Looking ahead to the Citadel Bulldogs

The seventh in a series of looks ahead at WCU 2012 football opponents.

Game 7 - The Citadel Bulldogs

Date with GSU: Saturday, Oct. 13th, 2:00 p.m

Site: Johnson Hagood Stadium (21,000 - Natural grass), Charleston, SC

Series: CIT leads 20-15-1 (Lost last 1)

Head Coach: Kevin Higgins (West Chester ‘77)

2011 Record: 4-7 overall, 2-6 conference

Record at the Citadel: 31-47 (7 yrs)

Career Record: 87-72-1 (14 yrs)

Basic Offense: Triple Option

Defense: 3-4

Lettermen Returning / Lost: 38 / 24

Starters Returning / Lost (O/D/S): 18(9/6/3) / 10(3/5/2)

For game seven this season, the Catamounts travel to Charleston to meet the Citadel Bulldogs, where the Catamounts get their second look at the triple option this season.

The Citadel enters their third season running their version of the triple option, with high hopes that this is the season they can become a factor in the SoCon race. The Bulldogs return a league-high 18 starters for the upcoming season, 9 on offense, 6 on defense and 3 on special teams.  The nine starters returning on offense gives the Bulldogs renewed confidence in their offense and their ability to properly execute it.

On offense, Darien Robinson (862 yards rushing, nine TDs) returns as one of the SoCons' better rushing backs, who may be the difference-maker for Higgins' offense. Junior Ben Dupree and sophomore Aaron Miller are battling for the starting quarterback job that will feature a new wrinkle for the Bulldogs this season. The Dogs plan to incorporate the shotgun into their offensive scheme, in the hopes of becoming a better passing team. Dupree was the starter last season, and probably will get the call this season.
The main strength of the Citadel offense, lies in the offensive line, which is led by All-SoCon center Mike Sellers and three other returnees.

On defense, the Bulldogs' always tough defensive unit took a big hit this spring when all-conference tackle Derek Douglas suffered a torn ACL, requiring surgery. The Bulldogs also lost three of their top five tacklers due to graduation. However, they return a veteran defensive line and three starters in the secondary that can be one of the strengths of the team.

The Cats have not done well in Charleston against the Bulldogs, and own a 5-11 record against the Citadel in games played there.  This will again be a difficult game for the Cats, but one that is within their grasps.  Not that it will be easy, but it is winnable