SoCon 2024 Predictions and Power Rankings - Week 10

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Schedule
All on Saturday, 11/2. All times ET


AWAY
HOME
TIME
WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE HERE


Furman
VMI
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54935_VMI-vs-FUR_20241102/stats/)



Chattanooga
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54968_WCU-vs-CHAT_20241102/stats/)



ETSU
Mercer
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54974_MER-vs-ETSU_20241102/stats/)



Wofford
Samford
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54965_SAM-vs-WOF_20241102/stats/)





Big week of Conferences in ChuckTown this coming weekend. All hotels are booked to 120% of capacity. Bellhops will be too busy to play Football…and they EARNED a week off with a HUGE win for their program. Congrats to Coach Drayton & squad!! Now grab FUBeAR’s Gucci set and don’t scratch/dent them.

FUBeAR’s PowerRankings to follow after he meets with a Shaman, a Priest, and a Professor.

[bonarae]

Furman
UTC
ETSU - torn as well...
Samford

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Schedule
All on Saturday, 11/2. All times ET


AWAY
HOME
TIME
WHAT WILL BE, WILL BE HERE


Furman
VMI
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54935_VMI-vs-FUR_20241102/stats/)



Chattanooga
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54968_WCU-vs-CHAT_20241102/stats/)



ETSU
Mercer
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54974_MER-vs-ETSU_20241102/stats/)



Wofford
Samford
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54965_SAM-vs-WOF_20241102/stats/)





Big week of Conferences in ChuckTown this coming weekend. All hotels are booked to 120% of capacity. Bellhops will be too busy to play Football…and they EARNED a week off with a HUGE win for their program. Congrats to Coach Drayton & squad!! Now grab FUBeAR’s Gucci set and don’t scratch/dent them.

FUBeAR’s PowerRankings to follow after he meets with a Shaman, a Priest, and a Professor.

FUBeAR’s SoCon Power Rankings

After much hand-wringing and deep consultations with his Advisory Team, FUBeAR has, like John & Yoko with Peace, decided to give SCIENCE a chance, for, at least, 1 more 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




1

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

10-2


7-1


0.875


1

Loss to Samford



2

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

9-3


7-1


0.875


2

Loss to Mercer



3

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

8-4


6-2


0.750


3

Losses to Chatt, Mercer



4

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

6-5


4-3


0.571


4

Losses to ETSU, CIT, Chatt



5

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

5-7


4-4


0.500


5

Losses to Mercer, Chatt, ETSU, Samford



6

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

4-8


2-6


0.250


7

Wins over CIT, VMI



7

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

4-8


2-6


0.250


8

Wins over VMI, Samford



8

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

0-11


0-8


0.000


9

0’fer / 0’fer



















UNR*

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

4-7


3-4


0.429


6

Wins over CIT, VMI, Woff


* Obviously, Mr. Massey has factored in that Furman has opened 2 new Football Dorms - 1 at Greenville County Hospital and the other @ Sunny Daze Day Care of Travelers Rest. So, FUBeAR will accept Mr. Massey’s careful & thoughtful analysis, but also knows, if either of these Dorms were not absolutely necessary, Furman would be occupying the Paladins’ rightful #1 Spot … #1b this season.

WCU would be ranked as high as #3 if FUBeAR was relying on his own understanding and Samford might be as low as #7. The HomewoodHounds are probably getting a good bit too much credit for playing good Football for the 4 minutes that #1’s Offense was late to show up to the game. Losing the next 56 minutes and their failing to score a TD (and almost not score at all) for 4 straight quarters (2nd half vs. Mercer & 1st half @ CIT) and losing CIT is not a good look for #4…but FUBeAR just isn’t quite prepared to argue with SCIENCE…yet.

[Mocs123]

Two huge games this weekend where the four SoCon contenders become just two. I'm leaning towards picking Chattanooga and Mercer but I'll post my picks later.

[FUBeAR]

Two huge games this weekend where the four SoCon contenders become just two. I'm leaning towards picking Chattanooga and Mercer but I'll post my picks later.
Nah...it’s the SoCon. The 2 Teams that pick up their 2nd loss on Saturday aren’t out of it.

[Mocs123]

Perhaps that's true, but the two teams that win on Saturday are in the drivers seat for sure. For the Mocs - currently we control our own destiny - if we win our final 3 SoCon games we're guaranteed a share of the SoCon Championship - win our last four games and we're practically guaranteed a playoff spot. Currently we need help to get the autobid, but to be honest I'm not sure if that really matters to Mocs fans if we win a share of the SoCon Championship, win nine games, and go to the playoffs - who cares. If we loose to the Catamounts (or any other of the other teams on our schedule) we likely won't win the SoCon championship and will likely be on the bubble for the playoffs.

[wcugrad95]

Pick the underdogs - it is the SOCON!

[gofurman]

Nah...it’s the SoCon. The 2 Teams that pick up their 2nd loss on Saturday aren’t out of it.

I still wonder if that Western loss to Campbell comes back to haunt them. Winning out will be tough. And even then they are 8-4.



but if Western drops just one more SoCon game - and Chatt ETSU and Samford loom …and Western probably is on the outside at 7-5. Seen this before?

[FUBeAR]

This should be a fun OLD SCHOOL SoCon game to watch in Maconga this Saturday…

RUSHING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
Att
Yds
YPA
TD’s
YPG


8
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
323
1748
5.41
18
218.5


RUSHING DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
Att
Yds
YPA
TD’s
YPG


1
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
227
476
2.10
7
59.5


RUSHING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024







FCS
Rank
Team
G
Att
Yds
YPA
TD’s
YPG


36
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
329
1406
4.27
16
175.8


RUSHING DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
Att
Yds
YPA
TD’s
YPG


8
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
278
803
2.89
10
100.4



RED ZONE OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
RZ
Att
RZ
Rush
TD
RZ
Pass
TD
RZ
FG
Made
RZ
Scores
%


11
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
34
13
8
10
31
.912


​RED ZONE DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024





FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
RZ
Att
Opp RZ
Rush TD
Opp RZ
Pass TD
Opp RZ
FG Made
Opp
RZ
Scores
%


16
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
21
9
4
2
15
.714


RED ZONE OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024






FCS
Rank
Team
G
RZ
Att
RZ
Rush
TD
RZ
Pass
TD
RZ
FG
Made
RZ
Scores
%


30
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
30
12
6
8
26
.867


​RED ZONE DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
RZ
Att
Opp RZ
Rush TD
Opp RZ
Pass TD
Opp RZ
FG Made
Opp
RZ
Scores
%


7
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
24
7
4
5
16
.667


​
SCORING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
TD

XP
FG
PT
Off
PPG


19
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
35
35
10
275
34.4


​SCORING DEFENSE -Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024






FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
TD
Opp
XP
Opp
2PT
Opp
FG
Opp
PT
Opp Off
PPG


17
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
21
19
1
4
159
19.88


​SCORING OFFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024






FCS
Rank
Team
G
TD
XP
FG
PT
Off
PPG


31
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
31
29
8
239
29.9


​SCORING DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
TD
Opp
XP
Opp
2PT
Opp
FG
Opp
PT
Opp Off
PPG


7
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
17
16
0
5
133
16.62


​
TEAM PASSING EFFICIENCY - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Pass
Att
Pass
Comp
INT
Yds
TD
Pass
EFF


13
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
209
140
9
1899
13
155.22


​TEAM PASSING EFFICIENCY DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
Pass
Att
Opp
Pass
Comp
INT
Opp
Pass
Yds
Opp
Pass
TD
Opp
Pass
EFF


55
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
246
138
3
1725
11
127.32


​TEAM PASSING EFFICIENCY - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024






FCS
Rank
Team
G
Pass
Att
Pass
Comp
INT
Yds
TD
Pass
EFF


88
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
220
117
10
1590
10
119.80


​TEAM PASSING EFFICIENCY DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
Pass
Att
Opp
Pass
Comp
INT
Opp
Pass
Yds
Opp
Pass
TD
Opp
Pass
EFF


4
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
267
129
16
1856
7
103.37





3RD DOWN CONVERSION PCT DEFENSE - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
3rd Down
Conversions
Opp
3rd Down
Attempts
%


1
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
24
110
.218


10
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
35
114
.307


​DEFENSIVE TDS - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024



FCS
Rank
Team
G
Fumble
Return
TD’s
INT
Return
TD’s
Total
Defensive
TD’s


2
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
2
2
4




5
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
1
2
3


PASSES INTERCEPTED - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024

FCS
Rank
Team
G
Opp
Pass
INT’s
INT
Return
Yds
INT
Return
TD’s


1
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
267
16
268
2


99
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
246
3
42
2






​TEAM SACKS - Through gamesSaturday, October 26, 2024




FCS
Rank
Team
G
Sacks
Yds
Sack
/Game


1
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
28
171
3.50


11
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
22
155
2.75


​TEAM TACKLES FOR LOSS - Through games Saturday, October 26, 2024






FCS
Rank
Team
G
Solo
TFL
Asst
TFL
Yds
Total
TFL
TFL
/G


4
Mercer (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/mercer)
8
45
17
251
62
7.8


21
ETSU (https://www.ncaa.com/schools/east-tenn-st)
8
43
10
243
53
6.6

[Mocs123]

Pick the underdogs - it is the SOCON!

