Game #5 - Chattanooga

In the Catamounts' fifth game of the 2021 season, the Cats travel to the #19 University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.  This will be the Cat's second straight visit to Chattanooga, as the Mocs canceled their season this past spring, just prior to their scheduled visit to Cullowhee leaving three conference opponents high and dry while denying the Cats one of their home games.  

Western faces the Mocs for the 47th time on the gridiron, since 1973.

Game 5 - at UT Chattanooga Mocs

When: Saturday, October 2, 2021

Time:  1:30 pm
Where:  Finley Stadium (20,412), Chattanooga, TN
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
-announcers: Gary Ayers, PxP; Daniel Hooker, Color, Greg McLamb, sideline

TV/video: ESPN3

-announcers:  Chris Goforth (PxP), Scott McMahen (Analysis) & Dave Keylon (Sideline)

Live Stats:  Mocs Live Stats

Tickets:  Mocs Ticket Office

Fan Message Board:  Moc Nation

Game Notes:  Western Carolina    -     Chattanooga

The Series: In the 47th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 17-29 record against the Mocs. The Cats have lost 2 straight to Chattanooga, and 10 of the last 11 games played.  Western is 7-15 against UTC in games played in Chattanooga since 1973. The Cats last won in Chattanooga, TN in 2017

Last Game vs. Chattanooga (September 28, 2019) - Strong Offensive, Special Teams Efforts Not Enough in Loss at UTC - Chattanooga, Tenn. – On the strength of a 17-yard touchdown pass from Tyrie Adams to tight end Owen Cosenke and a two-point conversion rush by Curtis Roach on a fake PAT, Western Carolina closed to within one score, 44-36, with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter of an offensive Saturday afternoon. However, the Chattanooga Mocs pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 60-36 Southern Conference victory at Finley Stadium. The two teams combined for 1,086 combined yards of total offense.

This Season's Record (Fall 2021):  1-2 overall, 0-1 home, 1-1 away, 0-0 SoCon
Last Season's Record (Spring 2021 - UTC): 3-2 overall, 1-1 home, 2-1 away, 3-1 SoCon  

Head Coach:  Rusty Wright - Rusty Wright is in his third year as head coach of the Mocs football program. He was officially introduced on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. A 22-year veteran of the collegiate coaching ranks, Wright is a 1996 graduate of UTC with a degree in Sports Administration. He was a four-year letter winner for the Mocs football team and had two stints as an assistant coach at UTC. “I am extremely excited to announce Rusty Wright as the next head coach of Chattanooga Football,” stated UTC Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. “Once again, our program, University, and community attracted an outstanding candidate pool.”

Offensive Formation: Multiple

Defensive Formation: Multiple

Rusty Wright vs. WCU:  1 - 0

Kerwin Bell vs. UTC:  0 - 0

The Coaches Poll has the quitters at #19, while College Sports Journal Sagarin Ranks them at #24 this week.  With all 11 starters back on the offensive side of the ball for the Mocs, with additional depth in the number of backups that got extended looks in the spring.  Jacobs Blocking Award winner Cole Strange anchors an offensive line that has three different running backs behind it with collegiate 100-yard games. The defense was dominant with All-America defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell headlining the crew.

Jacobs Blocking Award winner Cole Strange anchors an offensive line that has three different running backs behind it with collegiate 100-yard games. The defense was dominant with All-America defensive lineman Devonnsha Maxwell headlining the crew.

The Mocs had a bye week after playing at Kentucky, and just before playing the Cats, giving them two weeks to rest, recuperate and prepare for the Cats.  The Mocs are deep on both sides of the ball with experience. Forty-six members of the roster are in their fourth year or more at the college level, redshirt included.

Western Carolina's offense has passed the 500 total-yard mark in each of its 3 FCS games this fall, including 650 yards at Gardner-Webb. The Catamounts have run 83-or-more plays against like opponents including 97 against Samford and matched a school record with 99 at Gardner-Webb. WCU enters the weekend ranked third in the conference in total offense at 458.0 yards per game, against a Chattanooga team that ranks second in the SoCon, limiting opponents to just 314.3 yards per game and just 19.3 points per game.

In an effort to put fans in seats in the Finley Stadium, the Mocs are promoting the game as a "White Out", it's also "Family Weekend" and "Band Day". However, I'd expect you'll see less than the 8,115 they had on Opening Day, against OVC's Austin Peay. In 2019, the last regular season prior to Covid 19, the Mocs averaged 7,767 for 6 home games.

