Elon at WCU: The Rushing Game

Rushing, in my opinion, will be the key to winning this game.   I think it's a given, both teams will pass effectively, so the rush offense & defense are the critical elements to the team that wins.  

Offensively, I give a slight edge to the Catamounts. The Cats have accumulated 629 yards (4 games) rushing, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, for an average of 157 yards per game.   Elon currently ranks 8th in the conference in rushing, having gained 607 yards on the ground, but in 5 games.  The Phoenix are averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

Rushing defense goes to the Phoenix.   Thus far, they rank 7th in rushing defense (the Cats are 9th), giving up a total of 895 yards on the ground, for an average of 4.4 yards per carry.   Meanwhile, the Catamounts have thus far given up 1499 yards on the ground or 7.1 yards per carry.   However, Western has faced two excellent triple option teams (GT & GSU), as well as an All American, Div II running back from Mars Hill.  The advantage, based on the defense against the rush, has to go to Elon.  

If the defensive changes made this week result in a better defensive game against the rush, the Cats will have a legitimate opportunity to pick up their first conference win of the season.