Conference Play Begins-Ferrum to Host Hornets

This week, the Panthers will host Shenandoah University to begin USA South conference play. Shenandoah comes into the contest with a 1-2 record, and Ferrum has a record of 2-1. Both teams have one common victory as each team defeated Bridgewater College on the Eagle's home field.

With such parity in this conference, it is difficult to tell who will represent the USA South in the playoffs. The USA South preseason polls favored Christopher Newport University, with Ferrum finishing second. While it is a logical conclusion that CNU could win the conference, it is not impossible to think that almost any team in the conference could win.
So what does Ferrum have to do to be the conference champion? First, they have to keep things in perspective and take one game at a time. They must win Saturday.

To do this, Ferrum must:


>Control time of possession and the clock. They need to keep the Hornet offense off of the field.

>Minimize penalties.

>Minimize offensive turnovers.

>Create turnovers and covert to points.

>Control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

>Pressure hurry and sack the Shenandoah QB.

>Defensive backs need to make sure they are covering the receivers with an effective cushion. (distance)

>Defense needs to cause 3 & outs, and keep the Hornets out of the red zone.

>Capitalize on all special team opportunities


While all of this seems basic and obvious, the importance of this cannot be overstated. The inability to succeed at just one of the tasks listed can change the outcome of the game.

A statistical comparison of both teams would give the offensive edge on paper to Ferrum. This cannot tell the whole story, but I believe it is a good indicator. Ferrum leads Shenandoah in a statistical comparison of almost all offensive categories except passing. (SH-38 of 61 for 428 passing yards, while Ferrum is 18 of 48 for 338 yards.) Shenandoah has also been slightly better in the time of possession category with a 1min. 50 sec. advantage.

If there is a reason for concern, it will be the yardage the Panthers have given up to their opponents through the air this season so far. (671) This will need to be a primary focus of the Panthers.

In closing, the Panthers need to show dominance. It is not enough to come out and win by a few points. In order to be thought of a potential conference champions, they must have a completly dominant presence on the field. I know they have the offense to do this, but it will also require a top flight defensive performance, especially from the secondary.

My prediction:

Ferrum moves to 3-1 defeating the Hornets-

FC-31
SU-10