WCU Game #7 - Furman

For the Catamounts' seventh game of the season, Western Carolina heads down the mountain to Traveler's Rest, SC to face the Furman Paladins for the 2024 football edition of The Battle for Purple Supremacy.  Furman, unfortunately for them scheduled this game as their "Homecoming" showing their disrespect of the Cats who enter the game having lost two in a row to the Paladins.

Game #7  Furman Paladins

The Paladins are coming off a 10-3 season and a 7-1 SoCon record in 2023, as well as, a SoCon Championship, and the Cats have dropped the last two games to Furman. But, this year,  the Paladins are coming off a 41-10 lossby Chattanooga over the Paladin in their hometown of Travelers Rest, SC

When: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Time:  2:00 pm EST
Where: Paladin Stadium, Traveler's Rest, SC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

     -announcers:  Gary Ayers, Daniel Hooker, Jeff Bryson
TV/video: ESPN+ 

Furman Message Board:  GoPaladins

The Series:  The Cats are 13-36-2 overall against the Paladins in the series that started back in 1972. The Cats had lost 5 in a row to the Paladins, a string that was broken in the 2021 season with a 43-42 win in Whitmire Stadium.  The Cats are 6-19-1 in games played in Travelers' Rest. 

The last game played vs. Furman:  Oct. 21, 2023 - Catamounts Drop a 29-17 Decision in Battle of SoCon Unbeatens - Cole Gonzales tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Richard McCollum connected on a season-long 43-yard field goal, but #3/4 Furman posted a pair of passing scores and tallied two rushing scores including the second inside the game's final minute in dealing #14/8 Western Carolina a 29-17 setback in Saturday's battle of Southern Conference unbeatens at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

Head Coach: Clay Hendrix - Introduced as Furman’s new head football coach on December 19, 2016, Clay Hendrix in seven seasons has reinvigorated a Paladin football program accustomed to success. Hendrix, a former standout Paladin offensive guard and assistant coach who returned to his alma mater following a decade as an assistant coach at the US Air Force Academy, directed Furman to an 8-5 campaign and Football Championship (FCS) playoff appearance in 2017.

Hendrix vs. Western Carolina: 6-1

Bell vs. Furman:  1-2

Last Season's Record (Furman 2023): 10-3 overall, 6-0 home, 4-3 away, 7-1 in the SoCon 

This Season's Record (Furman 2024): 2-4 overall, 1-2 home, 1-2 away, 1-1 in the SoCon

Offensive Formation:  Multiple 

Starters: Returning: 3

  (Ben Ferguson (WR/8), Joshua Harris (WR/35), Luke Petit (OG/6))

Defensive Formation:   3-4

Starters: Returning: 3

  (Luke Clark (BAN/26), Evan DiMaggio (ILB/7), Xavier Stephens (NG/13)

The Paladins were picked to finish second in the SoCon preseason polls, behind Chattanooga, and just ahead of the Cats, and 8 total Paladins picked up preseason all-conference honors (coaches).

Offense - The Paladins return 3 starters from last year’s championship squad that went two rounds into the playoff. 

Defense - The Furman defense return 3 starters from last season team.  

On the offensive side of the ball, the Paladins lost starting QB Tyler Huff, their top running back and four starting offensive linemen. While the Paladins lost a lot to transfers and graduation, they picked up a lot in the transfer portal. Most notable are, Joshua Burrell a TE from Florida State, Jalen Tate a DB from Georgia State, and Isaac Ward a QB from USC.  Carson Jones,  the SoCon’s Co-Freshman of the Year Award returns at quarterback. Jones played in six games last season and filled in for injured Huff, starting two games.  Furman’s top three receivers also all returned, Colton Hinton, Joshua Harris, and Ben Ferguson. The Paladins will have to replace 4 offensive linemen.