Fore sure - The past two weeks have had the typical SoCon drama. The Consensus #1 team in the SoCon gets hammered by middle of the pack team. The following week the middle of the pack team gets hammered by one of the teams near the bottom of the standings. In the SoCon you never know what can happen, but there is rarely a week where things go as expected.

[wcugrad95]

Here are my stoopid ratings stats after Saturday. I added an "average" and then an "overall" on the end, where the overall goes to the team with the higher average point differential.



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


Chattanooga
6
29.00
12.50
16.50
1
240
162
402
3
152
129
281
1
2
1


Mercer
7
30.57
17.86
12.71
2
220
179
399
4
248
68
316
2
3
2


ETSU
6
28.00
20.17
7.83
3
185
220
404
2
219
100
319
3
3
3


WCU
7
30.29
26.29
4.00
4
343
142
485
1
234
201
435
8
4
4


Samford
6
27.00
23.67
3.33
5
265
97
362
5
209
116
325
4
5
5


Citadel
8
19.13
23.00
(3.88)
6
167
142
309
6
225
140
364
7
6
6


Wofford
8
16.38
23.38
(7.00)
7
190
101
290
8
174
165
340
5
7
7


Furman
5
18.20
33.40
(15.20)
8
217
80
297
7
248
202
450
9
8
8


VMI
7
12.00
30.00
(18.00)
9
124
108
232
9
205
157
363
6
8
9



Some notables:

For the first time I didn't do these alphabetical. The amount of data now seems to support these stats and the point differential breaking the ties to simply be my power rankings.
Also for the first time, Chattanooga climbs to the top. They are #1 now in scoring differential (as well as lowest average points against), they are #3 in total offensive yards, and they are now #1 in defensive yards allowed. That puts them on top.
There are 4 teams with only 1 league loss, and it is not rocket science to see them as the top 4 teams listed. I think all 4 should be ranked, but it would be espcially hard not to have at least the top-3 ranked since they all have winning records. To me UTC and Mercer should get back into top-10 territory. ETSU should climb some, too.
WCU blows another early 17-point lead to a top-10 level opponent. If Cole is healthy, we are a top-5 offense. But mediocre special teams and a bad habit of giving up huge plays on defense seem to be back to normal for the Cats. We'll have to simply try and win track meets in at least 3 of our 4 remaining games.
This weekend will either separate the top-2 from the rest or give us another couple weeks of craziness. Well - it is the SOCON. So we will have craziness no matter what.
HUGE win by Citadel!!!

[wcugrad95]

And the comments about Western - absolutely the Campbell loss keeps getting bigger and bigger. I expected us to probably be 2-2 in the OOC, and was hopeful we could be 6-2 in the league. With an 8-4 finish and games against teams like Mercer, UTC, and Montana (and now ETSU that they are ranked), I think we would easily be in the field. As it stands now, to get those 8 wins we have to go 7-1 in the SOCON. I think if we do that we are in, as we can point to strong games (although losses) against highly ranked teams. That would mean wins over ranked ETSU and Chattanooga as well. One more loss and I don't see a way we are even in the conversation at 7-5 even with 6 conference wins. Kind of a shame - any 6-win SOCON team should be in the running, but a team's "worst loss" shows up forever.

[FUBeAR]

And the comments about Western - absolutely the Campbell loss keeps getting bigger and bigger. I expected us to probably be 2-2 in the OOC, and was hopeful we could be 6-2 in the league. With an 8-4 finish and games against teams like Mercer, UTC, and Montana (and now ETSU that they are ranked), I think we would easily be in the field. As it stands now, to get those 8 wins we have to go 7-1 in the SOCON. I think if we do that we are in, as we can point to strong games (although losses) against highly ranked teams. That would mean wins over ranked ETSU and Chattanooga as well. One more loss and I don't see a way we are even in the conversation at 7-5 even with 6 conference wins. Kind of a shame - any 6-win SOCON team should be in the running, but a team's "worst loss" shows up forever.
Good stuff…

On your rankings … FUBeAR thinks it’s significant that Chatt has not yet played WCU (with Gonzales) or Samford and that Mercer has not yet played ETSU. Getting those as common opponents in the mix, would, IFBO, flip the current #1 & #2, but we will see, which is a great thing about the SoCon…hurricanes notwithstanding.

On WCU … There is no question that WCU (with Gonzales) is CLEARLY a Playoff-worthy Team & probably Top 15, if not Top 10. And, IFBO, the Catamounts are highly unlikely to make the Playoffs (with Gonzales, and definitely not without him, for even 1 game)…and that’s an absolute shame. We know the (shameful, unless they surprise us this year) Playoff Selection Committee will select a far inferior CAA, Big Sky, or MVFC Team with an identical (or even lesser) record because of the voodoo, flawed, circular-logic-ridden, self-fulfilling ‘metric’ of “Strength” of Schedule.

While it is great fun reminding (as frequently as possible) Catamount Fans everywhere of the “Curse of the Furman Goalposts” that has prevented WCU from making the Playoffs every year since 1983 - the year that a horde of MountainHooligan vandals committed a heinous defilement on the hallowed grounds of Paladin Stadium, perhaps, as may be the case with the Menendez brothers, the LilacLions of the Hills have served a long-enough sentence to have paid their debt to civilized Football society. Guess that really might be up to the FCS Football Gods (AKA, the Playoff Selection Committee) to assess their candidacy for clemency.

Along the lines of the Catamounts’ parole hearing on this matter of prior Hooliganism and evidence that may be presented at that hearing, FUBeAR has a puzzle for you (or anyone)…

How is it possible for a backup Quarterback to enter a game for the very 1st time (at any position) late in the 4th quarter AND to already have a personal passing stat line in THAT game of “1 for 1 for -13 yards?”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co73mfUzXCE

[blueGOldMOCS]

There is no respect for SoCon in any of the polls.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Cats]

Picks:

Furman (2-5, 1-2 SoCon) at VMI (0-8, 0-4 SoCon)
Chattanooga (5-3, 4-1 SoCon) at Western Carolina (4-4, 3-1 SoCon)
ETSU (5-3, 3-1 SoCon) at Mercer (7-1, 4-1 SoCon)
Wofford (3-5, 1-4 SoCon) at Samford (3-4, 2-2 SoCon)


Power Rankings:

Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (5) Mercer (7-1)
Next: ETSU (5-3)

2. (2) Chattanooga (5-3)
Next: at Western Carolina (4-4)

3. ( 1) Western Carolina (4-4)
Next: Chattanooga (5-3)

4. (3) ETSU (5-3)
Next: at Mercer (7-1)

5. (8) The Citadel (3-6)
Next: Bye week

6. (4) Samford (3-4)
Next: Wofford (4-5)

7. (6) Wofford (3-5)
Next: at Samford (3-4)

8. (7) Furman (2-5)
Next: at VMI (0-8)

9. (9) VMI (0-8)
Next: Furman (2-5)

[FUBeAR]

Not a single guess yet?

How is it possible for a backup Quarterback to enter a game for the very 1st time (at any position) late in the 4th quarter AND to already have a personal passing stat line in THAT game of “1 for 1 for -13 yards?”

Thought this SoCon crew was a bunch of highly intelligent problem solvers…

OK … here’s a hint… It happened last Saturday.

[BearDownMU]

Not a single guess yet?

