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View Full Version : SoCon 2022 Predictions and Power Rankings - Week 5



FUBeAR
September 25th, 2022, 01:02 PM
Saturday, October 1, 2022


Away
Home
Time
Who ya got? By how much?


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_mercer.png?width=30Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wofford.png?width=30Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
1:30P



https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
2P



https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Appalachian-State-University.png?width=30App State (http://www.appstatesports.com/)
3:30P



https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)
3:30P



https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
7:30P




FUBeAR’s POWER RANKINGS
Mainly the records have changed from last week. Slight tweak in Rankings, moving Samford up, deservedly so.

Well, WoeFraught did show enough against the RatBirds to regain a ranking number. Considered moving them ahead of VMI after Cornell got smashed by Yale, but nah…not yet. RatDogs can move by beating Mercer this week. The New Bears have never won in SparkleCity, but they did put on a nice display just 30 miles up the road on Saturday. They’ll feel right at home in the S’Burg Marriott Friday night.

Also considered promoting ETSU after their massacre of Bobby Morris in Moon (Township) on Saturday. They are ranked #1 in the intergalactic poll after marauding Mars (Hill) and massacring on the Moon…also in the alliteration rankings. TCB vs. the misperceiving Mocs this week and FUBeAR will hoist your sails back up.

1t. Furman (1-0, 3-1)
1t. Mercer (1-0, 3-1)
3t. Chattanooga (1-0, 3-1)
3t. Samford (1-0, 3-1)
5. WCU (0-1, 2-2)
6. CIT (1-1, 1-2)
7. ETSU (0-2, 2-2)
8. VMI (0-0, 1-2)
9. Wofford (0-1, 0-4)

SU DOG
September 25th, 2022, 03:45 PM
Wait. Why would we be tied with WCU after yesterday?

FUBeAR
September 25th, 2022, 04:17 PM
Wait. Why would we be tied with WCU after yesterday?
Good catch…FUBeAR will correct the intentional error he made just to see if anyone was paying attention. SU DOG wins this week’s Careful Reader prize!

FUBeAR
September 25th, 2022, 04:20 PM
Good catch…FUBeAR will correct the intentional error he made just to see if anyone was paying attention. SU DOG wins this week’s Careful Reader prize!
And you know what…after further review, SU DOG’s Dogs are tied with the Mocks.

bonarae
September 25th, 2022, 04:57 PM
Mercer
Furman
App
WCU
ETSU

MUMD
September 25th, 2022, 07:02 PM
Mercer
Furman
App
WCU
ETSU

App? I assume you mean Chatt?

ElCid
September 25th, 2022, 07:30 PM
App? I assume you mean Chatt?

No, he meant App as in App St vs The Citadel. Not looking forward to it. Especially after App screwed the pooch yesterday.

wcugrad95
September 26th, 2022, 10:14 AM
After this weekend's games, maybe a little more clarity (at least on who is in the top tier vs the middle). Furman won the game, but with several guys already out and now losing the QB for at least a little while, I would move them down a little (obviously still top-tier). UTC lost a game they should have lost, but a lot worse then they should have probably lost it. Samford cruised to a 3-score win because Hatcher out-coached (you read that correctly) the Bells with the equivalent of a prevent Defense the Cats marched down the field against but then the Dogs could stack things up on us in the redzone. Samford has a better D then many probably thought.

A cop-out at the top. Generally you would say things will take care of themselves, but I still would not be surprised to see multiple 6-2 records in the SoCon.

1 - Mercer - took care of business in a game some thought they might struggle (I was not one of those people)
T2 - Furman - HUGE game this week against Samford - winner probably jumps to #1, but the QB injury might be big
T2 - Samford - see above
T2 - UTC - needs to show something this week in a big intra-state match-up to stay here (but their Illini loss was very similar to Samford's to UGA)
5 - WCU - will need to adjust on O given I expect teams to adopt the Samford blueprint to stop us
T6 - Citadel - tough next 2 weeks with App State and then Furman
T6 - ETSU - I think if they played Citadel again, the Bucs would be favored. Big matchup to see if the Bucs' season is over or if they can climb back into things this weekend
8 - VMI - Hard to get the Cornell game out of my memory, but the Keydets could certainly shake this list up with a win against Western
9 - Wofford - looks like they may be finally finding a little bit of O and I expect them to surprise one or two teams down the stretch

gofurman
September 26th, 2022, 07:42 PM
After this weekend's games, maybe a little more clarity (at least on who is in the top tier vs the middle). Furman won the game, but with several guys already out and now losing the QB for at least a little while, I would move them down a little (obviously still top-tier). UTC lost a game they should have lost, but a lot worse then they should have probably lost it. Samford cruised to a 3-score win because Hatcher out-coached (you read that correctly) the Bells with the equivalent of a prevent Defense the Cats marched down the field against but then the Dogs could stack things up on us in the redzone. Samford has a better D then many probably thought.

A cop-out at the top. Generally you would say things will take care of themselves, but I still would not be surprised to see multiple 6-2 records in the SoCon.

1 - Mercer - took care of business in a game some thought they might struggle (I was not one of those people)
T2 - Furman - HUGE game this week against Samford - winner probably jumps to #1, but the QB injury might be big
T2 - Samford - see above
T2 - UTC - needs to show something this week in a big intra-state match-up to stay here (but their Illini loss was very similar to Samford's to UGA)
5 - WCU - will need to adjust on O given I expect teams to adopt the Samford blueprint to stop us
T6 - Citadel - tough next 2 weeks with App State and then Furman
T6 - ETSU - I think if they played Citadel again, the Bucs would be favored. Big matchup to see if the Bucs' season is over or if they can climb back into things this weekend
8 - VMI - Hard to get the Cornell game out of my memory, but the Keydets could certainly shake this list up with a win against Western
9 - Wofford - looks like they may be finally finding a little bit of O and I expect them to surprise one or two teams down the stretch

Not just loss of strating QB for Furman,.. but we are out 4 OTHER STARTERS !! Starting Center, 2 starting LBs and our best CB. Heck, just loss of starting Center to starting QB is a scary thing

SUDOG - or any Sam fan - Is Sammy missing ANYONE ??? Anyone at all

This stinks. We may get a guy or two back but this stinks.

The Cats
September 26th, 2022, 08:00 PM
Not just loss of strating QB for Furman,.. but we are out 4 OTHER STARTERS !! Starting Center, 2 starting LBs and our best CB. Heck, just loss of starting Center to starting QB is a scary thing

SUDOG - or any Sam fan - Is Sammy missing ANYONE ??? Anyone at all

This stinks. We may get a guy or two back but this stinks.

