Ferrum @ Averett

 While it's not unheard of, Ferrum will play the first of two games against Averett this year. Saturday's game will be considered a non conference game, and the regular season finale will be at Ferrum on November 16th. Averett (2-0) would likely work out to be a favorite over Ferrum this week, if for nothing else that they are playing at home, and they have a record of 2-0 where Ferrum is 1-1. Well that is meaningless. First, we can throw out Ferrum's first game. While they had a few bright spots, Ferrum was never considered to be a contender to beat Mt. Union. The North Carolina Wesleyan game was a more suitable match and gave a more accurate perspective of Ferrum' s possibilities. Ferrum showed me the possibility of a strong, controlling running game, but there were areas that I hope will show growth and improvement. The pass defense in the end gave up too many yards against the Bishops. 354 passing yards is beyond what the defense can afford to yield.  Ferrum was able to sack the Bishop quarterback twice, and this is also a positive that needs to continue to be a force this week. As for the passing game, I also see this as having potential, but it needs to be more of an overall contributor to the offensive success.

Even though Averett is 2-0, let's look at their opponents. First they opened against the same North Carolina Wesleyan Bishops. They beat NCW 41-29. The Cougars threw 20 passes, completing 15 of them for 222 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Averett's defense gave up 29 points, and the Bishops were just as successful, for the most part, on the ground as through the air.

The next opponent for Averett was the Greensboro Pride. Having not really kept up with Greensboro, I would expect they the will finish at or near the bottom of the USA South, but they are actually predicted to finish 6th......ahead of Methodist, Southern Virginia, and LaGrange. Greensboro is 0-2, but wait till you hear this..... they lost to Guilford 14-0, and lost to Averett 27-20, having had the lead over the Cougars most of the game. Averett went ahead of Greensboro for the first time with 6:05 left in the game, which proved to be the final score.

Ferrum will have a tough task tomorrow, but it is far from impossible. With a strong defense pressuring the quarterback, Turnovers could play a big role. O-line, do the job that you are capable of, and protect your quarterback, open holes and turn Lee loose. 

We need to capitalize on every turnover or mistake. Get after 'em hard, and do not let up. This could turn into a he who has the ball last wins. Get ready Seth!

Go Panthers!