Halloween Havoc in the Foothills

Saturday is Halloween, and also marks week nine of the Division III football season. To this point, Ferrum is having a good season, and is technically still in contention for a conference championship. This weekend, the Captains of Christopher Newport University travel to Ferrum for a Halloween showdown. Saturday's game will mark the ninth meeting between the two schools (CNU leads the series 7-1) Ferrum's lone victory came in 2003 when the Panthers won at home 19-17. Coming into the season, Ferrum was picked to finish third behind Christopher Newport, and North Carolina Wesleyan. With two conference losses, the Panthers are currently 4th in the conference with NCW first, Averett second, and CNU third.

The Captains are struggling compared to years past. While they have shown the level of play that has been expected, they have also been disappointing in some of their victories. Ferrum is really improving, and while certain factors have left the Panthers thin in some areas, Ferrum is coming off a big win over Shenandoah. This week's game is vastly important, and is definitely winnable.
The Captains have an All American running back in Tunde Ogun. Ogun who is averaging 93.7 yards per game, is well off of his pace from last year. Ogun suffered a mild knee injury earlier in the season, and has been limited by this. Looking at the numbers, Ferrum and CNU are fairly similiar, but study them close, and you will see Ferrum has MANY reasons to be optimistic.

Here are some statistical comparisons year to date:

To Enlarge-Click on Stats table Below























Keys to a Panther Win:

Contain their Running game. Ogun is capable of putting up big numbers, He may be hard to stop, but you must limit his effectiveness.

This team will blitz in passing situations....Play action passes, and screens will help with this...Use quick slant patterns also.

Review the CNU/NCW game- See where the Bishops exploited them.

Continue the punishing running attack, but be aware their pass defense is vunerable

No turnovers/Few penalties. Mistakes will make a hard job harder

Secondary be ready- They will throw a lot also. Watch for Ogun to come out of backfield on pass routes.

KNOW You can win this game- They are not a machine.


My Prediction

Ferrum 24

CNU 17

Go Panthers!