 

2021 Mocs Statistics (Fall 3 games):
Rushing Offense: 464 yards on 107 attempts
Yards per game: 154.7
Yards per rush: 4.3 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 20
TDs rushing: 4
Passing Offense: 398 yards or 132.7 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 4.8 yards
Passing 1st downs: 24
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 42-83-5                
TDs Passing: 2
Total Offense: 862 yards or 287.3yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 0-0
3d Down Conversions: 14 of 43 (33%)
4th Down Conversions: 1 of 1 (100%)
Field goal attempts:5 - 5
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 10 of 11  (91%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 6 of  11 (86%)
PAT:  6 of 7 (86%)

2 Deep Roster vs. Chattanoogoa

 

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings (after Week #4)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings. 

Each Monday throughout the fall season we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  






 

 1. (1) ETSU (4-0)

   Next: Wofford

  2. (5) VMI (3-1)

   Next: at The Citadel

 

 3. (3) Mercer (2-1)                                                               

   Next: Samford

 

 4. (4) Samford (2-2)

   Next: at Mercer

   

5. (6) Chattanooga (1-2) 

   Next: Western Carolina

   

6. (2) Furman (2-2)

   Next: Bye

 

 7. (8) Wofford (1-2)

   Next: at ETSU

   

8. (9) The Citadel (1-2)

   Next: VMI   

 

 9. (7) Western Carolina (0-4) 

   Next: at Chattanooga

1.                                                                 

Gold Star Mother's Day

Today is Gold Star Mother’s Day, and we honor all mothers who have lost a child serving our country.

 

 

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Gardner-Webb

 

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Game #4 - Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs

In the Catamounts' fourth game of the 2021 season, the Cats go out of conference and return to Boiling Springs to face Gardner-Webb for the 11th time overall on the gridiron. 

The two teams were scheduled to meet in Cullowhee for the 2020 season but did not play due to the Covid19 cancellations.   

Game #4 - Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs

When: Saturday, September 25th 

Time:  6 pm 
Where: Spangler Stadium, Boiling Springs, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

-announcers: Gary Ayers, PxP; Daniel Hooker, Color, Greg McLamb, sideline
TV/video:  ESPN+

-announcers:  Phil Constantino and Al Wallace

Live Stats:   GWU Live Stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina    -     Gardner-Webb

Tickets:  GWU tickets

Conference: Big South Conference

Mascot:  Runnin' Bulldogs

Colors:  Scarlet and Black

Students:  3,600

Game Day Parking:  $10.00 -  Game Day Parking info

Message Board:  Gardner Webb Fan

The Series: In the 11th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 6-4 record overall against the dogs and enter the contest on a 1 game losing streak vs. Gardner-Webb. The 2019 season's loss broke a four-game win streak over the Runnin' Bulldogs by the Cats.  

Tre Lamb's record vs. WCU:  0-0

Kerwin Bell's record vs. GWU:  0-0

Last Game vs. Gardner-Webb (Oct. 5, 2019) - Late Field Goal Lifts Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina, 24-21 -   Cullowhee, N.C. – Gardner-Webb placekicker Kurt Everett nailed a 33-yard field goal as time expired to cap a 16-play, game-winning drive as the Runnin' Bulldogs downed Western Carolina, 24-21, in nonconference action in front of a Family Weekend crowd of 11,865 Saturday afternoon at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. GWU tailback Jayln Cagle patiently rushed for a game-high 138 yards including a crucial 14-yard gain on the game's penultimate play to transform a third-and-13 into a first down while also managing to get out of bounds to preserve five seconds of game clock to set-up Everett's game-winning boot. Despite a pair of timeouts taken by WCU to try and ice the kicker, the redshirt sophomore split the uprights to halt WCU's four-game series winning streak.

Last Season's Record (spring 2021 - GWU): 2-2 overall, 2-1 home, 0-1 away, 0-2 Big South  (wins over Elon, & PC).

This Season's Record (Fall 2021):  1-2 overall, 1-0 home, 0-2 away, 0-0 conference

Head Coach: Tre Lamb is in his second season as head coach at Gardner-Webb University. He was named to the position on December 14, 2019. “We are thrilled to have Tre Lamb agree to lead our football program at Gardner-Webb University,” said GWU President Dr. William Downs. “He quickly rose to the top of a large and distinguished list of interested coaches with his bold vision, his unmatched energy and his confident commitment to winning championships at GWU.

