As we enter the final three games of the regular season, It is still anyone's conference to win...well almost. For Ferrum, these next three games will provide a definite test, but a test I think the Panthers can pass. The conference teams are still chasing Averett, but before Ferrum can catch the Cougars, they will have to get past the Bishops in the standings. In essence, NCW has to lose another game, and Ferrum cannot lose another one.
| Averett | 3-1 | 5-2 |
| N.C. Wesleyan | 3-1 | 4-3 |
| Chris. Newport | 3-1 | 3-4 |
| Ferrum | 3-1 | 3-4 |
| Shenandoah | 2-2 | 2-5 |
| Maryville (Tenn.) | 1-3 | 2-5 |
| Methodist | 1-3 | 2-5 |
| Greensboro | 0-4 | 1-6 |
For Ferrum, a loss from here on out may spell disaster. So looking toward the game with CNU, I began wondering what they will offer up against the Panthers. Here is what I know about the Captains:
Their overall record is 3-4, just like Ferrum, but while Ferrum's losses have come from Emory and Henry, Southern Virginia University, Bridgewater, and NCW, the Captains losses have come from #3 Wesley, Salisbury, Frostburg State, and Averett.
Christopher Newport is coming off of a big win against Greensboro, but they have had their periods of looking less than stellar. In reviewing their stats, it appears that they do not have the same efficiency at running the ball that they had with Tunde Ogun. Most of their yards are coming through the air, and I would look for them to pass often, usually with short patterns underneath. Below is a listing of both teams statistical rankings for the nation and the conference.
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There are many areas, that when you compare the like categories, you can see Ferrum being the favorite. The problem is that there are just about as many categories (nationally) that will give CNU an edge.
This will not be an easy game for the Panthers, but I believe they will be able to move the ball on the Captains defense. Opponents are averaging 144.6 rushing yards per game, and Ferrum is averaging 217.9 rushing yards per game. Even with this apparent advantage, running the ball will not be enough, Ferrum must be ready to score by all possible means, Offense, Defense, and Special Teams need to put points on the board.
The Captains running game will be centered around Keith Gains. He is averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and has 5 touchdowns. Gaines has speed, and can obviously be a threat, but he is not a Tunde Ogun, and he can be stopped. The real threat I believe will come through the air. Quarterback Matt Long is averaging 131.0 passing yards per game, and he has thrown for 5 touchdowns. Look for CNU to air it out, and this will be their main point of attack. T.J. Foster will be the primary target of Long, as he is their top receiver. This could easily be a high scoring affair, but with CNU's ability to throw, and Ferrum's poor record of defending the pass, pressure on the quarterback will be key. Mistakes must be minimized, and special teams must be near perfect. |
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Lastly, CNU has the #1 punt returner in the nation in Kentel Noel. Noel is averaging 34.6 yards per return, and has two touchdowns. Last week he returned two punts for touchdowns, and set a conference record with 206 yards on 5 returns. Interestingly enough, Ferrum counters in the punt return department with Marcus Mayo who is currently ranked 4th in the nation who has three touchdowns, and is averaging 20.6 yards per return.
This should be a very good game.
The rest of Saturday's games:
Methodist @ N.C.Wesleyan
Maryville @ Greensboro
Averett @ Shenandoah |
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