Interesting matchup Saturday.
From what I've seen this year, the Citadel is still running the option. Unlike past seasons, they are relying more heavily on a "full house" backfield. Even as option teams go, this scheme is pretty old school and rarely seen at the D1 level.
Unlike a lot of option teams, they really aren't putting anyone in motion. The three running backs are lining up next to one another in the backfield. In most instances, all 11 offensive players are brought in tight. Unlike Samford, who wants to spread you out, the Citadel wants the defense to play in a phone booth.
Offensively, you've got to stop the QB, Jaylan Adams. He's not a big guy at 5'10 165, but he's an excellent runner and the Citadel isn't afraid to ride him on offense. He rushed 28 times against VMI and is effectively more of a 4th running back than QB. He's not a particularly impressive passer, having completed fewer than 50% of his throws for about 93 yards a game.
Furman will still need to worry about Raleigh Webb, the big WR, who feels like he's been at the Citadel forever. He's their major red zone threat and is a guy they try to get involved in the passing game. His size makes him a tough matchup for DBs and he has enough speed to house the ball from anywhere on the field.
Defensively, they still have Willie Eubanks, their excellent linebacker. Outside of Eubanks, though, there's not a ton to write home about. El Cid is giving up 35 points and 455 yards per game. They are giving up 264 yards passing a game, which may bode well for Furman, one of the SoCon's better passing offenses. Of course, they weren't good defensively in the spring either and we struggled on offense.
