Game Recap
Strong defense, and balanced offense were the keys to this one sided Panther win. While I expected a Ferrum win, I did think that it would be close. Except for a scoreless first quaier, it was not. At the 12:38 mark of the second quarter, Ferrum's Clint Slappey hit a 35 yard field goal to give Ferrum a 3-0 lead...This was the begining of a 34 point run, and the Panthers never looked back.
While no two teams are the same, I would like to review the points I listed after the E&H game as areas to focus on for the SVU game.
Score first- Had a 34-0 lead in 4th quarter.
Control Time of Possession- FC held the ball for nearly 10 mins more than SVU (where as E&H controlled possession by a little more than 2 mis.)
Pressure the SVU Quarterback- Ferrum defense contributed 2 sacks of the SVU QB. (0 sacks against E&H)
Contain SVU running back #22 H. Collins- He was held to only 26 yards.
Minimize penalities and turnovers- Last week 10 penalities 130 penalty yards/This week 5 penalities for 26 penalty yards. Turnover statistics last week had Ferrum with 4 fumbles losing 3, and being intercepted 3 times. This week the Panthers fumbled 2 times, losing 1. There were 0 INT's this week!
Defensivly, Ferrum forced 4 fumbles, recovering 3. These 3 recoveries resulted in 2 touchdowns and a field goal.
Overall, Ferrum executed a well played and balanced attack both offensivly, and defensivly.
Panther Pride
Ferrum is a steadilly improving ball club, and seems to be finding it's feet early on. Their quality of play was far better than against Emory and Henry, and there is no reason to think that this trend will not continue.
Offensively, Ferrum ammassed 371 yadrs rushing. with no less than 12 players moving the ball on the ground! This is the typical Ferrum approach, and excellent utilization of personnel. Passing was a smaller part of the offense this week, with the team total being 4-18-0 for 96 yards.
The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, and made the ground gains much easier.
Defensively, Ferrum did exactly what they needed to do. SVU only entered the red zone three times, and did not score until the 6:42 mark of the 4th qtr.. Their lone score was a five yard pass play.
While its hard to find room for improvement, I will delve into some areas in Panther Ponderings.
Panther Ponderings
While the scoreboard shows a total domination by the Panthers, It is worth noting that there are areas to focus on for next week.
First, Ferrum will need to keep the momentum going into next week! Great Job Panthers! Continue the focus that allowed you to control this game. Minimize mistakes, and control the line of scrimmage. Bridgewater needs to go down again
Defense must keep pressure on the quarterback. Secondary must step it up. SVU had 227 yds. passing.
Special Teams- Huge improvement in most all areas. Kicking game improved. Continue to work to try to avoid missed opportunities.
Huge improvement on kickoff coverage. Punt team looked very strong.
Look for the chance to block some of the opponents punts and field goals
No Turnovers- Give your opponents nothing. Continue to make this a focus.
Huge improvement in reducing penalties.
Continue to force 3 and out's. Own the Red Zone.
Offense- Just continue to own the line, and create openings for the backs
Final Anaylsis
I was very impressed by the effort of Ferrum, and the outcome . All phases of the game seemed to improve, and this game showed the team (and myself) just how good they can be. Great win! This was a team effort, and it really shows. Did you get those sunglasses yet? You're gonna need 'em!
Next Game
Ferrum College @ Bridgewater 9-20-08
Bridgewater is coming of a 10-6 loss to Shenandoah University. This was the first ever victory for the Hornets over the Eagles. The game was a defensive struggle all the way, and it appears that SU defense, dominated the Bridgewater offense. In trying to spot strengths and weaknesses of the Eagles, I reviewed the stats of both of their games this season, and note the following:
Eagle QB is Hagan Driskell. He had a good game in the first game of the season, as BC beat Averett 34-13. In this game, Driskell was 12 of 23 for 187 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He was not intercepted. In the Shenandoah U. game, Driskell was 10 of 19 with two interceptions gaining 94 yards.
The running game is highlighted by David Arguad, who against Shenandoah had 14 carries for 53 yards with one touchdown.
It's very difficult to guage the Eagles from these two games, but it appears that the passing could be the main concern for the Panthers. Overall it seems that the Eagles may be going through a rebuilding year.
My prediction
Ferrum 34
Bridgewater 10
Happy birthday, Allen!
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