The Paladins fielded 10 first-time starters in its 2024 season opener against Ole Miss, five each of offense and defense. The first-time starters on offense included center Chris Luna (R-Fr.), offensive tackle Eli Brasher (R-Fr.), wide receiver John Holbrook (R-Fr.), running back Myion Hicks (R-Jr.), and tight end Joshua Burrell (Gr.). Defenders making their career starting debuts against the Rebels included tackle Malachi Harrison (R-Fr.), cornerback Jaylon Moson (R-Fr.), cornerback Charles Ingram V (R-Fr.), spur Maurice Perkins (Gr.), and free safety Tre’ McLeod (R-So.).

The list of first-time starters grew to 11 against CSU when linebacker Raleigh Herbert (R-Fr.) made his collegiate starting debut against the Buccaneers, and three Paladins — tight end Brock Chappell (So.), quarterback Trey Hedden (Fr.), and spur Brandt Babin (R-Jr.) — made it 14 first time starters this year when they joined the lineup for the first time against Stetson. The latest and 15th Paladin newcomer to make his career starting debut this year is wide receiver Devin Hester, Jr. (Fr.), who got the nod versus William & Mary.

Lots of injuries reported this season for the Paladins:  WR Josh Harris (starter) - out for year,  TE Josh Burrell (starter),  DB AK Burrell (starter),  WR Santino Varvel,  DB Jalen Tate (2 deep),  Spur Justin Hartwell (starter),  Ban Alex Maier (2 deep),  RB Jayquan Smith (2 deep),  LB Raleigh Herbert (2 deep),  DE David Alabi, & DT Bryce Stanfield (starter)

2024 Furman Statistics  (6 games) 

Yards per game: 90
Yards per rush: 2.8 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 39
TDs rushing: 6
Passing Offense: 1333 yards or 222 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.3 yards
Passing 1st downs: 48
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 184-112-9
Total Offense: 1873 yards or 312 ypg
3d Down Conversions: 21 of 77  (27%)
4th Down Conversions: 3  of  6  (50%)
Field Goal-Attempts 7 of 10
On-side kicks: 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores: 15 of 19 
Red Zone Touchdowns: 10 of 19
Avg per punt 41 yards
Fumbles-Lost: 11-5

 

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #7)

October 14, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #7.  Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (1) Mercer (6-0, 3-0 SoCon)
Next:  at Samford (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)

2. (2) Western Carolina (3-3, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: at Furman (2-4, 1-1 SoCon)

3. (3) Chattanooga (3-3, 2-1 SoCon)
Next: Wofford  (3-3, 1-2 SoCon)

4. (5) ETSU (4-3, 2-1 SoCon)
Next:  Bye week

5. (7) Samford (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: Mercer  (6-0, 3-0 SoCon)

6. (4) Furman (2-4, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: Western Carolina  (3-3, 3-0 SoCon)

7. (6) Wofford (3-3, 1-2 SoCon)
Next: at Chattanooga  (3-3, 2-1 SoCon)

8. (8) The Citadel (2-6, 0-4 SoCon)
Next:  at VMI  (0-6, 0-2 SoCon)

9. (9) VMI (0-6, 0-2 SoCon)
Next: The Citadel  (2-6, 0-4 SoCon)

1.           &nbs

WCU Player of the Game (vs. The Citadel)

Purple & Gold's "Catamount Player of the Game" for the The Citadel game on October  12th  in Cullowhee is junior quarterback Cole Gonzales. 

The Catamount Player of the Game, Cole Gonzales completed 28 of 38 passes for 294 yards and a 74% completion rate, and a touchdown.  Cole had no interceptions or sacks in the game to lead the Catamounts to a 30-16 win over The Citadel Bulldogs..

Gonzales' 18-yard touchdown pass went to Zion Booker to open the scoring. Booker finished with 102 yards receiving. Williams capped two long drives with second-quarter touchdowns and the Catamounts led 21-7 at halftime.

                                                              

WCU 2024 Atheltic Hall of Fame Class

Three former Catamount student-athletes have been chosen to be inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. 

These athletes are Matt Cook (mens golf, 2004-08), Jennifer Gardner (women's basketball, 2001-05), and Manteo Mitchell (track & field, 2005-09). 

They were all part of the Southern Conferences 100th Anniversary Team in 2021 and have now been selected by the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame committee to join the 35th class of inductees.

