Shenandoah @ Ferrum

 Get the Raid! The Hornets are coming!!! This Saturday Ferrum will culminate it's homecoming celebration hosting Shenandoah University for the homecoming game. Both teams come into the game with a 4-1 record, and it is not just their overall records that indicate how evenly matched these teams are. Average points per game is less than a touchdown difference, with the edge to SU. The stat for total offensive yardage is also held by Shenandoah with the total being 2019 yards, and Ferrum's total being 1759. Of those yards, the Hornets have accumulated 1123 through the air, and 896 0n the ground. Ferrum has 1226 by the pass, and 533 yards on the ground.   Shenandoah has given up 2020 total yards to opponents and Ferrum has allowed 379 yards to their opponents. Of those yards, Shenandoah's opponents have gained 1254 through the air, and 766 on the ground. Ferrum has allowed 154 yards on the ground, and 225 yards through the air. Ferrum is averaging 24.4 points per game while the Hornets are averaging 30.2 points per game. Ferrum's opponents are averaging 25 points per game and Shenandoah is giving up 24.8 ppg.

So what does all of this mean? Well I see Shenandoah being somewhat susceptible to the pass, but they do have 8 interceptions on the year. Ferrum's strength to this point has been the pass, and the Panthers have only given up one interception. Shenandoah will use the pass as their main method of moving down the field, but they do have the number 2 ranked running back in the conference. Ferrum should match up well defensively against the Hornets but will face a somewhat stingy defense when it comes to running the ball.  If Ferrum can have more success running the ball, I think this can be a break out game. 

From a conference standing perspective, Ferrum really must win to stay in contention for a conference title. Randolph Macon has one loss in the conference standings, as does Ferrum.....the problem is that Ferrum's loss came at the hands of Randolph Macon so to overtake them in the standings, the Yellow Jackets need another loss. I doubt it will come this week as they play Guilford. Besides that, Washington and Lee is undefeated in the conference with only one loss overall. (That loss came at the hands of CNU......who Ferrum defeated in week three of the season.) They are open this weekend so they definitely will not lose. As I said earlier, Shenandoah is 4-1 also so this is a must win for both teams. Their only loss came at the hands of Hampden-Sydney 28-7. The loser of this game will all but be out of conference championship contention, so this is a must win for Ferrum.

With this being homecoming, Ferrum should have extra motivation and the crowd should be large and loud. Look for Ferrum to employ a good offensive mix and defensive pressure all while hopefully not committing too many penalties. It should be a happy homecoming for alumni and all fans.

Ferrum 30

SU  21

Other conference games:

Hampden Sydney @ Emory and Henry

Randolph Macon @ Guilford 

Apprentice @ Bridgewater