Offensive Formation: Spread Option

Defensive Formation: 4-3

The Runnin' Bulldogs added Joe Scelfo (run game coordinator and offensive line coach) to the coaching staff, as well as elevated current assistant coach Taylor Lamb to the offensive coordinator position, he will continue to coach the team's quarterbacks. Scelfo spent two seasons coaching the guards and centers at Southeast Louisiana. 

Coach Lamb signed a freshman class with 15 members earning All-State honors following their respective senior seasons – the most ever for Gardner-Webb in one incoming class. The Runnin' Bulldogs signed four All-State choices each from North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, two from South Carolina, and one from Tennessee.  

Gardner-Webb has built a defensive line perhaps as good as in the Big South. The unit goes 11 deep without much drop-off and has experience. The group led the way to 15 sacks in just four games this past spring, in addition to All-America end Ty French (6-3, 230, So.), the ‘Dogs return veteran starters Shai Thomas (6-2, 271, Sr.) and Janathian Turner (6-3, 306, Sr.), along with tackle Charlie Jackson (6-4, 323, So.).  Former starters Kendall Bailey (6-4, 262, Gr.) and Tremayne Booker (6-2, 273, Gr.) have significant experience and have moved from end to playing inside. Former three-star recruit Cash Devaughn (6-2, 293, RFr.) creates depth on the interior, as does former All-State lineman Willie Harris (6-1, 275, Fr.). 

Thus far this season, the Runnin' Bulldogs have faced two FBS opponents (losing both), as well as a non-Division I opponent.  The Dogs lost both FBS games (25-30 GSU & 10-38 Charlotte). GSU is coming off a 56-0 romp over Division II's Lincoln Lions.  It's difficult to get a good reading on the Running Bulldogs since they have played no FCS games this season, after going 0-2 in the spring against Big South opponents.  While the Runnin' Bulldogs held GSU to a 5 point loss, the Eagles came into that game on a 2 game losing streak.  

2021 Runnin' Bulldogs Statistics (3 games):

Rushing Offense: 553 yards 
Yards per game: 184
Yards per rush: 5.4 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 29
TDs rushing: 6
Passing Offense: 627 yards or 209 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.4 yards
Passing 1st downs: 29
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 98-55-1

TDs Passing: 6
Total Offense: 1180 yards or 393 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost:  3-1
3d Down Conversions: 14 of 39 or 35%
4th Down Conversions: 4 of 7 or 57%
Field goal attempts: 3 of 5
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 10 of 13 
Red Zone Touchdowns: 8 of 13

PAT:  8 of 9

 

2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings (after Week #3)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings. 

Each Monday throughout the fall season we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  






   1. (1) ETSU (3-0)

   Next: at Samford

   2 (2) Furman (2-1)

   Next: Mercer

   3. (3) Mercer (1-1)                                                               

   Next: Furman

   4 (5) Samford (2-1)

   Next: ETSU

   5. (4) VMI (2-1)

   Next: Wofford

   6. (8) Chattanooga (1-1) 

   Next: bye

   7 (8) Western Carolina (0-3) 

   Next: at Gardner-Webb

   8. (7) Wofford (1-1)

   Next:  at VMI

   9. (9) The Citadel (1-2)

   Next: bye

1.                                                                 

Going into Week Four of SoCon Football

At this point on the season, Mercer leads the SoCon in scoring, averaging 41.5 points per game, with Wofford at the other end, only scoring an average of 17 points per game.  ETSU leads the conference in scoring defense, only giving up 7.7 points per game with VMI giving up a conference-high of 35 points per game.  

Mercer leads in rushing offense, averaging 303.5 yards per game, as Samford posts a conference low of only 105.7 per game.  While the Bulldogs are in the last place in rushing yardage, they hold down the top spot in pass offense, with an average of 313 years per game

Currently,  Quay Holmes of ETSU leads the conference in rushing yardage with 122.7 yards per game, while Liam Welch of Samford is the leading passer, averaging 314 yards per game, his closes competitor is Rogan Wells putting up almost 100 yards less per game, at 227.3 yards. 

Nathan East of Samford leads the conference in tackles, averaging 9.7 per game, with 15 solo tackles and 14 assists.  

