Citadel - if we play...

[gofurman]

It's CITADEL WEEK. Get fired up !!

What do we know.

They edged CSU. Lost to SC State.. LOST TO TWO GOOD TEAMS - so if we play them we really know where we stand. GOOD TEAMS BEAT THE CITADEL ! IE, Mercer and ETSU put the beatin' on Citadel. CSU and SC State were fairly even with them. Pretty easy to get a read, no?

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Most recently, vs ETSU (after a harrowing road trip !) - ETSU gained roughly 460 yards and CItadel 260. roughly.
That's fairly dominant. It was a turnover filled game but good teams overcome this - ETSU lost FOUR turnovers and gained two... for a fairly significant negative two ratio. Yet, ETSU won anyway.

The major difference in these two teams was RUSHING. RUSHING I SAY.
ETSU 308 yards; 40 attempts - 7.7 PER CARRY !
Citadel 80; 37 attempts' for 2.2 PER CARRY !

The game is won by rushing and stopping the run. In this game, in some odd stat, despite the dominant rushing... ETSU was only 3-11 on 3rd down. Awesome rushing would usually yield more than that

The other thing that sticks out to me is Citadel did intercept ETSU 3 times ! Not sure if that's an aberration but it sure helped.

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MERCER put an FUBeAR whoopin on them too. Also controlled the LOS from a running standpoint. Need to look more closely but as far as rushing -
CITADEL AGAIN with exactly 2.2 yards per carry ... exactly the same as v ETSU. basically 60 yards rushing total in the game.
MERCER with a good 180 yards rushing (I would take that for Furman!) on 38 attempts for 4.7 yards per rush. I think that would be such a springboard for our offense and take so much pressure off the young QB etc.

[gofurman]

Cmon. Nothing ?

IF we play. Suspect we will. Anyone hear how much the team was able practice ? Honestly if no classes I don’t see why you couldn’t get the practices in. If certain guys need to go home let me

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR thinks Coach Drayton is doing a fantastic job at The Citadel.

That said, FUBeAR thinks, regardless of the stats and the final score, the bellhops lost that game to ETSU, primarily due to a Coaching decision (with an assist from a typically bad spot from the Refs) with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

ETSU leads 13-10…
CIT had converted 42% of their 3rd down tries at this point in the game….
CIT had rushed 22 times for 60 yards (on non-sacks)(~3 yards per attempt), so far, on the day.

3rd and 4 at ETS14 Shotgun Ibrahim,Corey rush middle for 3 yards gain to the ETS11 (Hope,Chris; Henderson,Jayvon).

4th and 1 [it was really about 6 inches] at ETS11 PENALTY CIT Delay Of Game 5 yards from ETS11 to ETS16. NO PLAY. [The delay of game penalty occurred because they, initially, only had 10 men on the field while lining up for the FG. The decision not to go for it was made as soon as the Officials signaled 4th down. Actually, since the ball was on the hash, the penalty backing them up (should have) helped the Kicker by decreasing his angle]

4th and 6 at ETS16 Barnes,Ben field goal attempt from 34 yards NO GOOD blocked by Sims,Cam [Mercer Transfer] (H: McCall,Jack, LS: Tokar,Nathan), clock 04:16, out of bounds at ETS16, TURNOVER ON DOWNS.
ETSU at 04:16

If you are coming off an 0-11 / 0-8 season; you just played a respectable game against the 5-0/3-0 #11 ranked SoCon Leader; you’ve shown signs of life/success while defeating ChuckSouth & N. GVL, gave SCState a tussle; are at home against a Team that took NDSU to the wire, but also may be exhausted from their travel ordeal; and you have a 235 pound QB who can run the ball, get under center, and has played in 30 FBS games — YOU GOTTA GO FOR IT THERE!!!!

By kicking for the tie, you told your Team that you still don’t believe in them…despite all they’ve shown you so far, in terms of improvement and growth. IFBO, it was a devastating decision. Don’t convert and you’re still down only a FG with your opponent, who had only scored 2x, pinned deep in their territory. Get it and you probably score a TD to take the lead (but can still kick an FG, if necessary)…and your Players KNOW you have faith in them.