It's called "next man up" I guess you didn't know.... https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/crying_toddler-1296x728-header.jpg?w=1155&h=1528

MUMD
September 26th, 2022, 08:10 PM
A cop-out at the top. Generally you would say things will take care of themselves, but I still would not be surprised to see multiple 6-2 records in the SoCon

Hence the perpetual one-bid league. Until we schedule and beat non-Big South and non-Pioneer FCS teams. At least that's my opine...

PaladinNation
September 26th, 2022, 08:42 PM
Hence the perpetual one-bid league. Until we schedule and beat non-Big South and non-Pioneer FCS teams. At least that's my opine...

I think you have a point… we will get our shots!
Furman has W&M in 2024 and 2025.
ETSU has NDSU in 2024 and 2026.
WCU has Montana in 2024.
Samford plays ICW and Central Ark in 2025 and 2026.

gofurman
September 26th, 2022, 08:48 PM
It's called "next man up" I guess you didn't know.... https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/crying_toddler-1296x728-header.jpg?w=1155&h=1528

As someone once said.. next man up is only as good so far as it goes. What about playing without your 22 starters. How would that go>? I literally saw us on QB number 4 one year - I think he was a college LB. Thats next next next man up. Doesn't go well. We (Furman) beat UNC - sweet - because they had that situation one year. They had JULIUS PEPPERS and Ryan SIms and other Pros who were playing (not injured) and we beat them 28-3 !!! ! JULIUS PEPPERS !!!!!! Next man up don't work too well if it gets too far

Proof we beat UNC 28-3 .. Even FBS 85 scholarships !!! couldnt sustain too much "next man up". No one can. Not even the NFL

https://goheels.com/news/1999/10/30/205469190.aspx

and if "next man up" works so well why does your own brethren WCUGRAD95 post this
"T2 - Furman - HUGE game this week against Samford - winner probably jumps to #1, but the QB injury might be big"

Anywho. FYI - I want you all to have your starting QB etc. I hated to see he was out. I see he played vs Sammy

SU DOG
September 26th, 2022, 09:01 PM
Not just loss of strating QB for Furman,.. but we are out 4 OTHER STARTERS !! Starting Center, 2 starting LBs and our best CB. Heck, just loss of starting Center to starting QB is a scary thing

SUDOG - or any Sam fan - Is Sammy missing ANYONE ??? Anyone at all

This stinks. We may get a guy or two back but this stinks.

To answer your question, NO. I really don't think we have a starter out for Saturday. I bet we will see Blackshire and Jumper, although I would think that Huff will miss a game or two. Most comments that I have read from your fans say that you won't miss a beat with Wilson at QB. He was good enough to beat us last year, so there is that to consider. Anyhow, I sure hope that all these guys are well and able to go - against The Citadel Saturday week that is.

MUMD
September 26th, 2022, 09:02 PM
I think you have a point… we will get our shots!
Furman has W&M in 2024 and 2025.
ETSU has NDSU in 2024 and 2026.
WCU has Montana in 2024.
Samford plays ICW and Central Ark in 2025 and 2026.

Ouch. Be careful what you ask for!

SU DOG
September 26th, 2022, 09:11 PM
Ouch. Be careful what you ask for!

Totally disagree. Play these teams. If you aren't competitive then improve your program until you are, and I'm saying this about my team also. Our lack of SoCon respect has been from bias yes, but also from our own lack of expanding and upping our level of competition. IMO we desperately need to correct this situation.

gofurman
September 26th, 2022, 09:14 PM
To answer your question, NO. I really don't think we have a starter out for Saturday. I bet we will see Blackshire and Jumper, although I would think that Huff will miss a game or two. Most comments that I have read from your fans say that you won't miss a beat with Wilson at QB. He was good enough to beat us last year, so there is that to consider. Anyhow, I sure hope that all these guys are well and able to go - against The Citadel Saturday week that is.

First, thanks for your reply SUDOG> much thanks!!


Yes, I think Blackshear and Jumper will return. Maybe the sick LB. Maybe. I hope we get Jumper more than anyone. Need the help on O
* However, there IS a difference in Huff (QB who is out and went 30/39 vs Clemson!! and is on the National Player to Watch list.. vs our number 2 in Wilson). You are number two for a reason. If there is no difference why was he the backup and only played mop up minutes vs the d2 North Greenville.

"Furman’s Huff Named To CFPA FCS National Performer Of The Year Watch List"

https://bvmsports.com/2022/09/08/furmans-huff-named-to-cfpa-fcs-national-performer-of-the-year-watch-list/


Wilson is fine and developing but if nothing else the coaches picked Huff over him even though Huff just transferred in this fall - he didn't even get a spring practice and yet already beat out Wilson !! Think about that. Wilson has had 1.5 years in our system. Huff has had 2 months. Huff already beat Wilson out. Plus I have watched them. Huff is a much better "keep eyes downfield and then take off and run" guy. Better than I have seen us have in years. Wilson isn't bad, he is good. He just isn't Huff yet.

And I have watched a lot of SoCon QBs. Huff is strong. I have seen the differences.. I have seen you all have some NASTY ones !! Devlin Hodges haunts me still lol.


Honestly if it werent' for losing Huff the QB I wouldn't be so concerned. Partially bc I think we get maybe 2 back and our D has been strong

FUBeAR
September 27th, 2022, 06:13 AM
Finally…FCS Rankings that correctly depict the matchup of Samford @ Furman as the Clash of (FCS) Titans that it is - matchup of #9 vs. #11. https://twitter.com/versussportssim/status/1574074010303864834 This game is, unquestionably, THE Game of the Week in FCS.

PaladinNation
September 27th, 2022, 06:18 AM
GoFurman - sorry I can't agree with your comparisons of Huff and Wilson.
I've watched all three QBs in practice and Huff and Wilson in games this season.

The coaches stated over and over there is not much difference between them, Huff got the nod due to a bit more consistency.
CCH said on the Monday show that they both excel at a few different things.

Huff is a physical player, hence Dabo calling him a "baller." That mentality has led to a big hit in the ETSU and CSU game. Huff will run over people and at the same time fake opponents out of their jock strap. That said he was not playing his best at CSU before injury.