National POW*MIA Recognition Day

Game #3 - Samford Bulldogs

For the season's third game, the Cats return home for the SoCon Game of the Week and Family Weekend in Cullowhee, as they face the Samford Bulldogs.  This game also opens the Southern Conference season for both the Cats and Dogs.

Since Samford joined the Southern Conference in 2008, Western is 3-15 against the Bulldogs after last February's 27-55 beatdown by Samford in Homewood, AL.

Game #3 - Samford Bulldogs

When: Saturday, September 18, 2021 

Time:  3:30 pm
Where: EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

-announcers: Gary Ayers, PxP; Greg McLamb, color;

TV/video:  Nexstar / ESPN+

 - WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro/High Point), WJHL (Johnson City), WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Lynchburg/Roanoke), WYCW (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville), WBTW (Myrtle Beach)

Live Stats:  WCU Live Stats

Bulldog Message Board:  The Dog Pound

Game Notes:      Western Carolina   -    Samford

The Series: The Cats are 3-15 overall against the Bulldogs since winning the first outing back in 1969. Samford owned an eleven-game winning streak against Western until 2015 when the Cats broke that streak in Cullowhee with a 56-36 win over the Dogs. The Cats are 1-9 in games played in Birmingham. Coach Speir is 2-6 as a head coach vs. Samford.

Chris Hatcher's record vs. Western Carolina: 4-2

Kerwin Bell's record vs. Samford:  0-0

Last game played vs. Samford: February 27, 2021 - Strong Second Half Leads Samford Past WCU, 55-27 - Birmingham, Ala. – Samford quarterback Liam Welch rushed for three touchdowns while throwing for two scores as the Bulldogs broke open a one-point game at halftime, outscoring Western Carolina 34-7 in the second half to hand the Catamounts a 55-27 setback in Southern Conference football action at Seibert Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Chris Hatcher's Record:  157-86 overall (22d season)

Last Season's Record - 2020-21 (Samford): 4-3 overall, 3-1 home, 1-2 away,  4-3 SoCon

Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: 4-3

Nine Samford players were named to Phil Steele's preseason All-SoCon teams. Samford had four players named to the first team, with Armond Lloyd (DL), John Staton (LB), Mitchell Fineran (PK), and Montrell Washington (PR) earning first-team nods. Washington was also named second-team as both a wide receiver and all-purpose performer. The other second-team members were Mike Williams (OL) and Bradley Porcellato (P). Samford's third team members were Chris Oladokun (QB), Jai'Rus Creamer (WR), and Nathan East (LB). Montrell Washington was named first-team preseason All-American as a punt returner by Phil Steele.

Samford comes to Cullowhee with a 1-1 record. In the first game of the season against Tennessee Tech, the Bulldogs looked invincible, winning the game 52-14 at home.  However, in the second game of the season, this time on the road, a much different team played.  The Bulldogs lost to UT Martin 33-27, however, the game was not as close as the score indicated. The Dog rushed out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, then the Skyhawks came back with 24 points in the second quarter and holding the Bulldogs to one field goal in the entire quarter.  UTM racked up 460 total yards against Samford, with 229 yards passing, and 240 on the ground, while holding Samford to only 37 yeads rushing in the game.  

Samford was held to 11 first downs and went just 4 for 12 on 3rd down conversions, and 0-2 in 4th down attempts. While the Samford passing game was more productive than the ground game, the Bulldogs did give up two interceptions.  

2021 Samford Statistics (2 games)
Rushing Offense: 142 yards
Yards per game: 71
Yards per rush: 3 yards
Rushing 1st downs:  9
TDs rushing: 3
Passing Offense: 587 yards or 293 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 22
Passing Att-Comp-Int:  84-57-2

TDs Passing: 5
Total Offense: 729 yards or 364 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 2 - 0
3d Down Conversions: 10 of 28 (35.7%)
4th Down Conversions: 4 of 7 (57%)
Field goal attempts:  3 of 4
PAT-Attempts:  10 of 10
Red Zone Scores: 9 of 10
Red Zone Touchdowns: 5 of 10
On-Side Kicks:  0 - 0
Penalties-Yards:  10 - 81 - Avg. per gm 40.5
Punts-Yards: 6 - 327 - Avg. per gm 40.8
Sacks:  3

2-Deep Roster vs. Samford

 

It's Game Week vs. Samford

 

