Furman brings a 2-2 record into the game, with opening wins against Gardner-Webb and Mercer before losing at both Presbyterian and SC State in close games. The Paladins are averaging only 13 points per game, 106 yards on the ground and 197 yards in the air per game. At this point in the season, the Paladins are holding down last place in scoring offense, but are in first place in scoring defense.
The Cats trail Furman 10-29-2 all-time in the series, and have lost 15 of the last 16 meetings -dropping eight straight, with the last Catamount win in 2004 over the then #2 ranked nationally Paladins.
The defending conference champions Furman have not lived up to preseason expectations, with Furman ranked second in both preseason polls and opening the season at #18 in a national FCS poll. After the initial wins over Gardner-Webb and Mercer, Furman moved up to #12 in the national polls, then after the narrow loss to Presbyterian in game three, the Paladins dropped to #21 nationally. The loss of junior quarterback Reese Hannon in game one, has have a huge effect on the Paladin offensive side of the ball.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Where: Paladin Stadium, Greenville, SC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV/Video: American Sports Network (ASN) can be viewed on WMYA/Ch. 40
Their coach: Bruce Fowler - Fowler is entering his 4th season as head coach at Furman. In 2013, the Paladins were picked 7th in the preseason poll, but overcame adversity to at season's end, share the conference championship with Samford and Chattanooga.
Last season's game vs. Furman: The Paladins won, 32-20 in Cullowhee. Furman placekicker, Ray Early, kicked six field goals in the game, setting a Furman school record and matched the E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field record held by former Catamount Josh Jones who kicked six field goals against Samford in 1999. The Cats produced one more first down in the game (19-18), as well as, total more yards in offense (434-412) than Furman. The Cats however fumbled 4 times, losing the ball twice.
Lettermen Returning: 42 / Offense - 21; Defense - 21
Offensive starters Returning/Lost: 6 / 5
Defensive starters Returning/Lost: 8 / 3
Basic Offense: Multiple
Basic Defense: Multiple
2014 Statistics:
Rushing Offense: 106.0 yards per game
Passing Offense: 197.4 yards per game
Total Offense: 303 yards per game
Scoring Offense: 13 per game
Fumbles-Lost: 5 - 4
Penalties-Yards: 42.3 avg per game
3rd Down Conversions: 17 of 47 (36%)
4th Down Conversions: 1 - 3 (33%)
Field Goals - Attempts: 6 of 9
Red-Zone Scores: 6 of 9 (67%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 2 of 9 (22%)
Losses/Weaknesses: 9 starters lost
Key Losses - Starters on Offense: Ryan Culbreath (WR), Dakota Dozier (OT), Cameron Mason (TE), Eric Thoni (C) Starters on Defense: Jairus Hollman, Austin Williams (CB), Greg Worthy (SS) - Specialists: Ray Early (PK & P)
Strengths: In the SoCon Media Day, the Paladins were selected in a tie with Samford for an end of season finish in second place. A total of seven Paladins were selected for the All Conference teams, defensive end Gary Wilkins, linebackers Marcus McMorris and Carl Rider, and cornerback Reggie Thomas. Offensively, the Paladins had three first team selections, including lineman Charles Emert, running back Hank McCloud, and wide receiver Andrej Suttles. Garnering second team accolades were quarterback Reese Hannon, offensive lineman Joe Turner, defensive lineman Ira McCune, and safety Trey Robinson.
Returning Leaders: Starters on Offense: Ernie Cain (FB), Charlet Emert (OT), Reese Hannon (QB), Hank McCloud (RB), Tank Philips (OG), Andrej Suttles (WR), Joe Turner (OG) - Starters on Defense: Jordan Hawkins (DT), John Mackey (NT), Cory Magwood (LB), Ira McCune (DE), Marcus McMorris (FS), Carl Rider (LB), Reggie Thomas (CB), Gary Wilkins (LB) - 44 Lettermen Returning
Prediction: Western 27 - Furman 17
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