   

 Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

 

WCU Game #6 - The Citadel

For the sixth game of the season, the Catamounts host The Citadel Bulldogs in EJ Whitmire Stadium on Hero's Day in Cullowhee. 

Game #6 - The Citadel

 

When: Saturday, October 12, 2024

Time:  2:30 pm
Where: EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio:  Catamount Sports Network

     -announcers:  Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

Live Stats:  Citadel live stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina   -    The Citadel 

Citadel Message Board:  Citadel Fan Message Board

Nickname:  Bulldogs

Mascot:  Spike

The Series: Western is currently 20-27-1 vs. the Bulldogs overall. The Cats and Dogs first played on the gridiron in 1972, and the Cats own an 11-13 record vs. the Citadel in games played in Cullowhee, NC, along with a 5-5 record in the last 10 games played. The Cats have won 3 of the last 4 games played. 

Last Season's Game vs. The Citadel (9-30-23) - Reid Runs for Record Books in Victory at The Citadel  - Charleston, SC – Sophomore running back Desmond Reid set a school record with a career-best five first-half rushing touchdowns as #21/17 Western Carolina downed The Citadel 49-14 in Southern Conference action on a sun-splashed Saturday afternoon at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Reid posted rushing scores of 11, 1, 9, 1, and 13 yards to cap WCU's five first-half drives as the Catamounts saw one player account for five scores in the opening two quarters for the second consecutive week.

This season's Record - (The Citadel): 2-4 overall, 1-3 home, 1-1 away, 0-3 SoCon

Last season's Record - (The Citadel): 0-11 overall, 0-5 home, 0-6 away, 0-8 SoCon

Head Coach: Maurice Drayton -  Former Bulldog player and defensive coordinator Maurice Drayton has been named the next head football coach at The Citadel. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Mike Capaccio on Tuesday. A former standout player and defensive coordinator, Drayton returns to The Citadel after spending the previous seven seasons working in the NFL.

Drayton's Record vs. WCU:  0 - 1

Bell's record vs. The Citadel: 3 - 1

The Bulldogs were picked to finish last in the SoCon by league coaches, with Chattanooga, Furman and Western Carolina leading the way. Only one Citadel player, punter James Platte, was named to the all-SoCon preseason teams; he was a second-team pick. 

In the crucial role of quarterback, the Bulldogs recruited Johnathan Bennett, a standout player from Summerville High School who transferred from Liberty, to join their team. In the 2022 season, Bennett, started all seven games he played in, led the Flames with 1,534 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and two rushing scores. He was the starting quarterback in two consecutive victories against Arkansas and BYU, where he completed 24 out of 29 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Graeson Underwood and Dustin Fletcher, who shared the quarterback position in the previous season, are still on the roster and in the quarterback training program. 

The Bulldogs come to Cullowhee with a 2-4 overall record, and are 0-3 in conference play having lost a heartbreaker to Furman this past Saturday. Despite holding an advantage  throughout the game with Furman and dominating the opening three quarters of play, The Citadel stumbled down the stretch, falling to the Paladins in a 17-16 final score at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

The Bulldogs have not won a conference game since November 2022, going 0-11 in that time in conference play.  

2024 The Citadel Statistics (6 games):

Rushing Offense: 842 yards
Yards per game: 140.4 yards
Yards per rush: 3.6  yards
Rushing 1st downs: 45

TDs rushing: 12
Passing Offense: 1058 yards or 176 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.8 yards
Passing 1st downs: 43
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 155-80-4

TDs Passing: 4
Total Offense:  1900 yards or 317 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 6 - 3
3d Down Conversions: 32 0f 88 (36%)
4th Down Conversions: 6 of 12 (50%)
Field goal attempts: 9 of 11
PAT-Attempts: 9 of 12
On-side kicks: 0 of 1

Red Zone Scores: 18 of 23
Red Zone Touchdowns: 13 of 23

Punts - Yards: 26 for 1222 yards - Avg per punt: 47

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #6)

October 7, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #6.  Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (1) Mercer (5-0, 3-0 SoCon)
Next:  Princeton (1-2)