Wilson is a different cat. Jace is a coaches son, and played at a HS in Texas that was bigger than Furman. He will not be rattled or nervous Saturday.I actually think in Roper's offense Jace has more upside. Jace is excellent on the edge passing and running. His running scored two touchdowns Saturday as well as a nifty pass to Miller for a long touchdown.

We won't know till game time or when game notes are released… I expect true freshman Carson Jones to be #2. Jones is the biggest QB on the roster and put up video game numbers at Maryville HS. 158-of-206 passes (76.7 percent) for 2,175 yards and 28 TDs (1 INT), and 9 TDs rushing.

The Cats
September 27th, 2022, 07:59 AM
Mercer at Wofford - Bears by 21+
Samford at Furman - Bulldogs by 14
The Citadel at App State - Could get ugly
VMI at Western Carolina - Cats by 21
Chattanooga at ETSU - birds by 17



POWER RANKINGS...(last weeks rank in parenthesis)

1. (1) Chattanooga (3-1, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: at ETSU

2. (2) Mercer (3-1, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford

3. (5) Samford (3-1, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: at Furman


4. (4) Furman (1-1, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: Samford

5. (3) Western Carolina (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: VMI

6. (7) The Citadel (1-2, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: at Appy State

7. (6) VMI (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: at Western Carolina

8. (8) ETSU (2-2, 0-2 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga

9. (9) Wofford (0-4, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: Mercer

gofurman
September 27th, 2022, 10:44 PM
GoFurman - sorry I can't agree with your comparisons of Huff and Wilson.
I've watched all three QBs in practice and Huff and Wilson in games this season.

The coaches stated over and over there is not much difference between them, Huff got the nod due to a bit more consistency.
CCH said on the Monday show that they both excel at a few different things.

Huff is a physical player, hence Dabo calling him a "baller." That mentality has led to a big hit in the ETSU and CSU game. Huff will run over people and at the same time fake opponents out of their jock strap. That said he was not playing his best at CSU before injury.

Wilson is a different cat. Jace is a coaches son, and played at a HS in Texas that was bigger than Furman. He will not be rattled or nervous Saturday.I actually think in Roper's offense Jace has more upside. Jace is excellent on the edge passing and running. His running scored two touchdowns Saturday as well as a nifty pass to Miller for a long touchdown.

We won't know till game time or when game notes are released… I expect true freshman Carson Jones to be #2. Jones is the biggest QB on the roster and put up video game numbers at Maryville HS. 158-of-206 passes (76.7 percent) for 2,175 yards and 28 TDs (1 INT), and 9 TDs rushing.

Nation,

Agree on some points. huff is definitely the 'tougher' runner - risk v reward. He will take extra hits which pumps up the team and is great but risks more injury. No doubt.

One thing I think you may be missing about Jace that both my son and two player parents at CSU (sitting behind us) noted - was that Jace hesitates a little longer to take off and run while Huff does not. Huff is superb at keeping his eyes downfield but when recvr 1 and 2 are covered, he's gone for 5 yards. That puts A LOT of pressure on a defense. Jace seems to wait one more second to take off. Hopefully the confidence from CSU will have him run more quickly if things break down. Another item is that we seem more willing (maybe bc we are on QB2?) to let Huff pull the ball and take the the edge. I didn't see much of this v CSU with J W in the game? Again, maybe that's a "we are already on QB2" thing. Or maybe bc he hasn't practiced it w first team as much. Glad we have Jace (honestly I thought he would win the QB battle) but the coaches did choose Huff (obviously) and felt he was more consistent. I do agree with you that huff hasn't looked the same since Clemson thoughe He has seemed a little off - maybe the arm? But he was so 'on' at Clemson and he has been good but missing a few throws since then that he made v the Tigers.

Long term I guess we will find out whether the Clemson game was the outlier or the CSU game was the outlier. Don't know until he plays more. Hope he returns in a wekk or three.

With JW I REALLY hope we see more ' pull the ball' from the RB belly as that is hard on a defense... think Huff at ETSU - he Killed ETSU with that play until they left a spy and then that takes a LB out of the coverage. So they have to pick their poison if you are willing to let the QB pull the ball, no spy the QB was getting yardage... leave a spy that frees up the slant pattern. Gotta play to win - can't limit the playbook even on QB 2

Here is hoping you are right and that we win !!!

PaladinNation
September 28th, 2022, 06:03 AM
As a fan - we can evaluate all we want from our seat. Its the coaches job to get players ready to play.

I watched Jace play every snap last year, as well as I admit being a nerd and watching several of his games at Mayde Creek.
I would never describe Jace as hesitate at running the ball. Again I think you're focusing on style, and to some extent Huff's willingness to run. Just a guess Justin Roper is going to do his best to get Huff to start sliding instead of looking to lay a hit.

Anyways… it doesn't matter what any of us think.
Jace will start against Samford (this will be his seventh start) and Carson Jones will be the backup.

FUBeAR
September 28th, 2022, 09:16 PM
Certain that this forecast will be unchanged between now and Saturday afternoon, it should be a fantastic, if somewhat cloudy, day in Paladin Stadium with a large crowd there to cheer the Furman Paladins on to VICTORY!

https://i.postimg.cc/63VKZ8W5/55-BFAB96-F7-F6-4270-814-D-AAF39-CFCA55-C.png

gofurman
September 28th, 2022, 10:31 PM
As a fan - we can evaluate all we want from our seat. Its the coaches job to get players ready to play.

I watched Jace play every snap last year, as well as I admit being a nerd and watching several of his games at Mayde Creek.
I would never describe Jace as hesitate at running the ball. Again I think you're focusing on style, and to some extent Huff's willingness to run. Just a guess Justin Roper is going to do his best to get Huff to start sliding instead of looking to lay a hit.

Anyways… it doesn't matter what any of us think.
Jace will start against Samford (this will be his seventh start) and Carson Jones will be the backup.

yep, that's a tough one - slide or 'be tough' and take the hit. SO MANY - and i do mean several - on our board were loving how Huff was blocking on the last TD run even after dinging his should just a play or three prior. I recall thinking 'weve already won, do we want our QB out their blocking just after he got hurt?

Look, I get it. It pumps up the team to see a QB 'get after it'. But thier comes a line (as with anything - reasonability)... Huff is one of the few QBs I have seen they may - as you say - want to pull back just a little on taking so many hits. He seems to lean his shoulder into the hit which is scary for a QB.

