When is a Win not a Win

I was unable to watch the Greensboro game online....had to work, but I just finished watching a replay this morning. It did not take long to get interested in things other than the game. The band, still in its fledgling stages sounded really good, and shows much promise, The cheerleaders work really hard to bring excitement to the crowd, but can we re visit the necessity for the large bows on their heads...….no offense, just my opinion.  Lastly, on hall of fame weekend some of Ferrum College's finest athletes returned to campus for induction to Ferrum's Hall of Fame. Overall, this was an excellent weekend.....unless you were a fan or player for Greensboro.

There is not a lot to say about an 81-0 shellacking. This score according to many is the most points ever scored by a Ferrum team. In the DIII era yes, but in 1974, Ferrum beat Baltimore CC 83-3. In 1967, Ferrum defeated the Shenandoah Hornets 80-6. After that season, Shenandoah suspended their football program, and did not resume it until 2000. Getting beaten is one thing, and getting the slobber knocked out of you by a better team is another thing. There are teams that routinely hang big numbers on their opponent. Mount Union is one that can run a score up on most any team in D3. They are usually ranked No. 1 in the nation, and this helps them maintain their ranking.
Ferrum is not currently ranked......nor do I foresee them being ranked this year. Maybe, but I am skeptical. Don't get me wrong, Ferrum is improving every game. Zach Clifford is playing lights out, and between Johnny White and Nick Pearce, the passing game is solid. Brian Mann leads a host of capable running backs, and a solid offensive line is getting them the room to run. and the defense.....well yesterday, the numbers speak for themselves. Greensboro had minus 11 yards of offense!

Special teams was really looking strong, as Chase Deaton had probably his best game ever, and Austin Pennington recorded a punt return for a touchdown.
There will be many questions as to why Ferrum kicked the last field goal with such little time left. I would say that while it is a play to be expected in the normal flow of the game, the score made it look more like Ferrum was piling it on a team that was soundly beaten, and far inferior. While I can see why many people will have issues with that field goal, that is a coaches decision....I will defer to them.

So its on to Shenandoah. A really good team that will present a strong challenge for Ferrum. This game represents nearly a must win situation. To go down to 0-2 in the conference will make it tough to contend for a conference title. The secondary, and pass rush have to bring their A game for Ferrum to win. It can be done.

 Go Panthers!