defense goes to sleep, wofford with the 95 yard pass/catch and run, around five vmi defenders, Wofford leads 21-16, six minutes remain.

[Milktruck74]

Outside of 3 consecutive forgettable seasons between the Lamb and Hendrix eras, Chatt hasn’t beaten Furman by 20 since FUBeAR was playing in ‘79 when we started 0-5 and Chatt was the 3rd loss in that horror of a start.

Probably just saving up points for this game!

[Milktruck74]

Has anyone checked on FooBare?

[ElCid]

Has anyone checked on FooBare?

AWOL from reality.

[Milktruck74]

Mocs Back up QB and 4th RB are marching down the field. And Sam Phillips has been out of the game since early in the second (He leads FCS in Receiving yards per game). Also had the Starting LT out for more than half the game.

- - - Updated - - -


AWOL from reality.

Well yeah, but I mean today. HAs anyone checked on him today?

[Mocs123]

Has anyone checked on FooBare?

Someone should check the Wicked Weed Brewery tent. When you've got 5 turnovers - that's where I'd be.

[kdinva]

VMI is going to beat Wofford with another non-offensive touchdown. Book it. It’s absolutely embarrassing to lose to these people seemingly every year now.

nope, VMI blows victory

[ElCid]

I'm starting to question Mercer's O. D is fine, but their O hasn't impressed so far the season.

[OrangeAndBlack]

I'm starting to question Mercer's O. D is fine, but their O hasn't impressed so far the season.

on the 3rd QB right now. Need to get DJ Smith back.

[caribbeanhen]

upset brewing in Macon?

[wcugrad95]

DJ Smith is big. I don’t think he is an all-conference kind of guy but he gives Mercer a much more balanced O. Not great by any stretch, but with their D they just need solid.

[caribbeanhen]

upset brewing in Macon?

the stove just got cold

[Reign of Terrier]

I'm not surprised by the Mercer game. It's pretty much their MO to smack around their opponent when their defense is on the field and score 20-30 when their offense is on the field. They aren't the kind of offense to win a shootout unless they're playing a truly awful defense, but their defense is also unlikely to give up shootout numbers

[ElCid]

I'm not surprised by the Mercer game. It's pretty much their MO to smack around their opponent when their defense is on the field and score 20-30 when their offense is on the field. They aren't the kind of offense to win a shootout unless they're playing a truly awful defense, but their defense is also unlikely to give up shootout numbers

That's about it.

[caribbeanhen]

I'm not surprised by the Mercer game. It's pretty much their MO to smack around their opponent when their defense is on the field and score 20-30 when their offense is on the field. They aren't the kind of offense to win a shootout unless they're playing a truly awful defense, but their defense is also unlikely to give up shootout numbers

was watching early in game, my impression was Mercer the much better team ... speed

came back later and was surprised to see the game so close

[wcugrad95]

CH - it is 27-7. Princeton has 165 total yards. What close game are you watching? Mercer has basically twice as many yards.

[OrangeAndBlack]

CH - it is 27-7. Princeton has 165 total yards. What close game are you watching?

exactly. Unfortunately the QB2 just couldn’t manage the game, and threw an INT and fumbled. The defense erased one of those mistakes. QB3 is looking solid.

Mercer just forced another turnover as I type this!!

[wcugrad95]

And the ETSU announcers (the non-football guy) is horrible.

[Reign of Terrier]

Mercer's games aren't close, they're just suffocating. So, down a touchdown or two it doesn't feel absolutely hopeless and then BOOM you pass out.

[wcugrad95]

Speaking of SOCON announcers, if you get a chance go back and watch the WCU vs Citadel game. There is nobody any less homer than Daniel Hooker from WCU. He got hooked up doing the game with Pete Yanity, and he probably was more critical of Western than any home announcer I have ever heard. He’ll probably move up to a bigger/better place, but being a true Catamount he really tries hard not to be “that guy” on his coverage.