How is it possible for a backup Quarterback to enter a game for the very 1st time (at any position) late in the 4th quarter AND to already have a personal passing stat line in THAT game of “1 for 1 for -13 yards?”

Thought this SoCon crew was a bunch of highly intelligent problem solvers…

OK … here’s a hint… It happened last Saturday.

I know! I know! lol

[FUBeAR]

I know! I know! lol
Unfortunately, the judges, and FUBeAR’s insurer, have determined you are ineligible for the $1,000,000 cash prize or item of similar value to FUBeAR that FUBeAR is offering for the 1st correct respondent.

[SU DOG]

This is a doozie. A player already has a stat in a game that he has not entered? Doesn't seem possible if I am reading this right. Continuing to try, but so far it has me stumped.

[Mocs123]

Not a single guess yet?

How is it possible for a backup Quarterback to enter a game for the very 1st time (at any position) late in the 4th quarter AND to already have a personal passing stat line in THAT game of “1 for 1 for -13 yards?”

Thought this SoCon crew was a bunch of highly intelligent problem solvers…

OK … here’s a hint… It happened last Saturday.

I'm going to take a wild guess that the backup QB was also a kickoff or punt returner (so he hadn't entered the game at any position) and he had a lateral pass for a loss of 13 yards as a returner. That player later entered the game as a backup QB.

[FUBeAR]

This is a doozie. A player already has a stat in a game that he has not entered? Doesn't seem possible if I am reading this right. Continuing to try, but so far it has me stumped.
It’s a true poser … but FUBeAR has pics…of course.

[wcugrad95]

Are you saying that player, or the number? Lots of guys wear the same number these days, so say a #5 at WR could have tried a pass on some crazy reverse that lost yardage and later on a backup QB who wears #5 could enter the game. But that would not be the same player as you have outlined.

[FUBeAR]

I'm going to take a wild guess that the backup QB was also a kickoff or punt returner (so he hadn't entered the game at any position) and he had a lateral pass for a loss of 13 yards as a returner. That player later entered the game as a backup QB.
Good effort, but a KR or PR is a “position”

No … this backup QB threw 1 pass that hit his target and resulted in a loss of 13 yards for his Team before he ever entered the game in any capacity.

Now, FUBeAR will provide another hint…

In the Official Record of this game, this backup QB was NOT Officially credited with the pass he threw, resulting in a loss of 13 yards. It was, in error, Officially credited to another Player that wears/wore the the same number as the backup QB. So, perhaps FUBeAR’s initial description of the backup QB having “a stat line of 1 for 1 for -13 yards” may have been a bit misleading. In FUBeAR’s defense, he was not aware, at the time of posing the puzzle, that the Official Scorer had made that error.

[SU DOG]

To follow up on Mocs123's line of thinking, backup QB's are often used as a HOLDER for place kickers. Bad snap and desperation pass?

Sorry, posted before I read the FUBeAR explanation.

[FUBeAR]

Are you saying that player, or the number? Lots of guys wear the same number these days, so say a #5 at WR could have tried a pass on some crazy reverse that lost yardage and later on a backup QB who wears #5 could enter the game. But that would not be the same player as you have outlined.
Correct - that would NOT be the same Player. So, no, that’s not the answer.

Interesting though, your thought process is related to additional information FUBeAR provided within another hint FUBeAR released while we were concurrently posting.

[FUBeAR]

To follow up on Mocs123's line of thinking, backup QB's are often used as a HOLDER for place kickers. Bad snap and desperation pass?
A Holder is also a position AND a Holder enters the game BEFORE he Holds.

[Mocs123]

So the scorekeeper made an error and credited the wrong player that was wearing the duplicate number. Say you have a DB that wears #8 and a QB that wears # 8 (typically duplicated numbers play on opposite sides of the ball as they can't be on the field at the same time), the DB that wears #8 somehow gets in the game and completes a pass either as a trick play on offense (maybe they entered as a WR or RB) or perhaps more likely laterals on a (kickoff/punt/fumble/interception) return for a loss of 13 yards and the scorekeeper inadvertently credits this "pass" to the wrong #8. Later in the game the Backup QB enters the game for the first time but already has a stat, due to an error by the scorekeeper.

I see this with Mocs football too with the participation stats, where it shows a player played in the game when you know they didn't (perhaps injured and not dressed) but another player with their number did.

[FUBeAR]

So the scorekeeper made an error and credited the wrong player that was wearing the duplicate number. Say you have a DB that wears #8 and a QB that wears # 8 (typically duplicated numbers play on opposite sides of the ball as they can't be on the field at the same time), the DB that wears #8 somehow gets in the game and completes a pass either as a trick play on offense (maybe they entered as a WR or RB) or perhaps more likely laterals on a (kickoff/punt/fumble/interception) return for a loss of 13 yards and the scorekeeper inadvertently credits this "pass" to the wrong #8. Later in the game the Backup QB enters the game for the first time but already has a stat, due to an error by the scorekeeper.

I see this with Mocs football too with the participation stats, where it shows a player played in the game when you know they didn't (perhaps injured and not dressed) but another player with their number did.
You are closing in on it…so excellent work.

But you are too focused on the ScoreKeeper Official Stats aspect. The erroneous, but Offical, citation of the shared number Player was really incidental to the situation, though it did document the play. And, you have to keep in mind that the backup QB, did, himself, actually throw the pass that resulted in the 13 yard loss for his Team BEFORE he ever entered the game for any type of play.

It’s a POSER!

[wcugrad95]

He switched jersey numbers? The "before he ever entered the game for ANY​ type of play" is what throws it all off.

[FUBeAR]

He switched jersey numbers? The "before he ever entered the game for ANY​ type of play" is what throws it all off.
FUBeAR knows - seems impossible, but it happened last Saturday. Really.

No jerseys were switched. Again, the erroneous recording of the shared number Player is incidental to this situation. FUBeAR really only shared that because he noticed it as he was re-perusing the Official Stats/Data from the game AFTER he had posed the poser to this esteemed group of problem-solvers.

[FUBeAR]

Not a single guess yet?

How is it possible for a backup Quarterback to enter a game for the very 1st time (at any position) late in the 4th quarter AND to already have a personal passing stat line in THAT game of “1 for 1 for -13 yards?”

Thought this SoCon crew was a bunch of highly intelligent problem solvers…

OK … here’s a hint… It happened last Saturday.
OK … time’s up. Sorry, no winners. That million is staying in FUBeAR’s piggy bank.

Here is your visual answer…



1st and 10 at MER35
Croker,Sully kickoff 60 yards to the WCU05 Morgan,Chris return 22 yards to the WCU27 (Slaton,Tripp), out of bounds PENALTY WCU UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
((NOT) Guinn,Jaquarius) 13 yards from WCU27 to WCU14.


https://i.postimg.cc/FRF6f3G8/IMG-1498.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ZYBG6FJz/IMG-1499.jpg

[wcugrad95]

So the way for this to happen is the statistician is a bonehead?

How can that be recorded as a completion? Also, that was not our DE Chris Morgan on the return, but was rather #19 James Randle. So this gets failing grades all around. Not for you noticing it, but for the person recording it getting basically everything about it wrong.

[FUBeAR]

So the way for this to happen is the statistician is a bonehead?

How can that be recorded as a completion? Also, that was not our DE Chris Morgan on the return, but was rather #19 James Randle. So this gets failing grades all around. Not for you noticing it, but for the person recording it getting basically everything about it wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syV2LkGpQB0

It’s a joke.

BearDownMU caught it on the video and told FUBeAR about it. FUBeAR thought, “Oh, they must have gotten into it on the sidelines about the hit on the tackle or jawing after.” So, he queued it up to watch…

Nope - just a close-range sniper-shot. The Ref looked at #8 with a “Are you serious right now?” look on his face. It’s really funny - NFL Films Follies-worthy, if they were in the NFL…NIL Follies, maybe.

As to the puzzle (and your consternation), you must read FUBeAR’s phrasing very carefully. FUBeAR said the QB had a “personal” stat line; not an “official” stat line. It was, obviously, not recorded in the game stats as a pass attempt and completion, but the QB did, as FUBeAR phrased it, “hit his target” with a pass…and the pass was recorded, Officially, as Unsportsmanlike Conduct, and as a 13 yard loss (sort of) in the Official stats.


Thanks for playing!

