Emory and Henry @ Ferrum 9-6-08

Game Recap


Ferrum opened it’s 2008 season at home against the Emory and Henry Wasps. Last year, E&H stuffed Ferrum, 50-7 but this year things went much better for the Panthers. Statistically, Ferrum and the Wasps were fairly even on offense. The largest difference was the Wasps passing game accounting for three touchdowns. Interestingly enough, the Panthers had more passing yards. 161-111
The Panther running game also showed well with 186 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns.
While the Panthers lost 26-21, I think Ferrum should take many positives from the contest.. These are covered in Panther Pride


Panther Pride

The difference in the outcome from this year to last year was a huge step in the right direction.. Obviously the defense stepped up in a big way to keep the high powered Wasps offense in check.
Offensively, the Panthers were fairly balanced between rushing and passing, and were able to mount a fourth quarter surge to keep the score respectable. Quarterback Marcus Mayo lit a fire under the Panther offense going 11-21-1 and 173 yards passing. He threw for 1 and ran for 1 touchdown. This was a loss however, and the Panthers will need to evaluate certain areas to make corrections and improve. Those are covered in Panther Ponderings.

Panther Ponderings

I feel that the following areas need to be evaluated:

Penalties-

Ferrum had 10 penalties for 130 penalty yards (100 yds. is equal to 6 points theoretically)

Turnovers-

Ferrum had 4 fumbles (lost 3), and 2 interceptions. 2 of the 5 turnovers resulted in E&H touchdowns. Ferrum's defense recovered 1 fumble resulting in an interception, and intercepted 1 pass resulting in a lost fumble. You must convert these opportunities.

Offense-

Ferrum runs the triple option. This offense calls for the quarterback to have presence of mind to evaluate the defense, and make a split second decision as to keep, pitch, or pass. It also requires that the O-line be strong and swift. The offense in this formation has to work as a cohesive unit, and it will be very important to identify one quarterback to lead the team. I personally do not like the practice of shuttling in quarterbacks. The good news is that Ferrum is solid at this position. I think that while both QB's are capable, with experience, Mayo will be the difference maker for the Panthers.

I am a little uncertain as to why Mike Vann did not get more carries? He is obviously the premier running back, and has break away ability. He needs more carries.

Defense

Need more 3 and outs! You must keep the opposition out of the red zone
Defensive secondary has to improve....Three passing touchdowns are too many. The secondary is young and will improve. To help them, there must be pressure on the quarterback in passing situations. There were no sacks of the E&H quarterback.

Special Teams

Cannot afford to miss any scoring opportunities. Field Goals and extra points are crucial.
KO return yards is not where it needs to be, and KO coverage seemed a little weak as the Wasps averaged 31.0 yds. per return.
Great Job punting team!

Final Analysis:

This could have and should have been a Panther win.....You are better than E&H, and overall better than what you showed. Keep your heads high and get some sunglasses....your future is bright.


Next Game

Southern Virginia University @ Ferrum 9-13-08

SoVA is coming off a 55-25 win against Lincoln University (PA). The Lincoln Lions are restarting their football program after a 48 year absence of the sport on their campus. While there is reason to question the capabilities of a young inexperienced program like Lincoln, It is evident that SoVA is improving every year. The Lincoln U. head coach commented “Give all the credit to SVU, their quarterback (Luke Taylor) was awesome. Every pass he threw was right on the money. Their offensive line did an outstanding job of protecting.”
The opening game for SoVA saw them lose to Morehead State (KY) who competes as a Division I campionship sub division school. (Formerly Division IAA). The score was 49-6.

Things to watch for from SoVA

Passing Game

They will throw the ball, and appear to be pretty efficient at it. Their QB Taylor was 19 of 32 for 259 yds. and 0 int's. 3 TD's against Lincoln U.

Running Game

SoVA gained 171 yds. rushing, and were 7 for 7 on scoring chances in the red zone Main running back appears to be # 22 Harry Collins who had 3 TD's

Ferrum Focus for this week

Score First!
Control the time of possession
Pressure their QB
Contain their RB #22 Collins
Minimize penalties and turnovers
Defense must force turnovers and Offense must convert

Prediction for the next game.

This will not be easy, but should be a win for Ferrum.

Mike Vann shines as Ferrum defeats the Knights at W.B. Adams Stadium

Ferrum 31
SoVA 24


GO PANTHERS!!!