[Reign of Terrier]

Speaking of SOCON announcers, if you get a chance go back and watch the WCU vs Citadel game. There is nobody any less homer than Daniel Hooker from WCU. He got hooked up doing the game with Pete Yanity, and he probably was more critical of Western than any home announcer I have ever heard. He’ll probably move up to a bigger/better place, but being a true Catamount he really tries hard not to be “that guy” on his coverage.

I would like to think Thom Henson did a good job last week with Yannity. He's a good one. I'm biased though because I know him personally.

[gofurman]

VMI 3 @ Wofford 35
UTC 24 @ Furman 7
Inch Citadel 17 @ WCU 24
Samford 20 @ ETSU 34
Princeton 3 @ Mercer 38

extra reading: The Princetonian predictions https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2024/10/princeton-sports-previews-staff-picks-princeton-football-at-mercer

way too nice …. Lol. NEgative 5 turnovers will do that. Not 5. Negative 5 turnover RATIO

nah we are a MASH UNIT

14 guys out now. 2 more lost for year vs Citadel. 2 more today. They said we had THIRTEEN SURGERIES THIS YEAR. THIRTEEN. Never heard that before.

we are missing our ENTIRE STARTING DL. THE ENTIRE starting Defensive line. Top WR dismissed for year. Four DBs / spur lost for year. Unreal

[wcugrad95]

I commented on the WCU board that Hook actually was trying too hard not to sound biased. That is why I expect he’ll have opportunities to move on if he wants. But he is all-in for WCU and I think he will stay in Cullowhee.

[gofurman]

I would like to think Thom Henson did a good job last week with Yannity. He's a good one. I'm biased though because I know him personally.

I know Thom - good guy. Very kind even to me as a Furman fan !!!

[wcugrad95]

gofurman- injuries suck, but that is part of the game. Plenty of teams can point to “if I had this or that guy” but FU was probably looking at a pretty down season no matter what. The QB will be good at some point if he doesn’t let these turnovers crush his confidence. But UTC was 3 scores or more better than Furman no matter what.

[gofurman]

Someone should check the Wicked Weed Brewery tent. When you've got 5 turnovers - that's where I'd be.

FUBeAR. Great guy. Crazy to pick Furman in any game except maybe VMI this year

THIRTEEN SURGERIES

two more season ending injuries last week at Citadel. IN LAST THREE PLAYS. GOOD GRIEF.

two more big injuries today. ALL STARTING defensive lineman out now.

Whoop us while you can

i say we win FOUR GAMES total. two so far. VMI and one other

[wcugrad95]

See my last post. “If” WCU had Dez Reid and Cinsere Lee and Kade Bell as our OC we would probably be smoking teams. You gotta play with what you have.

[OrangeAndBlack]

ETSU looking to pull the ole “trail for the entire game except the final second” trick

[FUBeAR]

was watching early in game, my impression was Mercer the much better team ... speed

came back later and was surprised to see the game so close
34-7 is close?

[FUBeAR]

It’s an anomaly year in TR.

Started when those dang CAA ref’s hosed us in Missoula.

GO BEARS!

[FUBeAR]

Mercers O is fine with Raleigh NC native - Newbauer… or Smith - at QB.

And the Bears D + Special Teams are muy bueno.

Should be Top 5

[wcugrad95]

But science says Furman as 1B, right?

[OrangeAndBlack]

ETSU completes the comeback on Samford!

I will admit. I’m concerned for next week @ Samford, dealing with that high powered pass attack. Excited to see how Mercer can handle it.

I saw that SAM had just under 300 yards passing in the 1st half? They finished with only 306 total. We gotta see how ETSU locked them down in the 2nd half. I didn’t get to see this game.

[SU DOG]

Ridiculous loss. Samford play calling completely idiotic, IMO.

[FUBeAR]

But science says Furman as 1B, right?
Yes - until today. The earth was flat until Bob Franklin discovered electricity

[OrangeAndBlack]

Yes - until today. The earth was flat until Bob Franklin discovered electricity

I like that you still have your quips, even in defeat.