And maybe you are right, maybe Jace just APPEARS slightly slow to take off bc Huff is so WILLING to take off and run. Could be. Could be a compare and contrast thing. Well, I do think he is slightly slower to take off than Huff, I do think that is true. I don't think Jace is hesitant, just that he might put a little less pressure on the D than Huff. One thing I didn't see us do with JW is pull the ball from the belly of the RB. Would like to see that this week

I sure hope we win - want to see us RUN and RUN and RUN. Want the OL to lean on Samford. If we cant, then we probably aren't going to win the conference

Mocs123
September 29th, 2022, 07:30 AM
Mercer – 24 The Bears roll into Spartanburg and hang another loss on the Terriers. Nothing to see here.
Wofford - 14

Samford - 21
Furman – 28 This will be an interesting test for the improved Bulldog defense, but I think Furman gets the win at home.

The Citadel - 9
App State – 41 -Beatdown of the Week – Nothing against The Citadel, but App lost last week, and they’ll be looking to take it out on someone. That someone just happens to be an old SoCon foe.

VMI -24
Western Carolina – 28 Could there be an upset due to the torrential rain forecasted – there could, but I think Western is good enough to defend their home turf here, it just will be closer than it would on a dry weekend.

Chattanooga – 20 -Big rivalry game for the Bucs and Mocs. It may be messy in Johnson City, but I think the Mocs are able to go on the road and squeak out a win.
ETSU - 17

Power Rankings:
Chattanooga
Mercer
Furman
Samford
ETSU
Western Carolina
VMI
The Citadel
Wofford

FUBeAR
September 29th, 2022, 02:40 PM
Saturday, October 1, 2022


Away
Home
Time
Let FUBeAR tell ya…


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_mercer.png?width=30Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wofford.png?width=30Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
1:30P
So, the 1st SoCon squall to spin up this Saturday is the Bears @ the Ratdogs. The AnkleChompers have OWNED the ReBornBears in SparkleCity. The PorchYappers are 4-0 with the avg. win by 19 points. NO other SoCon Team has battered Mercer’s revived program like that. Wofford’s Offense, lost at sea since 2019, finally made it to shore last week and and gained some much-needed confidence in the process. With Mercer’s domination of Gardner-Webb last week, they (finally) got some love in the polls, nearing Top 10 status. With recently high-flying WCU comin’ to Macon next week, bringing both Coach Bell’s back to where Mercer SHOCKED their FlyingFish in 2013, and with a potential chance for the Bears to play in front of the Home crowd for the 1st time as a Top 10 Team, this has all the elements of a TRAP GAME. BUT, barring some possible injuries to key Bears that FUBeAR thinks he might have seen at the end of the G-W game, the Bears have too many weapons and the Defense is too solid to get their paw(s) caught in that trap. Closer than expected though…

FINAL SCORE: Mercer 31 - Wofford 17


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_samford.png?width=30Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_furman.png?width=30Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
2P
This is, unquestionably, the FCS game of the week. 2 Teams that should both be ranked in the Top 15 are both excited about entering the eye of that kinda storm. Furman knew they were going to be a good Team this year. Samford has pleasantly surprised themselves. Now they both wanna prove it to all the other FCS Forecasters. Furman has won sloppily and choppily the past 2 weeks after losing to Clemson while executing more like a Swiss watch. Losing QB Huff is huge…it would be devastating to Furman…except the backup is more than capable of leading Furman to victories as he proved last year with his dynamic play. Samford’s Defense has been better and that’s what will keep this game close and make it as difficult to project as the path of a storm. Gotta go with the Home Team.

FINAL SCORE: Furman 44 - Samford 37 (in OT)


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_citadel.png?width=30The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/logos/Appalachian-State-University.png?width=30App State (http://www.appstatesports.com/)
3:30P
Nothing FUBeAR would love to see more, when the clouds part in Boone, than for the bellhops to be winning on a scoreboard showing 00:00. It will not. Appy will pelt the SamsoniteBoys with Playmakers and swamp them with mountain speed.

FINAL SCORE: Appalachian State 42 - The Citadel 7


https://soconsports.com/images/logos/VMI_spider_four_color-2015.png?width=30VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_wcu.png?width=30Western Carolina (https://catamountsports.com/)
3:30P
Very disappointing start for VMI - are they back to the ‘drop of rain in the desert’ days or can they gain strength and strike lightning again like they did Spring ‘21. They’ll need to do it this week if so…BUT, despite a strong Keydet surge, WCU is angry about getting hammered in Homewood and claps back this week.

FINAL SCORE: WCU 34 - VMI 28


https://soconsports.com/images/2019/9/23/logo_chatta_91.png?width=30Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
https://soconsports.com/images/2020/1/2/etsu_logo.png?width=30ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
7:30P

CHANGED
TO 3P
Another HUGE SoCon game. ETSU is at home with their backs to the wall. They should be ready to defend Greene Stadium as if the Mocs were a bunch of looters breaking in. Chatt’s issues, obvious in their 1st 3 games - to anyone who watched them play and knows Football - were clearly exposed by the Illini and highly-touted Chatt was a mere tropical depression, at best, in Champaign. Not sure ETSU can take advantage of Chatt’s liabilities on D because their own liabilities on O match up with Chatt’s strengths. FUBeAR does see Chatt being able to get it done on the ground though. In a close one…

FINAL SCORE: Chattanooga 21 - ETSU 16



FUBeAR’s POWER RANKINGS
Mainly the records have changed from last week. Slight tweak in Rankings, moving Samford up, deservedly so.

Well, WoeFraught did show enough against the RatBirds to regain a ranking number. Considered moving them ahead of VMI after Cornell got smashed by Yale, but nah…not yet. RatDogs can move by beating Mercer this week. The New Bears have never won in SparkleCity, but they did put on a nice display just 30 miles up the road on Saturday. They’ll feel right at home in the S’Burg Marriott Friday night.

Also considered promoting ETSU after their massacre of Bobby Morris in Moon (Township) on Saturday. They are ranked #1 in the intergalactic poll after marauding Mars (Hill) and massacring on the Moon…also in the alliteration rankings. TCB vs. the misperceiving Mocs this week and FUBeAR will hoist your sails back up.

