Washington and Lee @ Ferrum

For the second week in a row, Ferrum is at home. This week, they are coming off of an impressive win over Hampden-Sydney, and have evened their record at 3-3. Saturday they will face the Generals of Washington and Lee, who won last week over Guilford 40-23. Washington and Lee (4-2) boasts one of the best running games in D3 football, and will be a tall order for the Panthers defense. An order that I think Ferrum will greet with the necessary spirit to be successful. I like Ferrum's run defense, but if the Generals running game is as strong as they seem to be, it has to start with the offensive line. Ferrum will have to be strong in the trenches to slow their run game down.

Jacob Romero is the workhorse for the Generals, and if he can be contained, the Panthers may be able to click off another win. As for the Ferrum rushing game, Jahylen Lee has been the one carrying the ball most of the time. but is ably supported by Caleb Holland. On the year, Lee has 517 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Romero for W&L has 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. While most of their offense is on the ground, their quarterback Ty Collins has thrown for 472 yards, and  6 touchdowns. Conversely, Ferrum's quarterback Zach Wyatt has thrown for 886 yards and five touchdowns. 

As for Special teams, W&L also has strong numbers on punt returns.  Wilson Axley averages 31.5 yards per punt return. This is also an area Ferrum will have to focus on. Ferrum's punt return numbers are far less impressive, but the Panthers do have a return for a score........so do the Generals....in fact they have two.

Field Goals are one of Ferrum's strong suits as Seth Deaton has hit 80% of his attempts. (8 of 10) The Generals have only attempted one field goal on the season, which was made between 30-39 yards.

What will it take for Ferrum to make it two in a row at home? Some would say a miracle, but I think there are a couple of areas that have to really shine for Ferrum to stay in and possibly win this game. I think Ferrum's Zach Wyatt has to get out of the pocket and run the ball a bit more. Yes, he will have to pass, and yes, he will have to rely heavily on his receivers and on Lee, but he needs to be willing to take off and run with the ball. The defense has to be kept on their toes, not knowing what is coming next.

Lastly, the pass defense of Ferrum has to make some big plays. It is time that they step up, and make life difficult for the Generals. With skill, crowd support, and a little luck, Ferrum could have the upset of the week. Frankly, I think Ferrum will be able to hang with this team. Ferrum is under rated, and will show a lot of talent Saturday. 

I liken Ferrum's season to assembling a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. In the beginning its sort of a mess, just trying to get the pieces separated into like groups and organized. As time goes on however, your effort causes the senseless pile of pieces to take shape and the goal you set out to accomplish is realized. I believe Ferrum is taking shape. The Generals may be in for a surprise.

Go Panthers!