[caribbeanhen]

34-7 is close?

see first impression

[caribbeanhen]

CH - it is 27-7. Princeton has 165 total yards. What close game are you watching? Mercer has basically twice as many yards.

the game was 20-7 and Princeton was moving for a TD late third Quarter …

This fact left me a little surprised considering my earlier impression was a Mercer and not really close

[wcugrad95]

The problem with the SOCON is it is the SOCON. I will not be surprised if we have a champ at 7-1, then like 3 teams at 5-3 or so. All would be playoff-worthy, but if you don’t get to 8 wins in a 12-game season you are probably out.

ETSU proved they were at least as good as NDSU away from the Fargodome, so Samford is obviously a good team, too.

[Reign of Terrier]

Teams whose playoff chances are practically dead: VMI, Citadel, Furman (I know Furman is only 2-4, but they aren’t winning out and that chuck south loss is awful and they won’t reschedule the Samford game)

Teams still alive: Wofford, ETSU, Chatt, Samford, Western Carolina

Team that is pretty much in: Mercer - this next stretch will be tough for them, as Western/ETSU/Samford are pretty competent offenses, but even if they miraculously lose all 3, I don’t see them losing to VMI or Furman.

To make the playoffs, Western is going to have to play for the autobid or to basically only lose one more. They’re out at 7-5, but maybe in at 8-4, pending on how other teams shape up. A 7-5 Chattanooga might get in. Depends on the field. A 7-5 Wofford team probably has the best chance due to the Richmond W. ETSU will need 8 wins to get in the playoffs, because the UVA wise win does nothing for them. Samford is in a pickle because that Furman game isn’t going to be rescheduled and the west georgia loss really stings.

I’d say the only team in the above paragraph that can afford more than one more FCS loss is UTC, and I don’t think they’ll lose two more times.

[ElCid]

Teams whose playoff chances are practically dead: VMI, Citadel, Furman (I know Furman is only 2-4, but they aren’t winning out and that chuck south loss is awful and they won’t reschedule the Samford game)

Teams still alive: Wofford, ETSU, Chatt, Samford, Western Carolina

Team that is pretty much in: Mercer - this next stretch will be tough for them, as Western/ETSU/Samford are pretty competent offenses, but even if they miraculously lose all 3, I don’t see them losing to VMI or Furman.

To make the playoffs, Western is going to have to play for the autobid or to basically only lose one more. They’re out at 7-5, but maybe in at 8-4, pending on how other teams shape up. A 7-5 Chattanooga might get in. Depends on the field. A 7-5 Wofford team probably has the best chance due to the Richmond W. ETSU will need 8 wins to get in the playoffs, because the UVA wise win does nothing for them. Samford is in a pickle because that Furman game isn’t going to be rescheduled and the west georgia loss really stings.

I’d say the only team in the above paragraph that can afford more than one more FCS loss is UTC, and I don’t think they’ll lose two more times.

I don't think UTC loses again. ETSU might lose one. Mercer might lose one, plus Bama. That's all the chances we have. Nobody else has a realistic chance. Sure possible chances, but not probable after watching them. Wofford, WCU, and Samford are all too inconsistent.

[wcugrad95]

ROT you keep dropping Woffy in the “we got a chance” category even though earlier today you had them losing to VMI. At absolute best I see the Terriers with maybe 5 wins. I think we’ll have a dog-fight with Samford (even though they lost today), ETSU, and WCU for a bunch of possibly 5-3 type teams. I think Mercer and UTC are both top-10 teams, but I will not be shocked if both lose 1 or 2 more SOCON games. If they both run the table (minus the Bears vs Alabama), then I’d bet on several 4-4 type teams with only those 2 making it.

[Reign of Terrier]

ROT you keep dropping Woffy in the “we got a chance” category even though earlier today you had them losing to VMI. At absolute best I see the Terriers with maybe 5 wins. I think we’ll have a dog-fight with Samford (even though they lost today), ETSU, and WCU for a bunch of possibly 5-3 type teams. I think Mercer and UTC are both top-10 teams, but I will not be shocked if both lose 1 or 2 more SOCON games. If they both run the table (minus the Bears vs Alabama), then I’d bet on several 4-4 type teams with only those 2 making it.

