Sometimes the statistics don't tell the whole story. That was certainly the case Saturday afternoon as Ferrum College fell to Delta State University, 24–7.
Looking at the final numbers, one might wonder how Ferrum lost by 17 points. The Panthers outgained the Statesmen in total offense, 312 yards to 298, and recorded 20 first downs compared with Delta State's 15. Ferrum also held a considerable advantage in passing yardage, 200 to 99.
But anyone watching the game could see that Delta State held an advantage that doesn't necessarily show up in the statistics: physical size and strength.
Simply put, Delta State appeared to be the bigger, stronger football team, particularly along the line of scrimmage.
And in football, size matters.
Delta State's offensive line featured some enormous players. A look at the Statesmen's roster reveals offensive linemen weighing 320, 350, and even 370 pounds. While those numbers don't necessarily represent the five players who started Saturday's game, they illustrate the kind of size Delta State has assembled.
Ferrum isn't exactly small along its offensive line, either. Several Panthers weigh approximately 300 pounds, and the group has both size and experience. Nevertheless, Delta State appeared to win many of the physical battles up front.
That advantage was particularly evident in the running game.
Delta State rushed for 199 yards, compared with Ferrum's 112. The Statesmen averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt, allowing them to control the football and keep Ferrum's defense on the field.
The Panthers' defense deserves credit for keeping the game competitive for much of the afternoon. Early in the game Delta State was held to 2 three and outs on their first three possessions, and only earned one first down. Delta State managed just 99 passing yards in the game and Ferrum forced several punts. However, surrendering nearly 200 rushing yards on the day makes winning difficult.
Offensively, Ferrum experienced a different kind of frustration.
The Panthers moved the football between the twenties but struggled to finish drives. Ferrum reached the red zone three times and scored on just one of those opportunities. Delta State also made three trips inside the twenty, but converted all three into points. That difference was significant. Ferrum also struggled on third down, converting just two of eleven opportunities. Quarterback Eli Foutz completed 18 of 33 passes for 200 yards but threw two interceptions.
The Panthers were also dealing with difficulties at running back. Jycen Anciso did not play during the first half and later left the game with an injury after seeing action in the second half. Na'ledge Wright handled much of the workload, and did a fine job.
Perhaps the most frustrating sequence of the afternoon came just before halftime. With the game tied at seven, Delta State blocked a Ferrum punt and recovered the football in the end zone for a touchdown. The score gave the Statesmen a 14–7 advantage with just 39 seconds remaining in the half.
Ferrum responded by moving the football into position for a field-goal attempt on the final play before intermission. Unfortunately, Delta State blocked that kick as well. Two blocked kicks in the closing moments of the first half illustrated the difficulties Ferrum was experiencing at the line of scrimmage.
The Panthers received the second-half kickoff and began moving the football, but an interception ended their opening possession. Another interception later in the third quarter ended a promising drive.
Delta State added a field goal in the third quarter to extend its lead to 17–7.
Ferrum's defense continued to battle, forcing punts and giving the offense additional opportunities. But the Panthers could not find the end zone again.
Delta State eventually put the game away with a late touchdown pass, producing the final 24–7 margin.
There is certainly disappointment in a loss like this, particularly when Ferrum finished with more total yards and first downs than its opponent.
Those numbers also suggest that the Panthers were capable of moving the football against a physically imposing opponent. The problem was converting that movement into points.
Ferrum's defense had its moments, too, although the Statesmen's success on the ground remains a concern.Ultimately, this game appeared to be decided in the trenches. Delta State's physical presence, combined with Ferrum's turnovers, blocked kicks, and missed scoring opportunities, proved too much to overcome.
Football games aren't always won by the team with the most yards or the most first downs. They're won by the team that makes the critical plays when opportunities present themselves.
On Saturday, that team was Delta State.
And sometimes, size matters.
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