1t. Furman (1-0, 3-1)
1t. Mercer (1-0, 3-1)
3t. Chattanooga (1-0, 3-1)
3t. Samford (1-0, 3-1)
5. WCU (0-1, 2-2)
6. CIT (1-1, 1-2)
7. ETSU (0-2, 2-2)
8. VMI (0-0, 1-2)
9. Wofford (0-1, 0-4)

kdinva
September 29th, 2022, 05:40 PM
Mercer 34; Wofford 14
Samford 38; Furman 34
VMI 35; WCU 33
Appy. St. 48; The Citadel 12
UTC 28; ETSU 23

OrangeAndBlack
September 29th, 2022, 06:15 PM
Mercer 41, Wofford 9 -- Wofford's points per game improved from 2.3 up to 7.25 after last weeks 22 point effort. Wofford loses their 15th straight game here.
Samford 33, Furman 38 -- Furman survives a late rally at home. Samford hasn't beaten FU since 2018.
Citadel 3, App State 49 -- App can pick the score based on their mood.
VMI 8, WCU 35 -- VMI is 4-24 all time against WCU (1 road victory). It took a spring season to snap a 17 game losing steak in early 2021.
UTC 31, ETSU 13 -- I think ETSU's tough season continues.

Power
1. UTC
2. Mercer
3. Furman
4. Samford
5. WCU
6. Citadel
7. ETSU
8. VMI
9. Wofford

BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n
September 29th, 2022, 08:34 PM
I was 5-1 this past week. Made another trip to Crow-Fil-A over the weekend (thanks App) but knowing that Big Brother ended a streak against a hated SEC foe over the weekend made me feel much better. Was hoping to follow the ETSU game but was unable to find out what happened until after the game was over. This is where I see it after this past week's games:

1) Furman - staved off a spirited effort in Charleston
2) Mercer - was merciless on the road
3) Chattanooga - lost to a talented B1G team
4) Samford - showed me something by defending their house
5) The Citadel - off this week
6) Western Carolina - was not impressed with their effort
7) ETSU - played out of their minds in the 1st half
8) VMI - off this week as well
9) Wofford - damn near shocked one of last year's playoff participants

This Week's Games
Mercer @ Wofford - Bears maul the daylights out of their hosts
Samford @ Furman (Game of the Week) - Paladins defend their house
Chattanooga @ ETSU - Bucs finally regain possession of the Rail
The Citadel @ Appalachian State - Mountaineers lay their former conference rival to waste
VMI @ Western Carolina - Catamounts return to their winning ways

gofurman
September 29th, 2022, 10:47 PM
I was 5-1 this past week. Made another trip to Crow-Fil-A over the weekend (thanks App) but knowing that Big Brother ended a streak against a hated SEC foe over the weekend made me feel much better. Was hoping to follow the ETSU game but was unable to find out what happened until after the game was over. This is where I see it after this past week's games:

1) Furman - staved off a spirited effort in Charleston
2) Mercer - was merciless on the road
3) Chattanooga - lost to a talented B1G team
4) Samford - showed me something by defending their house
5) The Citadel - off this week
6) Western Carolina - was not impressed with their effort
7) ETSU - played out of their minds in the 1st half
8) VMI - off this week as well
9) Wofford - damn near shocked one of last year's playoff participants

This Week's Games
Mercer @ Wofford - Bears maul the daylights out of their hosts
Samford @ Furman (Game of the Week) - Paladins defend their house
Chattanooga @ ETSU - Bucs finally regain possession of the Rail
The Citadel @ Appalachian State - Mountaineers lay their former conference rival to waste
VMI @ Western Carolina - Catamounts return to their winning ways

problem for FU is now we find we are down not only the QB but possibly SIX other players, 5 of whom start (Good Center, DE, 2 LBs and best CB - all SoCon).
If we win, we used some duct tape .. we need to get out and just hang on a week or so for some guys to return

PaladinNation
September 30th, 2022, 06:03 AM
Based on Furman's game notes—only two starters listed as out.
Huff at QB and J Jackson at DE.
Wilkins is out as the backup Spur.

I know we don't agree—I think Jace gives Furman as a good a chance in this game as Huff would.
Furman slides Bryce Stanfield over to tandem with Jack Barton at DE. I see Stanfield as more dangerous at DE than DT.

A couple of people picking Samford to score in the thirties against Furman—that could happen.
Furman held Clemson to its season low total offense (376 yards) and Clemson's lowest scoring output (35). Furman is +1.5 in turnovers, due largely to the DINS defensive backfield. It's college football anything can happen—it's going to be fun to watch the Furman D vs the Hatch Attack.

kdinva
September 30th, 2022, 08:41 AM
VMI: Collin Ironside will start at QB, Korey Bridy back as #1 HB

ElCid
September 30th, 2022, 09:31 AM
Based on Furman's game notes—only two starters listed as out.
Huff at QB and J Jackson at DE.
Wilkins is out as the backup Spur.

I know we don't agree—I think Jace gives Furman as a good a chance in this game as Huff would.
Furman slides Bryce Stanfield over to tandem with Jack Barton at DE. I see Stanfield as more dangerous at DE than DT.

A couple of people picking Samford to score in the thirties against Furman—that could happen.
Furman held Clemson to its season low total offense (376 yards) and Clemson's lowest scoring output (35). Furman is +1.5 in turnovers, due largely to the DINS defensive backfield. It's college football anything can happen—it's going to be fun to watch the Furman D vs the Hatch Attack.

While it was a good showing, I am always a little cautious when looking at stats from FBS games. FBS teams have a habit sometimes of over and underperforming in FCS games. If it's a no joke blowout, no questions asked they can rack up lots of stats. If the FBS team kicks back and a good FCS team sneaks up on them, and they have to fight for their win, that's another situation. There are all sorts of dynamics at play. Watching a bit of the game I think it was a case of Clemson knowing they wouldn't or couldn't lose and therefore playing just good enough to keep Furman at arms length. No injuries, nothing fancy, no piling on, work out their kinks against a decent opponent. In other words I wouldn't get too excited over the stats. If they put their mind to it, they could have put the hammer down a bit more. But don't take that as a slam on Furman. They played great and they are definitely better this year and top 25 worthy. They are in my poll. But stats in isolation of the bigger picture are not a real good measure. I say this looking at our game against Alabama a few years ago where we had them tied at half. I think we had more rushing yards against them than any other opponent of theirs the entire season. We also went 5-6 that year.

FUBeAR
September 30th, 2022, 10:34 AM
Based on Furman's game notes—only two starters listed as out.
Huff at QB and J Jackson at DE.
Wilkins is out as the backup Spur.

I know we don't agree—I think Jace gives Furman as a good a chance in this game as Huff would.
Furman slides Bryce Stanfield over to tandem with Jack Barton at DE. I see Stanfield as more dangerous at DE than DT.