We have a chance on paper. We’re not eliminated yet. I don’t think we will make it though.

…But if we split our next two, I like us to beat Furman and the Citadel, and thus it would come down to the Samford game. All to say, we’ll probably have something to play for in every socon game this season, whether it be a playoff spot, a .500 record, rivalry, etc.

At the end of the day, our defense has held most teams we’ve played to 20 points or less. That’s going to keep us competitive in all of our games this year - especially since pass defense is our strength (which will help against Samford and Furman and Chatt). Our offense is awful. Wouldn’t be surprised if we went 3-9, but 5-7 to 7-5 seems more likely.

[wcugrad95]

I’d say 4-8 is most likely. 5-7 at best. At the same time, if we all minus Mercer and UTC beat each other up we might have a bunch of 5-7 and 6-6 teams. My bet is several of those teams would be better than 3 or 4 teams who get into the playoffs. But we’ll have roughly .500 or slightly better win percentages and won’t sniff the chance.

[FUBeAR]

BTW - fun thread - good job SoCon Fans!!!

[OrangeAndBlack]

Gotta salute The Citadel for scoring 21 when they played Mercer. The other 5 opponents have combined for 25 points.

[ElCid]

Gotta salute The Citadel for scoring 21 when they played Mercer. The other 5 opponents have combined for 25 points.

Our QB is pretty good. I even like like our backup who saw some action today. Too bad they are both GR studs. We are just way too inconsistent.

[wcugrad95]

Citadel did the only thing they could do against Mercer - throw it deep and see if you can hit a few, get PI calls, etc. Honestly I am a little surprised other teams aren’t doing it. Samford is more of a short-pass team who uses those routes almost like running plays, and they might be effective but I think you have to try a bunch of shots over the top vs the Bears.

[Reign of Terrier]

Citadel’s offense is weird in the sense that they seem to be able to rack up yardage, but haven’t scored more than 22 points against D1 opponents

[Milktruck74]

THe next three weeks are going to be a tough row to hoe for the Bears. They are playing 3 very good football teams back to back to back...and three hungry teams at that. Mercer will surly get the best all three have to offer. IF they get through the next three weeks, the deserve the perch they are sitting on. I think they SHOULD finish out the conference unscathed, but it is the SoCon...that said, they will probably fall to VMI and Furple, after pulling the upset of the century in Tuscaloosa!!! ha

[BearDownMU]

Citadel did the only thing they could do against Mercer - throw it deep and see if you can hit a few, get PI calls, etc. Honestly I am a little surprised other teams aren’t doing it. Samford is more of a short-pass team who uses those routes almost like running plays, and they might be effective but I think you have to try a bunch of shots over the top vs the Bears.

I agree with this, but it's also feast or famine. We have 13 picks and 4 pick 6's. Both tops in the conference.

[wcugrad95]

Yeah - I am not saying it will be uber-successful. I am just saying that is how Citadel scored some points when others haven't. And while I know teams need to at least attempt to run the ball, that hasn't worked well for anybody yet, and throwing short check-down passes, screens, etc. against a really fast defense also doesn't seem to work that well. Some mis-direction type of runs, some schemes to get guys open with more mid-range passes in the middle of the field (TEs at every level of football are ALWAYS under-utilized), and throwing a couple of 50/50 balls deep pretty much each quarter is what I think I'd be trying.

[Reign of Terrier]

Citadel did the only thing they could do against Mercer - throw it deep and see if you can hit a few, get PI calls, etc. Honestly I am a little surprised other teams aren’t doing it. Samford is more of a short-pass team who uses those routes almost like running plays, and they might be effective but I think you have to try a bunch of shots over the top vs the Bears.

The problem with this from an offensive perspective is that Mercer just plays super physical, so even if you can get that separation, there’s no such thing as an easy catch because you’re mentally still fighting off the defender. Mercer is basically playing Narduzzi ball in the socon, and teams are shook because we never see it. It’s like the triple option of defenses, and when it works it’s absolutely beautiful.