Obviously, the game turned from that point forward - going from CIT driving with a chance to take the lead to down 3 scores in about 10 minutes.


Hopefully, the bellhops will still be sulking this Saturday, but FUBeAR doubts it. Coach Drayton will own his decision and get his Team back up to give us all they got.

2 Takeaways…

1) CIT has improved enough to not only play FU tough, but they can definitely win this game … if we let them. We gotta got that “not again” thought into their heads EARLY.

2) ETSU ain’t ‘all that.’ They are vastly improved and definitely have a chance to compete for the SoCon Championship, but they coulda, maybe shoulda, lost to The Citadel.

[FUATT]

I agree with FUBear. Drayton's decision to kick the FG there was a head scratcher. You are not trying to win the SoCon at this point. You are trying to build culture, toughness and establish belief and confidence. I can make you an argument that winning does that more than anything, sure, but you gotta see the bigger picture at least some. Sometimes you are not calling a play, sometimes are setting the tone.

I think it hard to understand who Citadel is. You kind of throw first games out, because teams are still figuring things out. But you can see some things.

In the Charleston So game, CID ran 49 times and threw 17. Some of that is game plan, sure, but they would prefer to run. With our W&M game film the latest comp, you can BET that CID is going to try to run the ball.

Statistically, they are middlers. Don't jump off the page anywhere, but don't obviously stink anywhere. They don't have a glaring weakness. 3.8 yd per rush is not great but not terrible (we are 2.8). 53% completion percentage is on the lower end of what you would want, sure, but again, not abysmal (we are 59). They have 6 TO, we have 8. They are 37% on 3rd down and we are 27. CID with 24 penalties and FU with 36.

I wouldn't get too wound up on comparison though bc the Ole Miss game throws these numbers off. But it does tell us a few things I think .

WE can expect CID to play a pretty disciplined, clean game, limit turnovers and penalties, and make us beat them. On offense they will try to establish the LOS, and on defense they will try to make Hedden beat us. If they are smart, and I have not seen game film, but they will try to keep it in front of them and not give the big play. They play a 4-2-5 which is suited for this. They will want to get pressure with 4. Not having Harris hurts but Ferguson and others and the TE have stepped up. TE can be a big weapon for us.

They are pretty good at getting off the field on 3rd down. They are at the top or near FCS in net punting. Punter is a weapon. They have blocked two kicks and a punt. We have to operate clean here and Ian can't get the yips and we can't snap badly again. ST is a strong point.

We have got to play a clean game. Limit TO and no fumble. Cut the penalties. No flubs in ST. We have lost two games IMO on untimely penalties. CID will hang around. They won't quit. Were down 14-0 to CHSSO and came back. We will have to play a full, complete, clean game.

They are going to make you work for it. I think we are going to have to run more outsize zone, counter, duo and less IZ and power. Throw to the TE. Hedden will need to maintain composure, take the underneath and intermediate stuff, hit the TE and we need to make our shots count. I think we can score points.

Defense, we have to stop the run and play clean, not gift penalties. They have a 6-4 outside receiver who has hit some big plays and you can bet the farm on 50-50 balls when the matchup looks good to try to get a big play or draw the flag.

This game looks tougher than we would want. If we limit penalties and TO, clean specials, and hit some explosive plays, I think we are fine. If we make it hard, they are the kind of team that will absolutely hang around and beat you.

Looking forward to making the trip to Johnson Hagood and cheering on the DINS.

[Joe706]

Practices started back up on Monday. Team meetings Friday/Saturday then they left campus (if they could) Saturday and Sunday to find some place with power and food options.

[FUBeAR]

DPLOT - Sorry.

[FUBeAR]

I agree with FUBear. Drayton's decision to kick the FG there was a head scratcher. You are not trying to win the SoCon at this point. You are trying to build culture, toughness and establish belief and confidence. I can make you an argument that winning does that more than anything, sure, but you gotta see the bigger picture at least some. Sometimes you are not calling a play, sometimes are setting the tone.

