Shenandoah @ Ferrum

 With this past week having Ferrum's open date, the Panthers got to relax in preparation for conference play this week when the Shenandoah Hornets come to Ferrum. This respite gave me an opportunity to do some comparative analysis where these teams are concerned. 

Ferrum is currently ranked last in the conference in team offense. While they have shown improvement each game, the Panthers have not excelled offensively, especially in the running game. Through three games, Ferrum has run the ball 120 times. this has resulted in 381 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, and an average of 127 rushing yards per game.

Shenandoah is currently ranked 6th in the conference in team offense.  Through three games the Hornets have attempted 89 runs, resulting in 430 yards. They have 8 rushing touchdowns, and an average of 143.3 yards per game on the ground.

In the passing department, Shenandoah ranks fourth, and Ferrum ranks fifth in the conference. The Panthers have attempted 67 passes, completing 41 for a 61.2% completion rate. They have thrown for 4 touchdowns and have an average of 159 yards per game passing. Ferrum's quarterback Braxton Hughes is ranked third in the conference, (39 of 64 for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions) Shenandoah has attempted 84 passes, completing 49, with 3 interceptions. They have thrown for 4 touchdowns also.

Ferrum, against Shenandoah, must excel offensively, and to do this, they really need to throw the ball. If they can show that the passing game is a threat, it may just open up the running game. Don't get me wrong, the running game is improving, but Ferrum will have their hands full on both sides of the ball along the line of scrimmage. The Hornets are known to consistently have a strong line...offensive and defensive.

When the preseason rankings came out, I had the feeling that Ferrum would not rank too high. I thought it would be a little better than tied for last however. The Panther's defense is currently ranked 3rd in the conference, while Shenandoah is ranked 5th. Offensively, Shenandoah is ranked 3rd, with Ferrum ranked 8th. 

While Ferrum is 2-1, it is difficult to say if they can snag win #3. This will be a really good game, and I am thinking it will be fairly close...within 10 points. If Ferrum can get the offense to dominate time of possession and keep the defense off of the field as much as possible, we may see the 3rd win.

Ferrum's pass defense is ranked 3rd in the conference and Shenandoah is ranked 6th. This will be a good one to watch from the stands, or online.

Go Panthers