* No Bears were harmed in the production of this puzzle, nor in having a soft-toss doink off their helmet.

[ElCid]

Glad I didn't waste any brain cells on this.

[FUBeAR]

Glad I didn't waste any brain cells on this.
FUBeAR is glad also. He’s never known a bellhop who had many of those to spare!

[BearDownMU]

In all honestly this situation is kinda funny. In a tight game where every down matters, a backup QB who has no chance to seeing the field as long as Gonzalez is healthy, picks up a ball after a play on the sideline and overhand throws it off an opponent's head, resulting in a 15 yard penalty. Now, I know that Kerwin Bell is a stoic, never reactionary, Zen like presence most of the time, but I'm sure he wasn't happy about this. One play later, Gonzales get nicked up on a QB run and WCU has to turn to, guess who, the aforementioned backup QB.

I thought for a second the name on the backup QB's jersey might be 'Snicket', but, alas, it was not.

[FU_Paladin08]

Week 10 Rankings:
Mercer
WCU
Chatt
ETSU
Samford
Wofford
Furman
CIT
VMI


Picks:
Samford beats Wofford
UTC beats WCU
Mercer beats ETSU
Furman beats VMI

[SU DOG]

I thought the FUBeAR puzzle was great. I wanted a little more time as I was still working on it, but probably wouldn't have gotten it to be honest.

[OrangeAndBlack]

Power Ranks:

Mercer
UTC
ETSU
WCU
The Citadel
Samford
Wofford
VMI
Furman

picks:
Samford
Chatty
Mercer
VMI

[Reign of Terrier]

it’s my personal 9/11 to say that cit looks like a mid-tier team

[gofurman]

Power Ranks:

Mercer
UTC
ETSU
WCU
The Citadel
Samford
Wofford
VMI
Furman

picks:
Samford
Chatty
Mercer
VMI


VMI may beat Furman as we have gotten worse each week with compounding injuries … they absolutely may. but to pick us as worst in league on power rankings when Furman has two wins including AT citadel while VMI is winless is odd to me.

[wcugrad95]

I don't have Furman at the bottom of mine, but my power rankings are more about at this moment in time who is playing the best and who do I think would win in a game this weekend. I'd argue due to the situation at Furman right now, Citadel might very well beat the Paladins if they played again. Of course it is the SOCON, so Furman will probably win 3 of their last 4.

[ElCid]

I don't have Furman at the bottom of mine, but my power rankings are more about at this moment in time who is playing the best and who do I think would win in a game this weekend. I'd argue due to the situation at Furman right now, Citadel might very well beat the Paladins if they played again. Of course it is the SOCON, so Furman will probably win 3 of their last 4.

I'm sure we would beat Furman. We had them beat and fell asleep. Our coaches and players blew it. I think we are past that phase now. It's been a process to learn how to win again.

[FUBeAR]

I'm sure we would beat Furman. Our coaches and players blew it.
So…you’re saying…if The Citadel hadn’t have had the Players and Coaches that The Citadel had when they played Furman, THEN The Citadel would have beaten Furman.

“If we had different Players and Coaches, we would have beaten Furman.”

Hard to argue with that logic.

[OrangeAndBlack]

I don't have Furman at the bottom of mine, but my power rankings are more about at this moment in time who is playing the best and who do I think would win in a game this weekend. I'd argue due to the situation at Furman right now, Citadel might very well beat the Paladins if they played again. Of course it is the SOCON, so Furman will probably win 3 of their last 4.

That’s exactly it for me. VMI has shown me a lot the last couple of weeks. Furman on the other hand has become the team I’d trust the least. We’ll see!

[ElCid]

So…you’re saying…if The Citadel hadn’t have had the Players and Coaches that The Citadel had when they played Furman, THEN The Citadel would have beaten Furman.

“If we had different Players and Coaches, we would have beaten Furman.”

Hard to argue with that logic.

Ok pretzel man. I'm saying the same exact players, who, at least ours, have greatly improved and gained quite a bit of confidence. For those looking closely, you could see improvements every week. It's been slow in some areas, but it's been always in the right direction. The coach is finally getting the boys to put it all together. They just failed in closing out the Furman game. A game they thought they had in the bag.

[FUBeAR]

Interesting factoids / roster analysis regarding the ETSU @ Mercer game...

Info on ETSU 2-Deep - Mercer Game Notes



#

#
G-W '23

%
G-W '23

# Other
Xfers

% Other
Xfers

# Legacy
ETSU

% Legacy
ETSU


# Starters

# G-W '23
Starters

% G-W '23
Starters

# Other
Xfers Starters

% Other
Xfers Starters
# Legacy
ETSU
Starters
% Legacy
ETSU
Starters


Offense
22
10
40.9
6
27.3
6
27.3

11
6
54.5
3
27.3
2
18.2


Defense
22
8
36.4
5
22.7
9
40.9

11
5
45.5
2
18.2
4
36.4


Specialists
6
1
16.7
1
16.7
4
67.7

3
1
33.3
1
33.3
1
33.3


Total
50
19
38.0
12
24.0
19
38.0

25
12
48.0
6
24.0
7
28.0



'23 Gardner-Webb -VS- '23 Mercer


Team
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total


Gardner-Webb
0
7
0
0
7


Winner Mercer
0
14
0
3
17


'23 Mercer -VS- '23 ETSU


Team
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total


Winner Mercer
0
17
0
7
24


ETSU
0
0
6
0
6



So.. '23 Mercer beat '23 ETSU & '23 Gardner-Webb by a combined score of 41-13 - which averages to a 14 point per game differential

'24 Mercer is a much better Team than '23 Mercer.

So...Can a combined ETSU Team + a G-W Team + 11 (1 is on 2-Deep on Offense AND Special Teams) Other Transfers (UConn RB#2/KR#1 + D2 TE#1 + Charlotte OG#2 + AppSt OG#2 + AppSt C#1 + USF OT#1 + 2 D2 LB#2's + Murray State LB#2 + Mercer CB#1 + Akron S#1) overcome the 14 point deficit + Mercer improvement disadvantage that appears to exist?

With those "Other Transfers" only representing about a quarter of ETSU's Starters & 2-Deep, FUBeAR is not sure that's gonna be enough of a talent upgrade to get over that hump.

What y'all think?

[kdinva]

UTC 28; WCU 24
Mercer 34; ETSU 28
Samford 38; Wofford 23
VMI 21; Furman 19

[ElCid]

UTC 28; WCU 24
Mercer 34; ETSU 28
Samford 38; Wofford 23
VMI 21; Furman 19

I like these, a lot.

[Reign of Terrier]

Will just say Wofford beating Samford would be hilarious because of like 3 different contexts lol

[ElCid]

Will just say Wofford beating Samford would be hilarious because of like 3 different contexts lol

It boggles my mind how Samford has owned Wofford the last decade or so. There were some really good Wofford teams in that span. Just one of those matchup things with some luck sprinkled in.

I think it's the longest current streak.

The other one that is head scratching, although it isn't unbroken, is Samford and Chatty, only the other way for Samford. They are like 3-12 against Chatty since joining the SOCON. It's crazy that these streaks happen.

[caribbeanhen]

Kerwin Bell is going to ring Chatty on Saturday

[FUBeAR]

It boggles my mind how Samford has owned Wofford the last decade or so. There were some really good Wofford teams in that span. Just one of those matchup things with some luck sprinkled in.

I think it's the longest current streak.
If Wofford loses to Samford, it will be 10 in a row…


Season
Location
Score


2023
Home - Spartanburg, S.C.
Wofford L 10 - 31


2022
Away - Birmingham, AL
Wofford L 14 - 28


2021
Home - Spartanburg, S.C.
Wofford L 24 - 27


2020-21
Away - Birmingham, Ala.
Wofford L 31 - 37


2019
Home - Spartanburg, S.C.
Wofford L 14 - 21


2018
Away - Birmingham, Ala.
Wofford L 20 - 35


2017
Home - Spartanburg, S.C.
Wofford L 21 - 24


2016
Away - Birmingham, AL
Wofford L 26 - 28


2015
Home - Spartanburg, S.C.
Wofford L 27 - 37



Mercer has defeated WCU 9 in a row, after last week’s game.

So, IF 9-in-a-row is the longest streak in the SoCon matchups, AND Woffy wins, then Mercer’s streak over WCU will be the longest streak. GO TERRIERS!!