EXACTLY!

AND…here’s an example of the kind of Coaching decision FUBeAR & FUATT are talking about … and the good that can come from making the correct decision…

Columbia, SC 10/23/82
About 3 minutes left in the 1st half. HEAVILY-FAVORED Gamecocks lead our Paladins 3-0…


Furman has a good drive that stalls at the USC 10 with 4th & 5. Of course, you kick it there…and we did…and it was good, but the Cocks’ entire DL blew thru A-gap and CRUSHED our Kicker - knocked his heart thru his back, he said…

(Actual Photo)

Well, there’s a FOOTBALL COACHING RULE in that situation.

NEVER take the points off the board!

Any I-AA (soon-to-be FCS) Coach would have been elated to go to the locker room at half tied with a (soon-to-be) SEC Team, but not Coach Sheridan.

He came to Williams-Brice EXPECTING to win that game and he showed us that by breaking that RULE and accepting the penalty. Of course we rewarded his confidence in us with a TD, and in just a few minutes of game-clock time, we were up 3 scores in the 3rd quarter…because he showed us that WINNING is the EXPECTATION.

And…of course, as you already know … winning that game is what we did.

FUBeAR thinks the bellhops just may have responded similarly last Saturday … but … they ARE bellhops … and they are NOT Paladins … so, prolly not. Come to think of it, maybe Coach Drayton, a bellhop his own self, made the correct call … considering.

[gofurman]

I agree with FUBear. Drayton's decision to kick the FG there was a head scratcher. You are not trying to win the SoCon at this point. You are trying to build culture, toughness and establish belief and confidence. I can make you an argument that winning does that more than anything, sure, but you gotta see the bigger picture at least some. Sometimes you are not calling a play, sometimes are setting the tone.

I think it hard to understand who Citadel is. You kind of throw first games out, because teams are still figuring things out. But you can see some things.

In the Charleston So game, CID ran 49 times and threw 17. Some of that is game plan, sure, but they would prefer to run. With our W&M game film the latest comp, you can BET that CID is going to try to run the ball.

Statistically, they are middlers. Don't jump off the page anywhere, but don't obviously stink anywhere. They don't have a glaring weakness. 3.8 yd per rush is not great but not terrible (we are 2.8). 53% completion percentage is on the lower end of what you would want, sure, but again, not abysmal (we are 59). They have 6 TO, we have 8. They are 37% on 3rd down and we are 27. CID with 24 penalties and FU with 36.

I wouldn't get too wound up on comparison though bc the Ole Miss game throws these numbers off. But it does tell us a few things I think .

WE can expect CID to play a pretty disciplined, clean game, limit turnovers and penalties, and make us beat them. On offense they will try to establish the LOS, and on defense they will try to make Hedden beat us. If they are smart, and I have not seen game film, but they will try to keep it in front of them and not give the big play. They play a 4-2-5 which is suited for this. They will want to get pressure with 4. Not having Harris hurts but Ferguson and others and the TE have stepped up. TE can be a big weapon for us.

They are pretty good at getting off the field on 3rd down. They are at the top or near FCS in net punting. Punter is a weapon. They have blocked two kicks and a punt. We have to operate clean here and Ian can't get the yips and we can't snap badly again. ST is a strong point.

We have got to play a clean game. Limit TO and no fumble. Cut the penalties. No flubs in ST. We have lost two games IMO on untimely penalties. CID will hang around. They won't quit. Were down 14-0 to CHSSO and came back. We will have to play a full, complete, clean game.

They are going to make you work for it. I think we are going to have to run more outsize zone, counter, duo and less IZ and power. Throw to the TE. Hedden will need to maintain composure, take the underneath and intermediate stuff, hit the TE and we need to make our shots count. I think we can score points.

Defense, we have to stop the run and play clean, not gift penalties. They have a 6-4 outside receiver who has hit some big plays and you can bet the farm on 50-50 balls when the matchup looks good to try to get a big play or draw the flag.