                                                                                                                Pic Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

The 2021-22 WCU Men's Basketball Schedule

The 2021-22 WCU MBB Schedule           

Nov. 09 Bowling Green 

Nov. 12 @ Wake Forest 

Nov. 14 @ ECU
Nov. 19 UMBC
Nov. 20 American
Nov. 21 Longwood
Nov. 27 @ Gardner-Webb

Dec. 04 @ USC Upstate
Dec. 08 Tenn Tech
Dec. 11 Asheville
Dec. 20 @ Georgia
Dec. 22 @ Charlotte
Dec. 29 UNCG

Jan. 01 @ ETSU
Jan. 05 The Citadel
Jan. 08 @ Samford
Jan. 12 Chattanooga
Jan. 15 Wofford
Jan. 19 @ Furman
Jan. 22 @ Mercer
Jan. 26 @ The Citadel
Jan. 29 Samford

Feb. 02 ETSU
Feb. 04 @ VMI
Feb. 09 @ Chattanooga
Feb. 12 @ Wofford
Feb. 16 Furman
Feb. 19 Mercer
Feb. 23 @ UNCG
Feb. 26 VMI

2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings (after Week #2)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings. 

Each Monday throughout the fall season we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  








   1. (1) ETSU (2-0)

   Next: Delaware State

   2 (4) Furman (2-0)

   Next: at NC State

   3. (5) Mercer (1-1)                                                               

   Next: bye

   4. (3) VMI (1-1)

   Next: at Cornell

   5 (2) Samford (1-1)

   Next: at Western Carolina

   6. (8) Chattanooga (1-1) 

   Next: at Kentucky

   7. (7) Wofford (1-0)

   Next:  Bye week

   8 (6) Western Carolina (0-2) 

   Next: Samford

   9. (9) The Citadel (0-2)

   Next: North Greenville

1.                                                                 

Football Standings (9-12-21)

Courtesy SoCon Media Relations

 

Sep. 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Game #2 - Oklahoma Sooners

In their second game of the 2021 season, the Western Carolina Catamounts travel to Norman, OK to face the Oklahoma Sooners. This is the first-ever meeting between the Catamounts and Sooners on the gridiron and is WCU's second all-time game against a current member of the Big XII conference.>Game #2 - Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, September 11 

Time:   7:00 pn (EST)
Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (natural grass; 80,126 capacity),  Norman, OK

Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV/video:  PPV (cable) / SoonerSports TV
Live Stats:  Oklahoma Live Stats
Conference:  Big XII

Nickname: Sooners

Mascots:  Boomer & Sooner
Colors: Crimson & Cream
Enrollment:  30,903
Message Board:  SoonerFans

Game Notes:  Western Carolina   -     Oklahoma

The Series: This is the first meeting on the gridiron between these two teams.

Lincoln Riley's record at Oklahoma / Career :  45-8 (4 years)  /   same  

Riley directed the Sooners to four Big 12 titles, and three college football playoff births, also produced two Heisman Trophy winners and two #1 NFL draft picks.

Last Season's Record  (2020 - Oklahoma):  9-2 overall, 6-2  Big XII, 4-1 home, 2-1 away, 3-0 neutral 
2020 Overall Record: 9-2 (Cotton Bowl champion) 

2020 Big 12 Record (Standing): 6-2 (2nd; won Big 12 Championship Game) 

Offensive Formation: Multiple 
Defensive Formation: Multiple 

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 8 / 3

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 7 /  4

Specialist - Returning/Lost: 5 / 1

Last season, a 1-2 start resulted in the Sooners falling out of the Top 25 Poll for the first time since September 2016, Oklahoma then won the final eight games of 2020 to finish 9-2, claimed its sixth consecutive Big 12 championship and embarrassed #10 Florida, 55-20 in the Cotton Bowl. The Sooners finished the year at No. 6 in the AP and Coaches polls. OU was highly effective on both sides of the ball, ranking 11th in total offense (494.7 ypg) and 29th in total defense (350.6 ypg).  

A consensus early-season top-five pick for 2021, the Sooners return 16 players (not including specialists) who started at least five of the team's 11 games last season (10 on defense and six on offense), as well as 2019 10-game starter Kennedy Brooks, OU's two-time 1,000-yard rusher who opted to sit out the 2020 season. Fourteen of those 16 started at least eight games (seven on each side of the ball). On special teams, returning are first-team All-Big 12 kicker Gabe Brkic, punter Reeves Mundschau, long snapper Kasey Kelleher, holder Spencer Jones and punt returner Marvin Mims.