[FUBeAR]

Kerwin Bell is going to ring Chatty on Saturday
Is he playing QB for the Cantamounts?

If not, who is?

[caribbeanhen]

Is he playing QB for the Cantamounts?

If not, who is?

Gainsville
1984
he was playing that day and after the game the local co eds were having their way with CH ...

[Reign of Terrier]

It boggles my mind how Samford has owned Wofford the last decade or so. There were some really good Wofford teams in that span. Just one of those matchup things with some luck sprinkled in.

I think it's the longest current streak.

The other one that is head scratching, although it isn't unbroken, is Samford and Chatty, only the other way for Samford. They are like 3-12 against Chatty since joining the SOCON. It's crazy that these streaks happen.

The explanation is pretty simple: 2020-today, we just kind of suck. 2015, we weren’t great and Samford was new to the conference. 2016-2017 were very close and had a player not lost his helmet when recovering a 3rd down fumble (i think?), Wofford may have won 2017. 2018, Conklin’s arrogance gets the best of him and Duck Hodges slices us up. 2019, we just played too early in the season, with wofford’s OL not yet meshed with a new system.

Basically, under Ayers we couldn’t adequately prepare because we ran the option, and also just had bad luck. Conklin’s hubris did him in. And now, our offense just sucks.

It would be hilarious if this were the year, when we are spiraling and struggling on offense, that we pull it off. Hatcher has only lost once to us ever, in an OT game at GSU where he went for 2 and missed. Unironically, the year we beat Samford, they probably fire him because it’s a good indicator of lack of progress.

[wcugrad95]

Is he playing QB for the Cantamounts?

If not, who is?

Check our 2-deep. Like everybody else's, it has to be the source of truth for who is playing :)

[FUBeAR]

Check out 2-deep. Like everybody else's, it has to be the source of truth for who is playing :)
Pretty sure it listed Mike Pusey at QB, Melvin Dorsey at RB, Gerald Harp at WR, Clyde Simmons at DT, Louis Cooper at LB, and Tiger Greene at DB…so, FUBeAR is gonna throw a flag, add a Community Note, and report WCU to the Federal Disinformation Governanace Board.

[FUBeAR]

2015, we weren’t great and Samford was new to the conference.
2015 was Samford’s 8th season in the SoCon.

[kdinva]

Pretty sure it listed Mike Pusey at QB, Melvin Dorsey at RB, Gerald Harp at WR, Clyde Simmons at DT, Louis Cooper at LB, and Tiger Greene at DB…so, FUBeAR is gonna throw a flag, add a Community Note, and report WCU to the Federal Disinformation Governanace Board.

Don't forget Kirk Roach, Brad Hoover.

[FUBeAR]

Don't forget Kirk Roach, Brad Hoover.
Only included WCU Players that played in a Playoff game…except for Pusey … cuz FUBeAR likes his name.

[Reign of Terrier]

2015 was Samford’s 8th season in the SoCon.
meant hatcher

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Schedule & FUBeAR’s Picks
All on Saturday, 11/2. All times ET


AWAY
HOME
TIME
WHAT WILL BE, IS HERE


Furman
VMI
1:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54935_VMI-vs-FUR_20241102/stats/)
After a week off aging & healing, even though still stewing about the NCAA/SoCon denials of Furman’s respectful request for a Team Redshirt for the 2024 season, the Paladins will be prepared to face the Keydets. FUBeAR expects this one to be a battle as VMI can look ahead on their schedule, see 3 of the current top 4 SoCon Teams, and conclude this game may be their only chance for a win this season. But FU’s excellent Brain Trust had 2 weeks to prepare, while the Roo’s were getting hammered (again) by the other of the Top 4 Teams. Winning FU game plans and a rejuvenated group of youngsters is the difference here.

Furman 24 - VMI 21


Chattanooga
WCU
2:30P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54968_WCU-vs-CHAT_20241102/stats/)
Unable to confirm, but FUBeAR just has a sense that WCU QB, Gonzales, will not play or be significantly limited in all aspects of his game. He’s the straw that stirs the KittyKat’s milk and the talented WCU squad just cannot be the same level of Team without him. The ‘stars’ in this game are the “skill players,” but the difference is going to be in the trenches and WCU’s D-Front is just not equipped to win their matchups with the SnakyTrainDrivingBirds Offensive Front this week.

Chattanooga 35 - WCU 17


ETSU
Mercer
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54974_MER-vs-ETSU_20241102/stats/)
Despite the continued slings & arrows aimed at the (among scholarship teams) FCS #1 Rushing, Sacks, 3rd Down Conversion, INT’s, #2 TD’s, #3 TFL’s, Pass Efficiency, #4 Total, #5 Scoring, #5 Red Zone Mercer Defense, the MountainPirates’ O is doubtful to find much wind billowing their sails, nor smooth land-sailing in Five Star Stadium. FUBeAR also expects the dominant Rushing attack the Bears rolled out against the LilacLionsOfTheHills last week to be just as dominant despite the ETSU’s having a better Front 7 than WCU does. Those 2 things, and the continued growth of Mercer True FR QB, Whitt Newbauer, will be the story of this game. Mercer wants to show the Committee under-respected them @ #8 and, with 300+ rushing yards, +3 in turnovers, 1 Defense/Special Teams TD, makes a BIG STATEMENT over a Team that #1 just barely escaped by half of a hair on their chinny-chin-chins.

Mercer 31 - ETSU 10


Wofford
Samford
3P (https://soconsports.com/fb/game/54965_SAM-vs-WOF_20241102/stats/)
Wofford finds a way - perhaps with the return of QB#1, Odom. Samford looks toward hoops.

Wofford 21 - Samford 20




Big week of Conferences in ChuckTown this coming weekend. All hotels are booked to 120% of capacity. Bellhops will be too busy to play Football…and they EARNED a week off with a HUGE win for their program. Congrats to Coach Drayton & squad!! Now grab FUBeAR’s Gucci set and don’t scratch/dent them.

FUBeAR’s SoCon Power Rankings

After much hand-wringing and deep consultations with his Advisory Team, FUBeAR has, like John & Yoko with Peace, decided to give SCIENCE a chance, for, at least, 1 more 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




1

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

10-2


7-1


0.875


1

Loss to Samford



2

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

9-3


7-1


0.875


2

Loss to Mercer



3

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

8-4


6-2


0.750


3

Losses to Chatt, Mercer



4

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

6-5


4-3


0.571


4

Losses to ETSU, CIT, Chatt



5

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

5-7


4-4


0.500


5

Losses to Mercer, Chatt, ETSU, Samford



6

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

4-8


2-6


0.250


7

Wins over CIT, VMI



7

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

4-8


2-6


0.250


8

Wins over VMI, Samford



8

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

0-11


0-8


0.000


9

0’fer / 0’fer



















UNR*

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

4-7


3-4


0.429


6

Wins over CIT, VMI, Woff


* Obviously, Mr. Massey has factored in that Furman has opened 2 new Football Dorms - 1 at Greenville County Hospital and the other @ Sunny Daze Day Care of Travelers Rest. So, FUBeAR will accept Mr. Massey’s careful & thoughtful analysis, but also knows, if either of these Dorms were not absolutely necessary, Furman would be occupying the Paladins’ rightful #1 Spot … #1b this season.

WCU would be ranked as high as #3 if FUBeAR was relying on his own understanding and Samford might be as low as #7. The HomewoodHounds are probably getting a good bit too much credit for playing good Football for the 4 minutes that #1’s Offense was late to show up to the game. Losing the next 56 minutes and their failing to score a TD (and almost not score at all) for 4 straight quarters (2nd half vs. Mercer & 1st half @ CIT) and losing CIT is not a good look for #4…but FUBeAR just isn’t quite prepared to argue with SCIENCE…yet.

[caribbeanhen]

Only included WCU Players that played in a Playoff game…except for Pusey … cuz FUBeAR likes his name.

I’m surprised you can even remember his name

[FUBeAR]

I’m surprised you can even remember his name
Who could forget the late 70’s / early 80’s?

Pusey was everywhere in those days!

[caribbeanhen]

Who could forget the late 70’s / early 80’s?

Pusey was everywhere in those days!