This game looks tougher than we would want. If we limit penalties and TO, clean specials, and hit some explosive plays, I think we are fine. If we make it hard, they are the kind of team that will absolutely hang around and beat you.

Looking forward to making the trip to Johnson Hagood and cheering on the DINS.

FUATT, we seem to be agreeing on the FU run game etc. Also, win or lose - and that would kill me to lose this to Cit - we need to play games to get better !

The only point I would look at in your post here is the "middlers" regarding Citadel running. Versus the better SoCon (in my view) they were not able to rush much at all. Personally I would do to Cit what people are doing to us - limit the run (extra safety or whatnot) and make them win with the pass. This has typically worked v Citadel as they usually can't pass well... though they may be able to this year as they lit up Mercer for 336 (!!!) yards through the air.. I don't know if that was late game or what but that's a LOT, regardless. On only 19 completions ! still, I would do like teams are doing to us with a FR QB - stop the run. That might get in their head as ETSU and MERCER did it and they couldn't win

*CITADEL RUSHING...
ETSU 308 yards; 40 attempts - 7.7 PER CARRY !
Citadel 80; 37 attempts' for 2.2 PER CARRY !

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MERCER put an FUBeAR whoopin on them too. -
CITADEL AGAIN with exactly 2.2 yards per carry ... exactly the same as v ETSU. basically 60 yards rushing total in the game.
MERCER with a good 180 yards rushing (I would take that for Furman!) on 38 attempts for 4.7 yards per rush. I think that would be such a springboard for our offense and take so much pressure off the young QB etc.

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just learned a CSU sounding comp - they have a SIXTH year Senior QB who transferred from Liberty at Citadel. I think the CSU QB was a SIXTH year guy. dangs

[gofurman]

Practices started back up on Monday. Team meetings Friday/Saturday then they left campus (if they could) Saturday and Sunday to find some place with power and food options.

Joe706, Thanks for the information!!! Thank you!!!

Welcome to the board ! may I ask if you are currently in school there? Or just "in the know"?

[Davemeister]

Hey go furman: Are you skeered of them Bulldogs?

[gofurman]

Hey go furman: Are you skeered of them Bulldogs?

Great Q ! I am changing the answer each week until we start winning:

I am very very skeered for Furman.

[gofurman]

Hey go furman: Are you skeered of them Bulldogs?

Dave is a true FU Fan !!!!!!!!!!!

[FUATT]

gofurman - good insight!

RE CID V. Mercer - CID threw for 304, but close to 2/3 of it was 4 plays - 60, 54, 36, 29. So we have to limit explosives through the air. Bellhops only had 2 scoring drives in the game. Long, 70 (60 yd completion) and 99 (54 and a 15 yd completion on a 4th and 8), so the explosives played a big role in their ability to score. They did have another long drive with two long throws (26, 29) that ended at the MER 4 with a lost fumble. Several of their incompletions were deep balls too.

If you look at their Mercer game, the game plan was to run enough to hold the safeties and set up the deep shots and try to bend and not break on D.

I mean, I can see them coming into our game with the EXACT same gameplan, maybe with a little more run emphasis looking at our W&M film. But with a 6-4 guy and a burner in the slot, I think we can expect another test for our green DBs.

[Joe706]

Practices started back up on Monday. Team meetings Friday/Saturday then they left campus (if they could) Saturday and Sunday to find some place with power and food options.

Joe706, Thanks for the information!!! Thank you!!!

Welcome to the board ! may I ask if you are currently in school there? Or just "in the know"?

Got one on the roster - he keeps me in the loop (sometimes).

[FUBeAR]

Practices started back up on Monday. Team meetings Friday/Saturday then they left campus (if they could) Saturday and Sunday to find some place with power and food options.

Joe706, Thanks for the information!!! Thank you!!!
Welcome to the board ! may I ask if you are currently in school there? Or just "in the know"?

Got one on the roster - he keeps me in the loop (sometimes).

LOL - FUBeAR feels ya - brings back great memories, actually …