2. (3) Western Carolina (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: The Citadel (2-4, 0-3 SoCon)

3. (4) Chattanooga (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: at Furman  (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)

4. (6) Furman (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga  (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)

5. (2) ETSU (3-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: Samford  (2-2, 1-0 SoCon)

6. (5) Wofford (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)
Next: VMI (0-5, 0-1 SoCon)

7. (8) Samford (2-2, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: at ETSU  (3-3, 1-1 SoCon)

8. (7) The Citadel (2-4, 0-3 SoCon)
Next:  Western Carolina  (2-3, 1-0 SoCon)

9. (9) VMI (0-5, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)

1.           &nbs

Cats Win Without Spectators

                                                                           

Western Carolina's Jalynn Williams had two short touchdown runs, and CJ Williams broke up a fourth-down pass with 45 seconds remaining as Western Carolina held off the Wofford Terriers to win 21-17 on Saturday in Cullowhee without spectators, due to rescue and recovery efforts around the western North Carolina region.

WCU elected to attempt a 53-yard field goal on fourth-and-14 with 1:36 remaining, but Paxton Robertson narrowly missed it to the right, setting up Wofford at its 36-yard line for a potential game-winning drive.

The Terriers' Pauly Seeley ran for a 15-yard gain on first down and then completed a 3-yard pass to Dylan Djet. Seeley overthrew a wide-open receiver on third down and then tried to squeeze a pass to Rickie Shaw over the middle that Williams batted to the ground in the closing seconds.

Purple & Gold's "Player of the Game" junior quarterback Cole Gonzales, completed 29-of-39 attempts, passing for 257 yards, and rushed 7 times for 65 yards (second leading rusher in the game) for WCU. Junior running back Branson Adams rushed for 84 of the Catamounts' 218 yards in 13 attempts, averaging 16 and a half yards per carry. Wofford's Seeley threw for 209 yards and a touchdown for the Terriers (2-3, 0-2 Southern Conference).

Western Carolina (2-3, 1-0 Southern Conference) has now won four straight games in the series between the Catamounts and Terriers.  Next week the Cats face The Citadel in Cullowhee, as the Bulldogs lost to Furman today, as the Paladins outscored the Bulldogs 14-3 in the fourth quarter to narrowly pick up the  win 17-16.

2-Deep Rosters for the Wofford Game

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #5)

September 30, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #5.  Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (1) Mercer (5-0, 3-0 SoCon)
Next:  Bye Week

2. (2) ETSU (3-2, 1-0 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)

3. (4) Western Carolina (1-3, 0-0SoCon)
Next: Wofford  (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)

4. (5) Chattanooga (1-3, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: at ETSU (3-2, 1-0 SoCon)

5. (3) Wofford (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: at Western Carolina (1-3, 0-0 SoCon)

6. (6) Furman (1-3, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: at The Citadel  (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)

7. (6) The Citadel (2-3, 0-2 SoCon)
Next:  Furman  (1-3, 0-0 SoCon)

8. (8) Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: VMI  (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)

9. (9) VMI (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: at Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

1.                        

WCU Game #5 - Wofford Terriers

For the fifth game of the season, the Cats return to Cullowhee to host the surging Wofford Terriers in the Family Weekend game. The Terriers finished the 2023 season with a 2-9 overall record, but ended the season on a high note, knocking off both The Citadel and Furman in back to back weekends to end the season. 

Game #5 - Wofford Terriers

The Terriers come to Cullowhee with a 2-2 record in the 2024 season, with wins over Gardner-Webb and Richmond and a loss to William & Mary in out-of-conference play. The Terriers opened SoCon play against Mercer in Spartanburg last Saturday, but fell to the Bears 22-3 in the conference opener to the undefeated Bears.

When: Saturday,October 5, 2023

Time:  2:30 pm
Where:  EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -announcers:  Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video:  ESPN+

Mascot:  Terrier

Colors: Old Gold & Black

Enrollment: 1800

Message Board:  Wofford Fans

Game Notes:  Western Carolina   -    Wofford    -    Southern Conference

2-Deep Roster:   Western Carolina     -    Wofford

The Series: The Cats are 17-28 overall against the Terriers in a series that started in 1952, The Cats & Terriers have played a total of 45 times, and the Cats are 11-12 in games played in Cullowhee, and are on a three game winning streak.  