Late 70s I tried everything, until I saw Saturday Night Fever and that’s when I learned the way that you needed to walk into the school in the morning …. With purpose! Led the league in doubles




https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7Rb.DCLwkoETDjt_m.DJJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MA--/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-12/d654e650-1d0d-11ea-a4d5-75793211f3f8

But still, it was all sea stories, rumors and innuendo until the early 80s when CH was yanked off his bar stool by a freak Girl in a swanky Mobile, Alabama nightclub to the beat of One thing leads to another by The Fixx … the 20 minute version

https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d00001e0232765fe0edd65835fe4232a7
One Thing Leads To Another


til this very day I can still hear it
I can still smell it
and I can still see it
and I can still dream it

and thank goodness for that because she don’t come around here no more….

[wcugrad95]

Back to the listing of WCU guys - gotta include Kirk Roach. Kudos for KDINVA calling him out.

Kirk Roach - Football - (1984-87)
The most honored player in Western Carolina's football history and a member of the Southern Conference's 75th Anniversary Football Team. He is WCU's and the Southern Conference's first three-time All American Selection (1984, 1986, 1987) and at the time of his induction, one of only three conference players to be named All-Southern Conference four times (1984-87). Also at the time of his induction, he owned 10 Southern Conference, 18 WCU and five NCAA I-AA kicking records and owned the distinction of being WCU's highest NFL draft choice - fifth by the Buffalo Bills in 1987. He kicked 71 field goals including 11 of 50 or more yards and accounted for 302 points. He missed only one extra point attempt in four seasons. In 2006, Roach had his No. 14 jersey number honored in a special on-field ceremony in Cullowhee. Has appeared on the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame divisional ballot multiple times beginning in 2019. Continues to remain active within the Catamount Club and served on WCU's Athletics Hall of Fame committee.

Roach was selected to the Southern Conference 100th Anniversary Team in 2021 and enshrined in the Southern Conference Hall of Fame in 2022.

[FUBeAR]

Back to the listing of WCU guys - gotta include Kirk Roach.

Kirk Roach - Football - (1984-87)
A. No one was really doing that
2. He’s a Kicker

[gofurman]

UTC 28; WCU 24
Mercer 34; ETSU 28
Samford 38; Wofford 23
VMI 21; Furman 19

kdinva, any key injuries at VMI ? Furman is missing our best DL. Top THREE bandit LBs (playing guy number 4 at bandit. The real hurt there is the starter was an All America candidate in Luke Clark. Number 4 shouldn’t be on the field this year). Missing our best WR for stuff lol. Missing best CB for injury.

I also noticed yall have used three different QBs?

***any key injuries for VMI ?

[Reign of Terrier]

for those of you who care, Odom is not listed as the starter today. Not sure what to make of it, as he’s listed as qb3

[kdinva]

kdinva,
***any key injuries for VMI ?

nothing new since week 2, when QB shannon broke his shoulder, a top CB and WR got hurt in game one, as did the #1 long-snapper.

[s-k]

Rice only had 6 carries last week for VMI - injury?

[Reign of Terrier]

Gonna go ahead and start the rumor that Odom may play today.

[kdinva]

Keydets take opening KO, go 75 yards in 7 plays, 17 yard TD pass. Wilson starting at QB

[ElCid]

Furman looks like they have given the season up. Yesh, they look like they are going through the motions. VMI looks like they are motivated. Nice blocked kick.

[kdinva]

Furman looks like they have given the season up. Yesh, they look like they are going through the motions. VMI looks like they are motivated. Nice blocked kick.

Furman has forced two three and outs, and hit on a pass behind the keydet secondary, 7-7 after one period

[Reign of Terrier]

14-10 keydets

[kdinva]

14-10 keydets

Keydets with the strip sack and return to Furman 4, then 3 yard TD run. 21-10

[wcugrad95]

Word is Cole Gonzales has a broken hip and is done for the season at WCU. Yikes.

[Milktruck74]

Chase Artoepeus Has a strained ab muscle, so it is the battle of the back ups in The Whee!

[kdinva]

Furman kicked VMI's butt with EVERY STAT except for the one that matters. Keydets get first win, 21-17. Furman had double the plays, double the time of possession., 2.5 times the total yards, but VMI's defense just enough 4th down plays, and the INT with 2:30 to play.

[wcugrad95]

Congrats to the Keydets. Tough season, but those kids keep playing hard.

[ElCid]

Furman kicked VMI's butt with EVERY STAT except for the one that matters. Keydets get first win, 21-17. Furman had double the plays, double the time of possession., 2.5 times the total yards, but VMI's defense just enough 4th down plays, and the INT with 2:30 to play.

Great win. If they just kicked FGs instead of going for it they might have won.

[wcugrad95]

WCU should really be up by probably 17 or 21 points right now. It has been ugly, but the Cats are battling for their backup QB.

I know yards don’t really matter at the end of the day, but WCU has 441 and 31 points in less than 3 full quarters while UTC has 24 points and a defensive TD with only 197 yards. WCU with a fumble at the goal line as well.

[FUBeAR]

Word is Cole Gonzales has a broken hip and is done for the season at WCU. Yikes.
Y’all need to start trusting FUBeAR.

HATE it for him & WCU & SoCon. GREAT Player & competitor. Hope he can fully recover!!!!

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford beats Samford!!!! FINALLY

[Reign of Terrier]

Not joking when I say, maybe this is the end of Hatcher at Samford

[Reign of Terrier]

Kyle Watkins is Jerry Rice when Amari Odom is QB and non-existent when it’s anyone else. Odom really is a gamechanger for Wofford’s offense. Not sure if you can reliably recruit a player that is that accurate and has that level of arm strength at this level, so I’m inclined to blame the system. Either way, I’ll take it.

[OrangeAndBlack]

#11 Johnson for ETSU is shredding Mercer for 9 catches 143 and 2 TD and we refuse to double cover him. Why?

[wcugrad95]

WCU without Gonzales - should have probably win by 17 or so. First start by our backup QB with 431 yards passing. Cats with over 550 against a good UTC defense.

Unbelievable,

[Mocs123]

Congrats to the Catamounts. Both teams with their backup QB's and an ugly game all around but WCU got it done. Mocs SoCon Championship and Playoff Chances are likely squashed.

[Milktruck74]

Congratulations to the Cats...I hate to hears that Gonzolas is done. Reminds me of Ford last year....Kids like that deserve to go out on the field!!! not on the sidelines!

[Reign of Terrier]

Okay folks, here’s the rundown.

If ETSU/Mercer store stands as is, the game to really decide the last playoff spot is probably ETSU/Western next week.

At the moment, I like Chattanooga in the rest of their games. In my view, they are IN at 8-4, with losses to 2 FBS teams, Western, and Mercer.

Mercer is in, it’s really just a matter of if they get the auto-bid (they will).

Western Carolina can play themselves into the playoffs. They need to beat win out. At 8-4, yes the loss to Campbell sucks, but they will be second in the SoCon, and that will carry weight.

ETSU winning out will put them on the bubble. We experience a paradox in that being 8-4 looks great, but there’s no quality wins (if they beat Western, that down-statuses them), and the committee would look at them like a 7-4 team in a traditional 11 game year. Maybe they get credit for a quality loss against NDSU? I’m really not sure.

neither ETSU or western can lose next week and hope to make the playoffs. The reason why is because ETSU won’t have 7 D1 wins. Western at 7 wins won’t be awful, but that’s where the Campbell loss weighs heavily. Much like a 8-4 may not look great on ETSU, 7-5 may not look good on Western for similar reasons.

Selfishly, everyone should be pulling for Wofford to win out in socon play. A 6-6 Wofford win doesn’t jump out on the page, but Wofford has one of the best OOC wins in the FCS this year against Richmond. Had we pulled off *one* win against another socon team, we’d still be in the playoffs right now. Regardless, Wofford is a solid, non-threatening win if you’re the top 4 in the socon.

[wcugrad95]

ETSU with 2 onsides kick recoveries but both negated on a penalty. My money says the Bucs score and win if they get one of those, but that is full-on coulda/shoulda.

[wcugrad95]

ROT - nobody other than you would have any interest in Wofford winning out. It would hurt the conference and only be good for the Terriers. The conference should be pulling for WCU or ETSU to get us another possible playoff team.

[Reign of Terrier]

ROT - nobody other than you would have any interest in Wofford winning out. It would hurt the conference and only be good for the Terriers. The conference should be pulling for WCU or ETSU to get us another possible playoff team.

