I looked into the record books a bit to provide some context to the preseason hype:
1. Furman averaged 33+ppg, 421+ ypg in 2022. You can make a compelling argument that the 2022 team was a top 10 all time Furman offense.
Remember, Furman had a new OC, a QB that didn't have a spring practice, and will return most of their offensive two deep in 2023. Sky could be the limit on that side of the ball.
2. Tyler Huff ran for 694 yards and 8 touchdowns, passed for 2,199 yards and 15 TDs.
In Furman history, 2800+ total yards and 23 touchdowns probably puts him in the top 3 seasons all time by a Furman QB, behind only Ingle Martin in 2004 and 2005.
That is after coming into a new system and missing a few games with injury.
3. Joshua Harris had a break out season as the #2 target behind Ryan Miller.
I could dive into the numbers a bit, but with two more seasons to play he'll be quickly climbing Furman record books soon.
4. Furman's tandem of Ian Williams and Alex Lepvreau hit on 85.71% of their kicks. Combined, their 2022 season would be top 5 all time for Furman behind Grayson Atkins (who made 5 fewer kicks on 6 fewer chances in 2019).
Those two were a pretty astounding 18-19 on kicks inside of 50 yards. That's a huge offensive weapon.
Again, if Lepvreau and Williams were one player instead of two, they'd have set the Furman record for single season scoring besting Scott Beckler in 2005.
5. Furman's 31 sacks in 2022 would tie them with them 1988 team (who I heard was pretty good) for 4th all time.
The Paladins return, what, like 20 players off of the defensive two deep in 2023. That unit surrendered 20ppg last season.