Having said that, the teams Mercer has pummeled so far are probably inferior offensive teams to ETSU/Samford/Western (especially the latter two). No doubt in my mind Mercer will pummel VMI and Furman. I think they will with ETSU too, but less confident.

[FU_Paladin08]

See my last post. “If” WCU had Dez Reid and Cinsere Lee and Kade Bell as our OC we would probably be smoking teams. You gotta play with what you have.

But those guys weren’t supposed to be with Western this year. That was known before the season started. Portal losses and season ending injuries are very different when you planned on guys playing. All that said, missing starters on the DL has nothing to do with the abysmal offense Furman has shown this year, particularly over the last two weeks.

[gofurman]

gofurman- injuries suck, but that is part of the game. Plenty of teams can point to “if I had this or that guy” but FU was probably looking at a pretty down season no matter what. The QB will be good at some point if he doesn’t let these turnovers crush his confidence. But UTC was 3 scores or more better than Furman no matter what.

im a realist. UTC, was better. Sure. I said so myself And bet UTC -6. That said, without injuries it’s probably 23-10 or whatever. And it’s gonna be up and down with turnovers. You have to realize HOW YOUNG we are. because of THIRTEEN SURGERIES.

at one point 6 of our front 7 on D were Freshman ! That’s not due to last year. Should have been 2 or 3 freshman. But in the last games we have lost THREE DL. THREE for a team that runs a 3 - 4. And you can clearly see our D getting worse because of it. At one time in the game EVERY SKILL PLAYER ON O WAS A FRESHMAN !!! Every one.

as to the turnovers it’s NOT just the QB. Not at all. One pass hit the back of a FRESHMAN WR who was blocking instead of looking for the ball - for the second week in a row !!! And, .guess what, that’s a play we might run to Josh Harris the All Conference SENIOR WR. who has been dismissed.

Point is the truth usually lies somewhere in the MIDDLE. I’m truly objective. We were gonna be young. Gonna be a rebuild. But probably was a 6 - 5 year until all this chaos. Now maybe 4 - 7

hevk. In addition to everything else …. one of the teams I could have seen Furman beating - Sanford - was cancelled !!! Cancel Mercer? No. Samford. Not saying we woulda won but probably had a good shot AND our young guys need game practice !!

but I have NEVER. NEVER. seen a team with this many injuries. EVER. THIRTEEN SURGERIES. TEN starters out. And it compounds - as you know. The front 7 is decimated. Can’t get teams off the field. Undue Pressure to score on O. D gets tired with only 60 scholarships.

I watch a lot of football. Never have I seen this many injuries. We are losing two starters every week

[gofurman]

Yeah - I am not saying it will be uber-successful. I am just saying that is how Citadel scored some points when others haven't. And while I know teams need to at least attempt to run the ball, that hasn't worked well for anybody yet, and throwing short check-down passes, screens, etc. against a really fast defense also doesn't seem to work that well. Some mis-direction type of runs, some schemes to get guys open with more mid-range passes in the middle of the field (TEs at every level of football are ALWAYS under-utilized), and throwing a couple of 50/50 balls deep pretty much each quarter is what I think I'd be trying.

not at Furman. Our last two TEs are in the NFL !!! Because we throw to them. 7 catches by TEs vs Citadel I think ? For the comeback win. Especially on last two comeback drives. Thus an FSU ESPN 300 TE transferred to us this year. But of course he’s injured and out. As is everyone else.
but our two FR TEs are 6’7 and 6’5. Heck my son saw them and said those dudes are bigger than FBS TEs!!.

Former Furman TE Ryan miller in second year with Tampa Bay just got activated to full NFL status this week —

https://www.buccaneers.com/news/wr-ryan-miller-rb-d-j-williams-elevated-saints-game

and Mason Pline - last years TE - is on the 49ers practice squad. Making 250k ain’t bad for playing a sport you love !