The last game played vs. Wofford:  November 4, 2023 -  Catamounts Snap Skid with Road Win at Wofford - Cole Gonzales tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Calvin Jones and Censere Lee, and Richard McCollum connected on a pair of field goals including the game-winner midway through the fourth quarter as No. 20/16 Western Carolina snapped a two-game seasonal slide with a 28-25 road win over Wofford on Saturday afternoon in Southern Conference action at Gibbs Stadium.

Head Coach:  Shawn Watson -  Shawn Watson was named head coach on December 1, 2022. A veteran with nearly 40 years of coaching experience, Watson came to Wofford in January 2022 as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. On October 6, he was named interim head coach of the Terriers. Prior to Wofford, he spent the 2021 season as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa

Shawn Watson's record vs. WCU:  0 - 2

Kerwin Bells' record vs. Wofford:  3 - 0

Last Season's Record (2022 Wofford):  2-9 overall, 1-4  home, 1-5 away, 2-6 SoCon.  

Offensive Formation:   Pro spread offense
Defensive Formation:   Multiple 3/4 

Nine players from Wofford received the league's preseason all-conference first and second teams honors and the conference's nine head coaches selected Wofford to rank eighth in the preseason poll.

Shawn Watson is starting his second full season as head coach of the Terriers. The offensive line has Quincy Hughes, Anthony Garcia, and Briggs Kearse returning, with Luke Moise and Mason Howard filling in the other spots. The offense usually has three receivers, one tight end, and one running back on the field. Cam Smith, Kyle Watkins, and Isaiah Scott will be the starting receivers, Jordan Davis at tight end, and Ryan Ingram as the top rusher. Amari Odom won the quarterback competition, with Bryce Corriston and Pauly Seeley as backups.

The defense is sticking with a 3-4 base, with Brandon Maina and Anthonie Lattany leading the defensive line. David Powers, John Boyles, and Jalen Marshall are returning linebackers, with Nick Morgan joining as an outside linebacker. Amir Annoor and Isaiah Wadsworth are back at cornerback, and C.J. Coombes joins Maximus Pulley at safety.

Bridger Jones is the placekicker, with a good record on field goals and kickoffs. Sam Spence takes over as punter, and Tommy DiLiegro is back as the long snapper.

Wofford's last game: "In a match-up of Top 25 teams on Saturday afternoon, the Wofford College football team was defeated 22-3 by Mercer at Gibbs Stadium. The Bears had a 6-3 lead at halftime and took advantage of four interceptions thrown by the Terriers to come away with the victory.

Wofford, ranked #23 in the nation, opens the season at 2-2 and 0-1 in the Southern Conference. The #12 ranked Mercer Bears are 5-0 and 2-0 in league play. The Terriers were unable to get the offense going, as they were held to 146 total yards. Amari Odom was 9-of-22 passing and Pauly Seeley V was 7-of-14 passing. The Bears were led by quarterback Hess Horne, who entered the game when starting quarterback D.J. Smith was injured in the first half. Horne was 10-of-17 passing for 100 yards.

Wofford had 146 total yards, with 130 receiving yards. Mercer had 287 total yards, with 157 of those passing yards. Wofford had eight first downs to 15 for the Bears. Wofford was 2-of-14 on third down and 0-of-1 on fourth down. Mercer was 5-of-14 on third down. Mercer was called for five penalties, while Wofford was called for seven. Mercer had a 33:47 to 26:13 time of possession advantage."

2024 Wofford Statistics (4 games)

Rushing Offense: 438 yards
Yards per game: 83
Yards per rush: 2.9 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 20
TDs rushing: 4
Passing Offense: 853 yards or 83 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.4 yards
Passing 1st downs: 37
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 134-70-4

TDs Passing: 4
Total Offense: 1183 yards or 118 per game

3d Down Conversions: 15 of 55 (27%)
4th Down Conversions: 4 of 8  (50%)
Field Goal: 5 of 6
On-side kicks:  0 - 0
Red Zone Scores: 10 of 12
Red Zone Touchdowns: 8 of 12
PAT: 6 of 6

Punts: 22, Avg per punt: 39 yards

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #4)

September 23, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #4.  Last week's ranking are in parentheses.