The Sooners are led by Spencer Rattler (R-So.) who started all 11 games last season and was named national freshman of the year by CBS Sports. Rattler is the second OU quarterback to be named a Freshman All-American, He completed 214 of 317 pass attempts for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns, rushed 81 times for 160 yards and six TDs.

The #4 nationally ranked Sooners beat Tulane 40-35 on Saturday in a game that was relocated from New Orleans because of Hurricane Ida. Oklahoma led by only five points in the fourth quarter and Tulane had possession,  but Tulane turned the ball over on downs, and Oklahoma ran out the clock.  The Sooners could not run the ball in the second half, so they couldn't put the game away. Oklahoma scored just three points after the break. 

The OU Athletics Department announced Wednesday that the Sooners' home football game against Western Carolina is sold out.  

2020 Oklahoma Sooners  (11 games):

Rushing Offense: 2252 yards
Yards per game: 179.7
Yards per rush: 4.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 96
TDs rushing: 27
Passing Offense: 3465 yards or 315 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 9.57 yards
Passing 1st downs: 156
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 362-249-8
TDs Passing: 30
Total Offense: 5442 yards or 494.7.2 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 14-6
3d Down Conversions: 55-135 (40.7%)
4th Down Conversions: 9-10 (80%)
Field goal attempts: 22 - 28
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 54 - 59
Red Zone Touchdowns: 40 -59

Picture Courtesy WCU Media Relations

WCU 2-Deep Roster (at Oklahoma)

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings (after Week #1)

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2021 SoCon Football Power Rankings. 

Each Monday throughout the fall season we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  







1. ETSU (1-0)

Next: UVA-Wise

2. Samford (1-0)

Next: at UT Martin

3. VMI (1-0)

Next: at Kent State

4, Furman (1-0)

Next: at Tennessee Tech

5. Mercer (1-0)

Next: at Alabama

6. Western Carolina (0-1) 

Next: at Oklahoma

7. Wofford (1-0)

Next:  Bye week

8. Chattanooga (0-1) 

Next: North Alabama

9. The Citadel (0-1)

Next: Charleston Southern

1.                                         

SoCon Football Standings

Courtesy SoCon Media Relations

 

It's Game Day - #0 Jaylen Floyd & #0 TJ Jones

Welcome to the eleventh annual Catamount Football "100 days to Football Kickoff Countdown".

During the countdown, we'll highlight the player whose number corresponds to that day in the countdown. To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff Saturday.

Since the official 2021 Catamount Football Roster has not yet been published, we'll use the 2021 Catamount Football Preseason Roster for jersey numbers until the new roster is posted, at which point we'll switch to the official roster for the remainder of the countdown.

It's now Game Day, Saturday, September 4th, 2021, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field, Cullowhee, NC.

From this point forward, and for the last highlights of the countdown, we'll look at a defensive back and a running back:  

#0 Jaylen Floyd

POSITION Defensive Back
HEIGHT 5-9
WEIGHT 185
CLASS Graduate Student
HOMETOWN Miramar, Fla.

COLLEGE  Lehigh
HIGH SCHOOL Miramar HS


Prior to Western Carolina: Graduate transfer from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. … Did not play in Lehigh’s abbreviated, three-game 2021 spring season ... Was named a team captain as a senior in the spring season ... Graduated from Lehigh with a bachelor's in psychology.

2019 (Junior, Lehigh): Appeared in all 11 games with eight starts at cornerback … Also served as one of Lehigh’s primary kickoff and punt returners ... Named the team's top defensive back … Established a career-high with 15 tackles at UC Davis … Finished with team-best six pass breakups on the season … Had five tackles and two pass breakups at Bucknell … Averaged 20 yards on 15 kickoff returns … Career-long 34-yard kickoff return versus Merrimack.

2018 (Sophomore, Lehigh): Played in nine games with two starts at rover at Georgetown and Lafayette … Credited with four pass breakups … Made four tackles versus Fordham … Four tackles and a tackle for loss at Lafayette … Lehigh’s top punt returner with 86 yards on 14 returns.

2017 (Freshman, Lehigh): Appeared in 11 games, making six starts at cornerback … Made four straight starts beginning with Penn game … Career-high seven tackles at Colgate … Added four tackles in win over Georgetown.

