Open Saturday: A Day to Watch, A Week to Prepare

 This Saturday is Ferrum's open date. Every school has one, and this year, the Panthers day off came early. Saturday will be spent (hopefully) by the Ferrum players watching the CNU @ Averett game. This will give players and fans the first real indication of the strength of CNU. Yes, they came back and defeated W&L last week, but I am not real sure of the Generals capabilities either. They did not field a team during the spring season, and finished 6-4 in 2019. It will be an interesting game, and should give good insight as to what the Panthers will face in Newport News next week.

I think we can still look for Averett to employ a strong passing attack, and based on last weeks stats for CNU, look for them to air it out also. Last week against the Generals, CNU threw for 266 yards with 2 touchdowns and two interceptions. CNU had 28 rushing attempts for 88 yards.

Ferrum can use this time to rest recover, grow and get better. Next week should be an interesting game. This game will mark the first time that these two teams have squared off since 2014.
In that game, CNU outlasted the Panthers 21-19. It was probably one of the best games between the two schools since they first met in 2001. Ferrum has only defeated the Captains once in the series. In 2003, the third meeting between the schools, Ferrum beat the Captains 19-17. If memory serves me correct, CNU set up for a game winning field goal with just seconds left. With very wet field conditions, the kick was missed, and Ferrum had what is still their only victory over the Captains. There have been some close ones, and there have been some blow outs. In 2005, Ferrum faced the Captains at W.B. Adams stadium for the final game of the regular season. Ferrum had secured the conference championship coming into this game with a 9-0 record, and with this win would be assured of a hosting the first round of the DIII playoffs. It however was not to be as CNU crushed Ferrum 44-7. The next week, Ferrum made its still most recent appearance in the playoffs, travelling to Wesley Delaware, and losing to the Wolverines 59-14.

Its time to move past the past, and look to a bright future. Ferrum has a good amount of talent in their lineup, and I am convinced that this game will be one to remember. I think next Saturdays game will be a must see for the Ferrum faithful, so if you can get to Towne Bank stadium on the campus of CNU, it should be well worth the trip.