1. (1) Mercer (4-0, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

2. (5) ETSU (2-2, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: at The Citadel (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)

3. (2) Wofford (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: Mercer (4-0, 2-0 SoCon)

4. (4) Western Carolina (1-3, 0-0SoCon)
Next: Bye Week

5. (3) Chattanooga (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: Portland State (0-3)

6. (6) Furman (1-3, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon )

7. (8) The Citadel (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: at Mercer (4-0, SoCon 2-0)

8. (7) Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: at Furman (1-3, 0-0 SoCon)

9. (9) VMI (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)
Next: Bye Week

1.                        

Deandre Tamarez/Cole Gonzales/Jordy Lowery

Western Carolina's redshirt sophomore Deandre Tamarez had a career-best game with 229 receiving yards on eight catches and a touchdown. However, #24 Western Carolina football couldn't recover from 24 unanswered points, leading to a 46-35 victory for #9 Montana on Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula. 

Tamarez's performance was the best by a Catamount since 2012, when Karnorris Benson had 212 yards in 2013 against Mars Hill. It's the third-highest receiving yards in a game by a WCU player, with only Jon Reed's 235 yards against Appalachian State in 1989 and Craig Aiken's 232 yards against The Citadel in 1992 being better. 

Junior Cole Gonzales completed 26 out of 48 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The game marked Gonzales' third career game with over 300 passing yards for the Catamounts. He moved into third place on the all-time touchdown passing record with 41 touchdowns in his time with the Catamounts. 

On defense, redshirt sophomore Jordy Lowery led the Cats with nine tackles and an interception. This game marked the fourth consecutive game where WCU had at least one interception, with Lowery grabbing his second interception of the season.

Game Preview: Western Carolina Catamounts at Montana Grizzlies

                 

                     

Date: Sept. 18, 2024

Location: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT
Kickoff: 3 pm (EST)

As the college football season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup as the Western Carolina Catamounts travel to Missoula to take on the Montana Grizzlies. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the season, making this game a must-watch.

Western Carolina Catamounts

The Catamounts are coming off a strong start, showcasing a dynamic offense that has impressed fans and analysts alike. With a potent passing game led by their quarterback, they’ve shown the ability to stretch the field and exploit defensive weaknesses. The running game is also a key component, featuring a talented backfield that can grind out yards and control the clock.

Defensively, Western Carolina will need to tighten up, especially against a formidable opponent like Montana. They’ve had some ups and downs on that side of the ball, but their ability to create turnovers will be crucial in this matchup.

Montana Grizzlies

The Grizzlies, known for their rich football tradition, are always a tough opponent at home. With a passionate fan base behind them, Washington-Grizzly Stadium will be electric. Montana's offense has a balanced attack, combining a solid passing game with a bruising running style. Their quarterback has been effective in both decision-making and execution, making them a versatile threat.

Defensively, Montana prides itself on being physical and aggressive. They’ll look to apply pressure on the Catamounts’ quarterback and force mistakes, which could swing momentum in their favor.

Key Matchups

• Quarterbacks: The battle between the quarterbacks will be pivotal. The ability of each signal-caller to read defenses and make quick decisions could determine the outcome.

• Defensive Lines: Whichever team can establish dominance in the trenches will likely gain the upper hand. Both defenses will be looking to disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm.

• Special Teams: Special teams play can often be the deciding factor in close games. Look for big returns or key field goals to play a role in this matchup.

Prediction

With home-field advantage and a strong tradition of success, Montana enters this game as the favorite. However, Western Carolina’s explosive offense could make this a high-scoring affair. Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams vie for a crucial victory early in the season.

Don’t miss this clash of styles and talent as the Catamounts take on the Grizzlies in what promises to be an electrifying game!