High School: Was a team captain ... Awarded defensive MVP ... Selected for Florida Public vs. Private School All-Star Game … National Honor Society member.

Personal: Is the son of Sherrell and Harold Floyd … Has two siblings, Justyce Floyd and Jamaal Floyd.


#0 TJ Jones

POSITION Running Back
HEIGHT 5-11
WEIGHT 205
CLASS Junior
HOMETOWN Lakeland, Fla

COLLEGE  Tusculum
HIGH SCHOOL Lakeland HS


Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from Tusculum; 

Tusculum: In five games in the spring season, led the Pioneers with 337 rushing yards on 62 carries, averaging 67.4 rushing yards per game and 5.4 yards per rush … Scored five touchdowns on the ground … Added 18 receptions for 243 receiving yards and three scores out of the backfield; Georgia Military College: Scored eight touchdowns in 2019 in helping GMC to an 8-3 record … Rushed for 458 yards on 56 carries (8.2 ypc average) ... Rushed for a season-best 140 yards and three TDs at Hocking College including a 93-yard TD run ... Also returned punts and kickoffs during the season.... Coached by Bert Williams; 

High School: Accumulated 3,769 rushing yards and a school-record 54 TDs ... Rushed for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons ... Named first-team All-State ... All-County first-team selection .... Offensive MVP ... 3-time District Champions ... State Runner-Up ... Coached by Doug Deymer and Keith Deymer

Personal: Full name Travell Jones ... Prefers to go by "TJ"... Son of Sherry Carson... Has four siblings: Trenard Carter, Lakeith Wilson, Keonte Wilson, Derwin Carter.

Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky Colonels

In the Catamounts' opening game of the 2021 season, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels travel to Cullowhee for the opening football game for both teams.  It's Kerwin Bell's debut as the WCU head football coach, and it's a "White Out Whitmire" Saturday in EJ Whitmire Stadium.  Don't forget the fireworks on the field and in the sky, after the game.

Western faces the Colonels for just the seventh time overall. The two teams last played in Richmond, KY in 2020, with the Cats coming home with a 17-49 loss at the hands of the Colonels. 

Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky Colonels

When: Saturday, September 4 

Time:   6:00 pm EST  
Where: EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV/video:  Nexstar / ESPN+

 - WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro/High Point), WJHL (Johnson City), WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Lynchburg/Roanoke), WYCW (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville), WBTW (Myrtle Beach)
Live Stats:  WCU Live Stats
EKU Conference:  ASUN / AQ7
Nickname: Colonels
Colors: Maroon and White
Enrollment:  14,980
Message Board:  Maroon Nation

The Series: In only the 7th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 2-4 record overall against the Colonels. Western is 1-1 against the Colonels in games played in Cullowhee. 

EKU Head Coach:  Walt Wells - 2d Season.  Wells was hired as the 15th head coach in program history on Dec. 9, 2019. Wells most recently served as a quality control assistant at the University of Kentucky during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The 2018 Wildcat team beat Florida for the first time in 32 years, posted the program’s best Southeastern Conference (SEC) record in 41 years and beat No. 12-ranked Penn State in the VRBO Citrus Bowl. All totaled, the 10-3 record was Kentucky's best season in 41 years and only the third 10-win season in school history.

Wells record at EKU (Years) / Career :  3-6 (1 year)  /   same  

Wells record vs. WCU:  1-0

Kerwin Bell's record vs. EKU: 0-0

Last Season's Record  (2020 - EKU): 3-6 overall, 2-2 home, 1-4 away, 0-0 OVC
EKU Offensive Formation: Multiple Spread
EKU Defensive Formation: 4-3

The Colonels finished the 2020 season at 3-6, but were two plays away from going 5-4. On Oct. 3 against Houston Baptist, EKU scored a touchdown to pull within one with 4:04 left in the game. The game-tying extra-point was blocked and returned for two points in a 33-30 loss. On Oct. 17 at FBS Troy, Eastern took a 29-28 lead with 21 seconds left in the game. The Trojans drove 30 yards in three plays and made a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired.

EKU joined the ASun conference on July 1 and will play in the ASUN-WAC Challenge (AQ7). Since neither of the two conferences has enough eligible members for an auto bid, the ASUN and WAC agreed on a one-year football scheduling alliance for the 2021 fall football season.  The Colonels were selected as #5 in the first AQ7 poll.  OL Payton Collins, DL Quinten Floyd, LB Matthew Jackson, DB Joseph Sayles were selected as preseason all-conference. 

