Randolph Macon @ Ferrum

 For the second week in a row, the Panthers play at home, this week hosting the Yellow Jackets of Randolph Macon. The game should be a battle as Ferrum looks to keep is undefeated season in tact while the Yellow Jackets are trying to rebound from a tough one point loss to Washington and Lee.

Ferrum will come in with their established strong offensive attack, featuring a triple threat of Titus Jones, Zac Smiley, and Tmahdae Penn. This season, Penn has 17 receptions for 312 yards and 5 touchdowns. Smiley has yet to find the end zone, but he is proving to be a strong piece of the offensive puzzle. Smiley has 39 carries for 149 yards. Look for Jones, when not airing it out, to take off down field. He is quite a talent and can definitely keep an defense off balance.

RM-C has a very balanced offensive attack They are averaging 37 ppg. To win this game the defensive impact for Ferrum will have to be severe and constant. There can be no let up. Ferrum will benefit by controlling the ball, and time of possession. Only a week ago, RM-C was ranked #16 in the nation in the D3football.com poll. This will be a tough test, but Ferrum is up to the challenge. They are playing solid football, but make no mistake this will be their toughest challenge to date. Here are some numbers to compare thus far in the season.

                                                                FC                                                        RM-C

Total offensive yards/game                   370                                                          412

Passing C-A-I                                    48-75-0                                                    54-78-3

Passing Touchdowns                                7                                                                8

Passing Yards/game                                 224                                                          199

Rushing Attempts/Yards                      122/436                                                    185/853

Rushing TD's                                            1                                                                12

Keep one thing in mind. Randolph Macon has played 4 games, Ferrum has only played 3. This will skew the statistics somewhat.

No matter how this turns out, it should be a competitive game, and Ferrum, who will be looked at as an underdog by many, has a chance to get national attention with a win. This is not an easy game to predict, but I am going to put a lot of faith in the Panthers. They have the right parts to come away with a win, but mistakes and penalties will have to be eliminated. Randolph Macon can be given nothing. They are a very talented team who is mad and in need of a statement win to get back in the D3football.com poll.

With the support of a loud home crowd, Ferrum can win this game, and I think they will win the game.......although it might be on the last play of the game.

Go Panthers!

Ferrum 34

RM-C 31