How would Wofford beating Furman and the Citadel hurt the conference? a win against a 6-6 team that had a top 25 win looks good on everyone’s resume who beat them (ETSU, Chatt, Western, Mercer).

At the end of the day, if Western/Chatt/ETSU don’t have 8 wins, and they’re sitting on the bubble, they’d rather have Wofford be 6-6 than 4-8. The difference between “decent win” and “expected win” is pretty simple.

[wcugrad95]

We need 8 win teams. So yeah - your last 2 doesn’t make any difference. Just saying we need the WCU vs ETSU winner to win out. Wofford being 6-6 isn’t going to help IMO.

[Reign of Terrier]

We need 8 win teams. So yeah - your last 2 doesn’t make any difference. Just saying we need the WCU vs ETSU winner to win out. Wofford being 6-6 isn’t going to help IMO.

But one team, logically, isn’t going to get there, between ETSU/Western. I could be wrong, but on the top of my head, if ETSU is sitting at 7-5, Wofford will be their best win. At 8-4, it would also be Western, who would have 7 wins. I think it’s a safe bet that the bottom-bubble teams need as much help on their resume as possible.

[wcugrad95]

In this scenario, WCU is 7-1 in the SoCon. They are in with that IMO. 1 total brain fart game plus multiple games where we led against top-10 teams like Montana and Mercer will be way more important than a win against Wofford. If WCU and ETSU finish 7-5 probably neither make it.

[gofurman]

Congratulations to the Cats...I hate to hears that Gonzolas is done. Reminds me of Ford last year....Kids like that deserve to go out on the field!!! not on the sidelines!

oh. Man. Didn’t know that Gonzales is done. Hate that. Seriously. I HATE injuries as yall know.

Which is also why I don’t believe in leaving starters in. EVER. Happened to an NFL pick at Furman who was left in late game and he personally said that he wished to be taken out of that game. No good could come of being left in a game that was a blowout. Turned out he was right. Think it was his knee that got hurt. Ligament? Hurt his future. And, as he said, we want our second string getting practice. I’m sure FUBeAR would know but for HIPAA I’m gonna keep kids name off board. It was years ago

point is no good can come from playing a star 10 more plays in a blowout. But some REAL BAD - injury - can definitely come from it. I know that’s not where Gonzalez got hurt but I’ve seen others where it was an end game dumb call to leave them in.. and they got hurt 😢.

[gofurman]

Anyway. I found this interesting. So Furman beats Citadel. VMI - CONGRATS !!!!!!!! ! - beats Furman. I consider Wofford somewhere near that level too

————
FYI. I kid you not. You all think I’m obsessed. So I just counted the number of times the ESPN+ TV announcers - who should be unbiased - said they were amazed at the injuries and unintended youth of Furman. TWELVE times they brought it up. Radio guy - had to leave home - said he had never seen such …. But the ESPN+ TV guys were amazed … and they have no Furman bias. One kept commenting on his study of our two deep and loss of 11 defensive players

look at these stats all vs VMI. Furman lost to VMI today. CONGRATS KEYDETS !
Furman 412 yards total. 10 - 18 on third down. 26 first downs. VMI 177 yards. ONE for 9 on third down. 9 first downs.
yes Furman had two turnovers. One scooped and run back to the 4. The 3rd turnover was a pick in the last minute or so.
but it’s almost unfathomable how we lost with that domination. And I am OBJECTIVE. I would say the same for ANY team. ANY team

by comparison Citadel beat VMI with these stats
Citadel 188 yards total. 0 - 11 on third down. 10 first downs. VMI 227 yards. 2 - 14 on third down. 13 first downs.

Wofford beat VMI with this.
Wofford 349 yards Total. 5 - 17 on third down. 12 first downs. VMI 180 yards total. 3 - 14 on third down. 9 first downs

i dont think Furman is as far down - we are DOWN !!! - but not as far as most. Maybe the bye week did us some good.

we still stink but I don’t think Wofford has a gimme next week

[gofurman]

Furman kicked VMI's butt with EVERY STAT except for the one that matters. Keydets get first win, 21-17. Furman had double the plays, double the time of possession., 2.5 times the total yards, but VMI's defense just enough 4th down plays, and the INT with 2:30 to play.

congrats VMI !!!!!!!!! Big time!!

and appreciate your objectivity. I still don’t know how we lost. Lol. MORE than doubled most things. But yall won.

412 yards for Furman. 177 for VMI.
26 first downs Furman compared to 9.
10 - 18 third down conversions for Furman compared to 1 - 9

sheesh. Congrats. Dam turnovers. :D

good job VMI

[wcugrad95]

Believe me - WCU wins lots of game stats that don’t turn into wins. You can also look at the ETSU and Mercer game (Bucs with 472 yards to the Bear’s 292). But in both the Furman/VMI and ETSU/Mercer games, the team that didn’t turn the ball over won.

Mercer with 3 defensive/special teams scores, and they needed all 3 to win. How many total non-offensive TDs does Mercer have now? I think the SoCon site shows 6 on defense and 3 on punts, but feels like they have had maybe more???

[Reign of Terrier]

Anyway. I found this interesting. So Furman beats Citadel. VMI - CONGRATS !!!!!!!! ! - beats Furman. I consider Wofford somewhere near that level too

————
FYI. I kid you not. You all think I’m obsessed. So I just counted the number of times the ESPN+ TV announcers - who should be unbiased - said they were amazed at the injuries and unintended youth of Furman. TWELVE times they brought it up. Radio guy - had to leave home - said he had never seen such …. But the ESPN+ TV guys were amazed … and they have no Furman bias. One kept commenting on his study of our two deep and loss of 11 defensive players

look at these stats all vs VMI. Furman lost to VMI today. CONGRATS KEYDETS !
Furman 412 yards total. 10 - 18 on third down. 26 first downs. VMI 177 yards. ONE for 9 on third down. 9 first downs.
yes Furman had two turnovers. One scooped and run back to the 4. The 3rd turnover was a pick in the last minute or so.
but it’s almost unfathomable how we lost with that domination. And I am OBJECTIVE. I would say the same for ANY team. ANY team

by comparison Citadel beat VMI with these stats
Citadel 188 yards total. 0 - 11 on third down. 10 first downs. VMI 227 yards. 2 - 14 on third down. 13 first downs.

Wofford beat VMI with this.
Wofford 349 yards Total. 5 - 17 on third down. 12 first downs. VMI 180 yards total. 3 - 14 on third down. 9 first downs

i dont think Furman is as far down - we are DOWN !!! - but not as far as most. Maybe the bye week did us some good.

we still stink but I don’t think Wofford has a gimme next week

Furman’s problem is basically this: They are young, and they make lots of mistakes. I think it was always silly to bench Carson Jones. I wouldn’t read too much into transitive property thinking in terms of comparing wofford and the Citadel to VMI. For one thing, Wofford didn’t have Amari Odom, and it’s actually ludicrous how much better Wofford’s offense is with him under center. Like, when Pauly Seely takes snaps and we end a drive with a punt you just get the vibe of “what the hell are we doing?” but when Odom does it, the vibe is much more positive.

Wofford should be favored against Furman because our defense is among the top of the SoCon. At this point, I think that’s true. Most importantly, Furman has about 17 turnovers in 6 FCS games (I don’t count Stetson), and Wofford forces about 2-3 per game (though we didn’t force any against Samford). I think Furman will be able to move the ball some, and maybe get some points and big plays, but Wofford’s defense is tough.

The X-factor, as always, is going to be Amari Odom. He makes everyone around him better. I joke about Kyle Watkins playing like Jerry Rice when Odom is playing QB - and I’m obviously being facetious, but against Samford yesterday there were a few plays where any objective viewer would think “where the hell was this the last 4 games.”

Put simply, I don’t think we can actually draw an inference on Wofford’s offense for the final 2 games based on the body of work we’ve seen this year. Our offense is solidly a touchdown better with Odom starting than not.

[SU DOG]

I totally agree with Reign of Terrier about Odom. This is a good QB. Also CONGRATS to Wofford.

[Reign of Terrier]

I totally agree with Reign of Terrier about Odom. This is a good QB. Also CONGRATS to Wofford.