Six Eastern Kentucky University football student-athletes were voted to the 2021 ASUN Preseason All-Conference Team, the league announced on Tuesday. The six Colonels named Preseason All-ASUN were Jacquez Jones (wide receiver), Payton Collins (offensive line), Jyran Mitchell (all-purpose), Quinten Floyd (defensive line), Matthew Jackson (linebacker) and Joseph Sayles (defensive back). EKU was picked to finish fifth in the Preseason ASUN/WAC AQ7 Coaches Poll. Defending national champion Sam Houston State is the preseason favorite after taking all seven first-place votes in the poll. EKU’s roster has changed significantly since last year’s season-ending win over Western Carolina on Nov. 21.  

The Colonels announced nine transfer additions in June, but also lost several players through the portal, including senior running back Alonzo Booth, the Colonels leading rusher. Parker McKinney is set to enter his fourth season but is still considered a redshirt sophomore. The quarterback missed the final three games of the season after completing almost 64 percent of his pass attempts for 1,358 yards and 12 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

3-star WR Jacquez Jones, who signed with Tennessee before transferring to Eastern Kentucky in 2020, has entered the transfer portal after grabbing 40 rec for 578 yards and 4 TD in his one season with the Colonels.

2020 Eastern Kentucky Statistics  (9 games):
Rushing Offense: 1161 yards
Yards per game: 129
Yards per rush: 3.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 56
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 2227 yards or 247.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 8 yards
Passing 1st downs: 94
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 167-277-9
TDs Passing: 17
Total Offense: 3388 yards or 382.2 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 10-6
3d Down Conversions: 35%
4th Down Conversions: 57%
Field goal attempts: 11 - 14
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 26-31 (84%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 15-31 (88%)

1 day to WCU Football Kickoff - #1 Ivan Hogans & #1 CJ Williams

Welcome to the eleventh annual Catamount Football "100 days to Football Kickoff Countdown".

During the countdown, we'll highlight the player whose number corresponds to that day in the countdown. To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff Saturday.

Since the official 2021 Catamount Football Roster has not yet been published, we'll use the 2021 Catamount Football Preseason Roster for jersey numbers until the new roster is posted, at which point we'll switch to the official roster for the remainder of the countdown.

It's now 1 day until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 4th, 2021, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field, Cullowhee, NC.

From this point forward, most of the roster numbers have both an offensive and defensive player assigned to that number, today we will highlight both a linebacker and a wide receiver:

#1 Ivan Hogans

POSITION Linebacker
HEIGHT 6-2
WEIGHT 220
CLASS Fifth Year
HOMETOWN Stockbridge, Ga.

COLLEGE  Tusculum
HIGH SCHOOL Stockbridge HS


Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from Tusculum; 

Tusculum: Played in 36 career games for the Pioneers, amassing 256 career tackles including 115 solo stops and 29 tackles for loss with 8.5 sacks … Named first-team All-South Atlantic Conference as a junior in 2019, finishing with 85 tackles … Posted a career-high 92 tackles in 10 games as a sophomore in 2018, adding two interceptions in earning first-team All-South Atlantic Conference plaudits … Was also named D2CCA All-Region second team and Football Gazette All-Region third team … Recorded eight career pass break-ups including three in the spring 2021 season … Forced three career fumbles; 

High School: Lettered in varsity football two seasons ... Selected all-Conference in 2014 and 2015 ... A part of three-time region champions coached by Kevin Whitley.

Personal: Full name is Ivan Hogans, Jr.



#1 CJ Williams

POSITION Wide Receiver
HEIGHT 5-10
WEIGHT 160
CLASS Sophomore
HOMETOWN Gallion, Ala.

COLLEGE  Alabama 
HIGH SCHOOL Demopolis HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from Alabama … Originally committed to Army West Point as a prep; 

Alabama: Did not see playing time for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2020. 

High School: Was a two-sport standout playing football and running track & field … Was named the Anthony Robinson Player of the Year as a senior … Was a running back, punt and kick returner, and defensive cornerback as a prep … Received a two-star ranking from Rivals as a cornerback where he was an all-state selection with 16 interceptions between his sophomore and junior years … His high school head coach was Brian Seymore.

Personal: Is the son of Shenika and Talmus Williams.