A couple of people picking Samford to score in the thirties against Furman—that could happen.
Furman held Clemson to its season low total offense (376 yards) and Clemson's lowest scoring output (35). Furman is +1.5 in turnovers, due largely to the DINS defensive backfield. It's college football anything can happen—it's going to be fun to watch the Furman D vs the Hatch Attack.Jack Barton is gonna kick a$$!!

His uncle was an All-SoCon OG on the GREAT Paladin Teams of the late ‘70’s / early 80’s and FUBeAR’s ‘next door neighbor’ on those GREAT Furman OL’s. Setting 93’s Sacks over/under number for Saturday at 3.5.

Jack Barton was BORN in the Purple.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F157geaXp_w

PaladinNation
September 30th, 2022, 11:10 AM
While it was a good showing, I am always a little cautious when looking at stats from FBS games. FBS teams have a habit sometimes of over and underperforming in FCS games. If it's a no joke blowout, no questions asked they can rack up lots of stats. If the FBS team kicks back and a good FCS team sneaks up on them, and they have to fight for their win, that's another situation. There are all sorts of dynamics at play. Watching a bit of the game I think it was a case of Clemson knowing they wouldn't or couldn't lose and therefore playing just good enough to keep Furman at arms length. No injuries, nothing fancy, no piling on, work out their kinks against a decent opponent. In other words I wouldn't get too excited over the stats. If they put their mind to it, they could have put the hammer down a bit more. But don't take that as a slam on Furman. They played great and they are definitely better this year and top 25 worthy. They are in my poll. But stats in isolation of the bigger picture are not a real good measure. I say this looking at our game against Alabama a few years ago where we had them tied at half. I think we had more rushing yards against them than any other opponent of theirs the entire season. We also went 5-6 that year.

ElCid- I l keep hearing this POV from Citadel folk. The FCS Fan Nation guy even tried to sell that Clemson made wholesale substitutions in the game
I was there - NOT TRUE.

Read into what you what - Clemson's goal of playing the youngster went out the window after the first series they tried to play Klubnik. Clemson was playing its defensive starters on the last Furman drive that failed on the goal line in the forth quarter. Anyways - I'm proud of my DINS, we played physical and pushed Clemson around til the end.

FuBear - I also really like Jack Barton. Glad he's getting his chance. He's a big kid with a lot of talent. The Barton/Stanfield duo should make lots of trouble Saturday.

ElCid
September 30th, 2022, 02:45 PM
ElCid- I l keep hearing this POV from Citadel folk. The FCS Fan Nation guy even tried to sell that Clemson made wholesale substitutions in the game
I was there - NOT TRUE.

Read into what you what - Clemson's goal of playing the youngster went out the window after the first series they tried to play Klubnik. Clemson was playing its defensive starters on the last Furman drive that failed on the goal line in the forth quarter. Anyways - I'm proud of my DINS, we played physical and pushed Clemson around til the end.

FuBear - I also really like Jack Barton. Glad he's getting his chance. He's a big kid with a lot of talent. The Barton/Stanfield duo should make lots of trouble Saturday.

No, I know realize they didn't make any huge substitutions at least until the second half of the 4th on O. As I said, it was a good showing, and I'm not trying to take anything away, but I'm also looking at it with some unbiased eyes. And you must realize how nearly all FCS games against top tier, top 10 FBS games go and the dynamics at work. Let's be honest, currently Furman just ain't good enough to seriously challenge a top 10 FBS team hitting on all cylinders.

gofurman
October 1st, 2022, 01:14 AM
xx

gofurman
October 1st, 2022, 01:31 AM
Based on Furman's game notes—only two starters listed as out.
Huff at QB and J Jackson at DE.
Wilkins is out as the backup Spur.

I know we don't agree—I think Jace gives Furman as a good a chance in this game as Huff would.
Furman slides Bryce Stanfield over to tandem with Jack Barton at DE. I see Stanfield as more dangerous at DE than DT.

A couple of people picking Samford to score in the thirties against Furman—that could happen.
Furman held Clemson to its season low total offense (376 yards) and Clemson's lowest scoring output (35). Furman is +1.5 in turnovers, due largely to the DINS defensive backfield. It's college football anything can happen—it's going to be fun to watch the Furman D vs the Hatch Attack.

Based on Furman's game notes—only two starters listed as out.
Huff at QB and J Jackson at DE."

Nation - appreciate your help on injuris. You often help me out. thanks !!! This time I have to help on one 😊. Actually (and this is assuming everyone plays) - WE are missing another starter - Achina at LB. He was the starter at LB for the year. Miller is good but is his backup

So IF everyone plays we are missing our starting QB, starting DE and starting LB Achina. I agree that Miller is playing well.

I also don't necessarily disagree with you that Wilson gives us as good or a good chance. However, that would imply the coaches should maybe start him over Huff as Huff has been off the last 4/5 quarter (somewhat at least) and yet the coaches had yet to do that. So they c- our coaches - clearly still want Huff to start over Wilson. Thinking back to a year or so ago I have seeen JW have at least one HORRIBLE game (5 out 25 or one of those type games) and never seen that from Huff.

In any case, I hope those type games are behond us (the 5-25 passing games like v Citadel). those were painful. Go JW, GO FURMAN !!!!!!!!!!!

fyi - i have no interest in an entertaining game. i want us to RUN AND RUN all over them and never see the Hatch attack. Heck with that. I don't want our D on the field much. I want Roberto running for 200 yds like we did a few years ago at Sammy !! I want a BORING win !!!. RUN ALL DAY Furman !

MUMD
October 1st, 2022, 07:56 AM
While it was a good showing, I am always a little cautious when looking at stats from FBS games. FBS teams have a habit sometimes of over and underperforming in FCS games. If it's a no joke blowout, no questions asked they can rack up lots of stats. If the FBS team kicks back and a good FCS team sneaks up on them, and they have to fight for their win, that's another situation. There are all sorts of dynamics at play. Watching a bit of the game I think it was a case of Clemson knowing they wouldn't or couldn't lose and therefore playing just good enough to keep Furman at arms length. No injuries, nothing fancy, no piling on, work out their kinks against a decent opponent. In other words I wouldn't get too excited over the stats. If they put their mind to it, they could have put the hammer down a bit more. But don't take that as a slam on Furman. They played great and they are definitely better this year and top 25 worthy. They are in my poll. But stats in isolation of the bigger picture are not a real good measure. I say this looking at our game against Alabama a few years ago where we had them tied at half. I think we had more rushing yards against them than any other opponent of theirs the entire season. We also went 5-6 that year.