WCU 2-Deep vs. Montana

Game #4 - at #9 Montana Griz

For the season's fourth game, the Catamounts travel to Missoula, Montana to face the 2023 Big Sky champions, the Montana Grizzlies. The Griz bring a 2-1 (2024) record into the game, after beating Morehead State 59-2 on Saturday.  Montana is ridding a streak of 15-straight wins at Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the Catamounts take the field on Saturday. 

Game #4  - Montana Griz

The Griz completed the 2023 season with a 13-2 overall record and a Big Sky Championship, with a 9-0 record in the Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Montana is currently ranked #9 by STATS and #10 in the coaches poll.  

  

When: Saturday, September 21, 2023

Time: 3:00 pm (ET) - 1 pm (MT)
Where: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula Montana
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

Conference: Big Sky

Students:  10,962

Colors:  Maroon and Silver

Nickname:  Grizzlies

Fan Message Board: eGriz.com

The Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams on the football field.

Head Coach: Bobby Hauck became the 37th head football coach at the University of Montana on Nov. 30, 2017. He began his second tenure as the Grizzlies' head coach a day later on December 1, 2017. 2024 will be his 18th year as a college football head coach, his 13th overall year at Montana, and the sixth year of his second stint as Montana's head coach. In 2018 Hauck became the winningest coach in Montana history, surpassing the great Don Read with 86 wins in eight seasons..

Last Season's Record - (Montana 2023): 13-2 overall, 9-0 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral,  7-1 Big Sky

Coming into the 2024 season, Montana ranks No. 3 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25. The Grizzlies finished 13-2 last year, reaching the FCS national championship game before losing 23-3 against South Dakota State. The Griz returned  16 starters (11 offense, 5 defense) from last season’s team, with the offensive line alone returning 71 combined starts and the defense combining for 53 total starts.

For the fourth consecutive year, Montana saw a change at the helm of the offense, with quarterbacks Cam Humphrey (2021), Lucas Johnson (2022), and Clifton McDowell (2023) taking turns in the role.

The Grizzlies are set to field a formidable trio at the running back position. Eli Gillman, who won the Jerry Rice Award last year for his 968 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, is returning. Alongside him, veteran Nick Ostmo, who accumulated 1,398 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years, is also on the roster.  Against Morehead State, the Griz ran for 410 yards on the ground and totaled 576 yards of offense behind the rushing attack, going 5-for-12 on third down while picking up four conversions on fourth down. They averaged 6.9 yards per play while holding the Eagles to just 1.0 yards per play. It's the most total yards since going for 695 in the win over Cal Poly two years ago.

Keali'I Ah Yat started the game at quarterback and went 9-for-11 for 79 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He found Keelan White, who had five catches for 40 yards, for the only score through the air on the day. Logan Fife also saw time, going 9-for-16 for 87 yards.

2024 Montana Statistics (3 games)

Rushing Offense: 840 yards
Yards per game: 245
Yards per rush: 6.2 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 44
TDs rushing: 11
Passing Offense: 560 yards or 169 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 24
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 85-53-1
TDs Passing: 3
Total Offense: 1243 yards or 414 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 3-1
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 34 (32%)
4th Down Conversions: 6 of 8 (75%)
Field goal-attempts:  5 of 7
PAT-Attempts: 11 of 13
Red Zone Scores: 12 of 15
Red Zone Touchdowns: 8 of 15
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0
Punts-Yards: 10 - 437 - Avg. per gm 41

2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #3)

September 16, 2024

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2024 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #3   Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (2)  Mercer (3-0, 1-0 SoCon)

Next:  The Citadel (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

2. (1)  Wofford  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week  

3. (3)  Chattanooga  (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)

Next:  Bye Week

4. (4)  Western Carolina  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Montana (2-1)

5. (6)  ETSU  (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Elon (1-2)

6. (5)  Furman (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at William & Mary (2-1)

7. (7)  Samford (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: Bye Week

8. (8)  The Citadel  (2-1, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  at Mercer (3-0, SoCon 1-0)

9. (9)  VMI (0-3, 0-0 SoCon)

Next:  Norfolk State (0-3)

1.