Week 2: Predictions

Last week, I was 6-3


Newport News Apprentice @ Ferrum

The memories of last Saturday's win are sweet, but it's time to look to week two. This week Ferrum comes home to host the Newport News Apprentice School Builders. Coming off a lopsided 39-7 win over Greensboro College, The Builders bring in a formidable ground game that accounted for 356 yards rushing. Running Back Brandon Jones (#4) appears to be their go to guy as he tallied 120 yards on 16 carries, scoring two touchdowns. As for the quarterback, the Builders used three different ones. I would expect Brenden O'Neil (#7), (8 of 13 for 144 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT.) to be the starter.

So what should we expect Saturday? On the surface, the score of 39-7 may raise some eyebrows. While Ferrum and Newport News Apprentice enjoy a long football history, they have not played since Sept. of 1999. In that game, Ferrum won 22-0. While you can't draw any inferences from a game played 18 years ago, I am not sure that you can draw very many from the NN/Greensboro last week. Yes the Builders did put up solid offensive numbers, and held Greensboro to just 7 points, but I have to say.....Ferrum ain't no Greensboro, and The Builders ain't no Emory ad Henry.
Look for the Ferrum offense to see much more success, and seem much more in sync. I expect Zach Clifford to get the start, and continue his progression. Look for Brian Mann to have much better numbers, and look for the defense to shine again this week. There are no guarantees in life, but I think chances are good that Ferrum will finish the day 2-0.

Ferrum 32  NNAS 6




Guilford @ Methodist

After a 70- 0 pasting at the hands of FCS opponent Campbell University, the Monarchs return home to take on ODAC power Guilford.  I call them a power even though they are only predicted to finish 6th in their conference. Keep in mind, they defeated Huntingdon last week on the road 38-24. Why is that significant? Huntingdon is predicted to be the co-conference champion of the USA South. Statistically, this was a very close game.

Once again, I think Methodist will have an up hill climb, but it's a hill, not the mountain they faced last week. Look for this to be somewhat of a one sided affair, but I think there will be improvement for the Monarchs.....just not enough

Guilford 28
Methodist 16

Here are the rest of my week 2 predictions:

Hanover @ Maryville

Emory and Henry @ Brevard

Greensboro @ Gallaudet

Randolph Macon @ Averett

LaGrange @ Berry

Shenandoah @ North Carolina Wesleyan

Huntingdon @ Birmingham Southern