Yeah, not sure we win without him. Great in one way, infuriating in others haha

[FUBeAR]

The conference should be pulling for WCU or ETSU to get us another possible playoff team.
Sux - Mercer, ETSU, WCU & Chatt will be better than 1/2 (or more than 1/2) of the Playoff field of 24.

[wcugrad95]

Also Milktruck’s comment made me think about lots of guys who got hurt in their last season and it being a shame they went out that way. The difference here is that Cole Gonzales is a Junior - so assuming he recovers from this (sounds kinda broken bone which is better than ligament and socket damage), he can be back next year.

[Reign of Terrier]

The thing that may help ETSU if they are 7-5 with only 6 d1 wins is that they may get brownie points over other bubble teams in the CAA/MVFC because of mutual opponents. Wofford beating Richmond, but losing to ETSU may help ETSU, and playing respectable to NDSU may also help. That’s the hope, I would say.

- - - Updated - - -


Also Milktruck’s comment made me think about lots of guys who got hurt in their last season and it being a shame they went out that way. The difference here is that Cole Gonzales is a Junior - so assuming he recovers from this (sounds kinda broken bone which is better than ligament and socket damage), he can be back next year.

This may be a hot take from me, but if Gonzales finishes first team all socon it may be worth at least exploring the portal.

[wcugrad95]

The injury sucks, and not that I would want it to hold him back, but couple that with Bell being the only coach who gave him a look at playing QB in college (I think he had some offers to play baseball) and that might be what keeps him back in Cullowhee to finish out. We’ll see.

After Dickens throwing for over 400 and 5 TDs in his first start we probably have to worry about him, too. But I’d also say if I am a smaller or under-recruited QB I think I would want to to play in WCU’s offense.

[caribbeanhen]

Congratulations to VMI for getting first win of the season!

[MUMD]

#11 Johnson for ETSU is shredding Mercer for 9 catches 143 and 2 TD and we refuse to double cover him. Why? The secondary has been suspect all season long, even with all the INTs. And after a roaring start to the season the offense is anemic! The box score said we were 1/16 on third down. Is that even possible to do and win?

[FUBeAR]

The secondary has been suspect all season long. And after a roaring start to the season the offense is anemic!
Nah & Nah…

1) Perhaps giving up passing yards is a calculated trade-off … #1 in FCS in 7 Defensive categories - Rush D, 3rd Down Conversion D, D TD’s, INT’s, Sacks, TFL’s, Turnovers Gained

2) O is a WIP. FUBeAR believes the ceiling is still very high and Mercer’s O will spend the next 3 games climbing that ladder…and get near the top rung(s) come Playoff time.

[ElCid]

The box score said we were 1/16 on third down. Is that even possible to do and win?

Well it's not a stat to be proud of, but in the end, the only stat that matters is the score.

We beat VMI a couple weeks ago and had a scorching 0-11 on 3rd down conversions. Yikes! We previously had one of the better third down conversion rates prior to that game. Well into the 40% range.

[gofurman]

Furman’s problem is basically this: They are young, and they make lots of mistakes. I think it was always silly to bench Carson Jones. I wouldn’t read too much into transitive property thinking in terms of comparing wofford and the Citadel to VMI. For one thing, Wofford didn’t have Amari Odom, and it’s actually ludicrous how much better Wofford’s offense is with him under center. Like, when Pauly Seely takes snaps and we end a drive with a punt you just get the vibe of “what the hell are we doing?” but when Odom does it, the vibe is much more positive.

Wofford should be favored against Furman because our defense is among the top of the SoCon. At this point, I think that’s true. Most importantly, Furman has about 17 turnovers in 6 FCS games (I don’t count Stetson), and Wofford forces about 2-3 per game (though we didn’t force any against Samford). I think Furman will be able to move the ball some, and maybe get some points and big plays, but Wofford’s defense is tough.

The X-factor, as always, is going to be Amari Odom. He makes everyone around him better. I joke about Kyle Watkins playing like Jerry Rice when Odom is playing QB - and I’m obviously being facetious, but against Samford yesterday there were a few plays where any objective viewer would think “where the hell was this the last 4 games.”

Put simply, I don’t think we can actually draw an inference on Wofford’s offense for the final 2 games based on the body of work we’ve seen this year. Our offense is solidly a touchdown better with Odom starting than not.

Who knows. Maybe a promise was made to Hedden to get him to commit. Programs do that. And I recall you saying you thought we yanked Jones too quickly. You did mention that back early in the year.

also we switched back to Carson Jones yesterday. It was smoother but we scored less with him. 10 with Hedden. In first half. 7 with Jones. Second half. But less turnovers with Jones

oh well, neither Wofford nor Furman matter too much this year …. I want Furman to win this week but I’ll take two consecutive playoff years with wins in the playoffs / quarterfinals etc over what Wofford has suffered through. No offense but man it’s been rough for 2 or 3 years in Sparkle City. ROUGH.

Serious question, How many SoCon games did yall lose in a row ? Not a jab at all. Just asking. 15? Heck your win over Furman last year might have ended the streak. Ugh.

funny. I’ve often thought if turnovers are the key then just kneel every play. No turnovers xlolxxlolx

[wcugrad95]

@MUMD 2 weeks ago Mercer was at one point 1-9 on 3rd down and 0-1 on 4th down conversions against WCU. You guys finished 3-11 after converting 2 late. The Bears still won that game by 10 points.

Sometimes it is big plays (vs WCU), sometimes it is the mistakes the other team makes (vs ETSU), and sometimes you play conservative teams who’s QB has a bad day (vs UTC).

If Mercer makes mistakes they can lose (vs Samford), but as FUBeAR said it seems calculated. Mercer has given up a ton of yardage through the air but have only given up meaningful points in 3 games all season. 4 if you count Citadel but that game was never really in question. Only 1 team this season has been able to run the football at all against Mercer.

ETSU turned the ball over and it killed them against you. Similar to the Bears against Samford. But I have been reminded often if a team does this frequently it is them trying to make that happen more than the other team letting it happen. Mercer plays for big plays on D.

[Reign of Terrier]

The secondary has been suspect all season long, even with all the INTs. And after a roaring start to the season the offense is anemic! The box score said we were 1/16 on third down. Is that even possible to do and win?


Nah & Nah…

1) Perhaps giving up passing yards is a calculated trade-off … #1 in FCS in 7 Defensive categories - Rush D, 3rd Down Conversion D, D TD’s, INT’s, Sacks, TFL’s, Turnovers Gained

2) O is a WIP. FUBeAR believes the ceiling is still very high and Mercer’s O will spend the next 3 games climbing that ladder…and get near the top rung(s) come Playoff time.

So, don’t crucify me for saying this, but I think there was a touch of overhype for Mercer’s defense after the Wofford and Chattanooga games. Are they elite? Likely. Are they great. Obviously. But through the first few games of the season Chattanooga was working through some things (had a lot of drops in the Mercer game) and Wofford’s offense has some systemic flaws.

Again, I’m not trying to short change Mercer here. Every defense has systemic strengths and systemic flaws, even if great play covers it up. For Wofford under Ayers, we were a team that was predicated on shutting down the run and being extremely mid at defending the pass. Under Conklin, we were aggressive with shutting down the run but and with more press coverage. Under Watson/Saxon, we will sacrifice letting a team run for 100-150 yards on us, but we will aim to make the passing game hellish. All 3 of those coaching staffs had great defenses in different contexts (2016/2018/2024) doing different things.

What does this mean for Mercer and what I was saying early? Well look at your DC’s track record. You will shut down the run and make life hell for your opponents via pass rush. You did it against Chattanooga and Wofford, as an example. Chattanooga gave up on running the ball and just kept dropping passes. Wofford didn’t give up on running, even though it sucked, and you exposed the flaws in our passing philosophy. You can go back on my comments earlier this year, but I said/“predicted” that Western/ETSU/Samford would be the teams that could most likely scheme to make Mercer’s life difficult because those offenses were better at implementing air raid schemes, among other things. And they were!

So is Mercer’s secondary vulnerable? Kind of. But it’s systemically vulnerable. If the front 7 does it’s job, you’re fine. And for various reasons, the kind of offenses most likely to be successful are also more likely to be air raid-ish programs that don’t play great defense. You’d like to see Mercer’s offense continue to make steady improvements, but you still have a good shot to win against most FCS teams

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1854335954372210819