I totally agree. BTW Saban wasn't too happy about it either... https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/what-nick-saban-had-to-say-with-alabama-tied-with-the-citadel-10-10-going-into-halftime/

ElCid
October 1st, 2022, 08:21 AM
I totally agree. BTW Saban wasn't too happy about it either... https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/what-nick-saban-had-to-say-with-alabama-tied-with-the-citadel-10-10-going-into-halftime/

I love the TD we had in that imbedded Twitter page in the article. It was so textbook not even Alabama could stop it. We sucked them in and burned them. But they are better than that. They were kicking back a little thinking we didn't have the speed to execute.

PaladinNation
October 1st, 2022, 09:02 AM
Last thing I'll say about Furman and Clemson.

First-there are no moral victories.

Living in the upstate, add that my wife is a Clemson grad, so was my dad of both FU and Clemson, and my Mom grew up in Central. I went into Death Valley just hoping the Dins didn't get embarrassed and escaped without injuries. I left feeling Furman left points on the table.

It also felt good walking back to my car and having Clemson fans congratulate Furman for it's play.

You 're right Furman's performance in that game is not important. Today's game is the most important game.

ElCid
October 1st, 2022, 02:10 PM
Furman just got screwed. Pretty clear fumble by Samford. I've heard this a few times now regarding forward progress and fumbles and it's a slippery slope and entirely too dependant upon judgement. In most cases when someone takes a big shot, forward progress usually is stopped. Doesn't mean it isn't a fumble when the ball comes flying out.

BearDownMU
October 1st, 2022, 03:08 PM
If forward progress is stopped at contact on a big hit, and they decide you no longer have to go to the ground, about 70% of fumbles in football history are no longer fumbles.

More than that, the booth made a call and then Hatcher talked them into a 2nd review. You 100% CAN'T allow that to happen. Every football game will be 6 hours long if coaches can chat up a ref and get them to review a review.

That was the 2nd worse call I've ever seen in my lifetime.

Reign of Terrier
October 1st, 2022, 03:14 PM
Wofford is just painfully bad.

ElCid
October 1st, 2022, 03:35 PM
Furman looking really bad. All changed after that bad call. Three fumbles....

Reign of Terrier
October 1st, 2022, 03:37 PM
Wofford will have a shot against Citadel and VMI but even then, I only say that because everyone has a shot against Citadel and VMI

JSUSoutherner
October 1st, 2022, 03:46 PM
Furman looking really bad. All changed after that bad call. Three fumbles....
Furman has more yards and more TOP, so clearly they're outplaying Samford like they outplayed Clemson.

kdinva
October 1st, 2022, 04:29 PM
WCU up on VMI at halftime, 21-10. VMI had 2nd and goal from the 5 inch line, run a flanker screen, FROM THE SHOTGUN, lost 4 yards, settled for FG.

ElCid
October 1st, 2022, 04:38 PM
Furman has more yards and more TOP, so clearly they're outplaying Samford like they outplayed Clemson.

See Fubear's sig line. LOL.

JSUSoutherner
October 1st, 2022, 04:39 PM
Furman has got to be thrilled. They outplayed Clemson and a team that outplayed Georgia.

BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n
October 1st, 2022, 04:41 PM
Go on Twitter and see that ETSU was up 13-3 on Chattanooga and just like that Chattanooga leads ETSU 17-13 10:38 4th

Chalupa Batman
October 1st, 2022, 04:42 PM
Furman has more yards and more TOP, so clearly they're outplaying Samford like they outplayed Clemson.

What I’m reading is Samford is just as good or better than Clemson.

JSUSoutherner
October 1st, 2022, 04:43 PM
What I’m reading is Samford is just as good or better than Clemson.
Definitely.

Why do you think Clemson scheduled Furman instead of Samford?

It's because they were terrified. They knew only Georgia was good enough to take down the other Bulldogs.

BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n
October 1st, 2022, 05:15 PM
ETSU lost to Chattanooga 24-16, is it me or is Riddell being coached by a Chris Weenie type? IYKYK

Milktruck74
October 1st, 2022, 05:26 PM
GO MOCS!!!!

kdinva
October 1st, 2022, 06:04 PM
again VMI's offense can't get out of its own way, WCU with fine offensive and defensive schemes, 38-17 'Cats.

ElCid
October 1st, 2022, 06:04 PM
Just curious if FUbEAR will still rank Furman #1 ahead of Samford. Anybody give odds?

kdinva
October 1st, 2022, 06:16 PM
Just curious if FUbEAR will still rank Furman #1 ahead of Samford. Anybody give odds?

xslapfightx

maybe ElCid over VMI? would not offend me.

garland823
October 1st, 2022, 06:21 PM
Wofford will have a shot against Citadel and VMI but even then, I only say that because everyone has a shot against Citadel and VMI

Dude I've had two kids since Wofford last beat VMI or Citadel.

JSUSoutherner
October 1st, 2022, 06:38 PM
Just curious if FUbEAR will still rank Furman #1 ahead of Samford. Anybody give odds?
100%

Mocs123
October 1st, 2022, 06:59 PM
OK - Samford has convinced me they're for real. Best defense Hatcher has had?

What happened with Furman I know the Palidins had some guys out. How did that impact the game and how long are they going to be out? I'm just trying to figure out how to rank them going forward. I really think they are pretty good.

bonarae
October 1st, 2022, 07:23 PM
Meanwhile...

Will ETSU become a 5-6 or 4-7, regressing so much from last season? xchinscratchx

The Cats
October 1st, 2022, 08:09 PM
https://twitter.com/CatSportsForum/status/1576378502039076864

Reign of Terrier
October 1st, 2022, 10:24 PM
Dude I've had two kids since Wofford last beat VMI or Citadel.

Valid.

And yet, in spite of us being historically low garbage in that time, we were competitive in every one of those game.

We suck this year (and last year). There's no sugar coating it. But if we get lucky, those are the teams we're most likely to get lucky against.

PaladinNation
October 2nd, 2022, 07:56 AM
Take your shots guys… I guess I deserve some cause I believe in my team.
No reason to run and hide for being a passionate fan win or lose.

Right now our tackling seems to disappear at times.
Due to two early offensive lineman injuries - Furman did no live tackling in the pre-season.
It's seems to show up on opponents getting big chunk plays and sadly that cost us Saturday. Furman's also had two games in a row with way too many turnovers. Four against CSU, and three against Samford.

The ten minute double call reversal was the momentum changer - and Furman's defense didn't show up for the three Samford drives afterwards. My DINS have to handle adversity better to be a good football team.

About Furman's injuries… a late scratch for the Samford game was Dominic Morris a corner who had two interceptions in the last two games. He should be back for the Citadel.
J Jackson starting DE is out for the year with a knee injury - not sure that this is a big issue. Jack Barton played well against Samford.
Amaaha Achina Spur tore his pec-muscle against Clemson - he's done for the season. Seems Furman is shuffling players to compensate–transfer Emmanuel Adebayo moved over from Bandit to Spur and had one of Furman's five sacks. As far as I know that's it for injuries.

Huff will be week to week - I'm not going to blame this loss on Huff not playing. Jace played IMO a great game. He did fumble which cost us points but he threw darts and kept bringing the Dins back within striking range.

I hope this season doesn't become a what could have been season for Furman. I hope we show up in our second visit to Charleston with our hair on fire.

The Cats
October 2nd, 2022, 08:34 AM
Take your shots guys… I guess I deserve some cause I believe in my team.
No reason to run and hide for being a passionate fan win or lose.

Right now our tackling seems to disappear at times.
Due to two early offensive lineman injuries - Furman did no live tackling in the pre-season.
It's seems to show up on opponents getting big chunk plays and sadly that cost us Saturday. Furman's also had two games in a row with way too many turnovers. Four against CSU, and three against Samford.

The ten minute double call reversal was the momentum changer - and Furman's defense didn't show up for the three Samford drives afterwards. My DINS have to handle adversity better to be a good football team.

About Furman's injuries… a late scratch for the Samford game was Dominic Morris a corner who had two interceptions in the last two games. He should be back for the Citadel.
J Jackson starting DE is out for the year with a knee injury - not sure that this is a big issue. Jack Barton played well against Samford.
Amaaha Achina Spur tore his pec-muscle against Clemson - he's done for the season. Seems Furman is shuffling players to compensate–transfer Emmanuel Adebayo moved over from Bandit to Spur and had one of Furman's five sacks. As far as I know that's it for injuries.

Huff will be week to week - I'm not going to blame this loss on Huff not playing. Jace played IMO a great game. He did fumble which cost us points but he threw darts and kept bringing the Dins back within striking range.

I hope this season doesn't become a what could have been season for Furman. I hope we show up in our second visit to Charleston with our hair on fire.

You know the old saying... "The bigger they are, the harder the fall" ...and no doubt the Furman fans thought they were/are the biggest in the SoCon.

I love those folks on the FU board wanting to dump the bush league SoCon... oh wait, somebody came along and deleted about 8 different threads on that board - ROFLMAO

Mocs123
October 2nd, 2022, 08:58 AM
Don't ever count Furman out - remember 2013? I do because they went to the playoffs and the Mocs sat at home despite beating the Palidins. The 'Dins looked done for after a terrible start and came back and won six or seven straight games. The same could happen to ETSU this year - or Furman.

Mocs123
October 2nd, 2022, 09:00 AM
Meanwhile...

Will ETSU become a 5-6 or 4-7, regressing so much from last season? xchinscratchx

My gut feeling is the regression is due to new HC growing pains. GQ has never been a college HC before and there is a learning curve. The Bucs have talent and Billy Taylor knows how to coach a defense.

ElCid
October 2nd, 2022, 09:06 AM
Take your shots guys… I guess I deserve some cause I believe in my team.
No reason to run and hide for being a passionate fan win or lose.

Right now our tackling seems to disappear at times.
Due to two early offensive lineman injuries - Furman did no live tackling in the pre-season.
It's seems to show up on opponents getting big chunk plays and sadly that cost us Saturday. Furman's also had two games in a row with way too many turnovers. Four against CSU, and three against Samford.

The ten minute double call reversal was the momentum changer - and Furman's defense didn't show up for the three Samford drives afterwards. My DINS have to handle adversity better to be a good football team.

About Furman's injuries… a late scratch for the Samford game was Dominic Morris a corner who had two interceptions in the last two games. He should be back for the Citadel.
J Jackson starting DE is out for the year with a knee injury - not sure that this is a big issue. Jack Barton played well against Samford.
Amaaha Achina Spur tore his pec-muscle against Clemson - he's done for the season. Seems Furman is shuffling players to compensate–transfer Emmanuel Adebayo moved over from Bandit to Spur and had one of Furman's five sacks. As far as I know that's it for injuries.

Huff will be week to week - I'm not going to blame this loss on Huff not playing. Jace played IMO a great game. He did fumble which cost us points but he threw darts and kept bringing the Dins back within striking range.

I hope this season doesn't become a what could have been season for Furman. I hope we show up in our second visit to Charleston with our hair on fire.

I don't think it is as much about how Furman is worse than expected, than it is about how Samford is better than expected. With all the personnel issues Furman had they lost some chemistry. That and maybe the players were getting complacent regarding the hype. But that will work itself out. The SOCON is going to be interesting. Nobody gets an "easy" week.

FUBeAR
October 4th, 2022, 04:24 PM
Saturday, October 1, 2022


Away
Home
Let FUBeAR tell ya…


Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
Wofford (http://woffordterriers.com/)
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: Mercer 31 - Wofford 17
ACTUAL FINAL SCORE: Mercer 42 - Wofford 7


Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/)
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: Furman 44 - Samford 37 (in OT)
ACTUAL FINAL SCORE: Furman 27 - Samford 34


The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
App (http://www.appstatesports.com/)y
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: Appalachian State 42 - The Citadel 7
ACTUAL FINAL SCORE: Appalachian State 49 - The Citadel 0


VMI (https://vmikeydets.com/)
WC (https://catamountsports.com/)U
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: WCU 34 - VMI 28
ACTUAL FINAL SCORE: WCU 38 - VMI 17


Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: Chattanooga 21 - ETSU 16
ACTUAL FINAL SCORE: Chattanooga 24 - ETSU 16



Overall, FUBeAR and his bank account feel dang good about the week. Just gotta channel FUBeAR’s inner Chris Hatcher and talk ‘my guy’ into wiping SU @ FU off the board.

Given the SoCon’s acknowledgment of the egregious errors made and the (rumored) (forced) post-game “resignation” of the White Hat, we might have a shot at overturning that (financial) loss. FUBeAR is certainly no Chris Hatcher, but he has been known to beat a dead horse into re-submission on more than a few occasions.