Courtesy WCU Athletics |
Monday, October 31, 2022
2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #9)
Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings after week #9 of play.
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach the end of the season, here are this week's power rankings. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach the end of the season, here are this week's power rankings. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
1. (3) Mercer (7-2, 5-1 SoCon)
Next: Bye
2. (2) Samford (7-1, 5-0 SoCon)
Next: VMI
3. (4) Furman (7-2, 5-1 SoCon)
Next: Bye
4. (1) Chattanooga (6-2, 4-1 SoCon)
Next: at The Citadel
5. (6) Wofford (2-6, 3-3 SoCon)
Next: at Western Carolina
6. (5) The Citadel (2-6, 2-4 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga
7. (8) Western Carolina (3-5, 1-4 SoCon)
Next: Wofford
8. (7) ETSU (3-6, 1-6 SoCon)
Next: Bye
9. (9) VMI (1-7, 0-6 SoCon)
Next: at Samford
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Game #9 - Wofford Terriers
For the ninth game of the season, the Cats remain in Cullowhee to face the resurgent Wofford Terriers in the Southern Conference Game of the Week, and it's also Homecoming week in Cullowhee.
Game #9 - Wofford Terriers
When: Saturday, November 5, 2022
The Terriers come up the mountain riding a two-game winning streak that broke a 16-game slide for Wofford. Their new interim head coach is off to a 2-0 start, having beat The Citadel and ETSU. The Terrier's previously underperforming offense scored 48 points and put up 580 yards of total offense against the Bucs last Saturday.
Game #9 - Wofford Terriers
Time: 2:00 pm
Where: E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field
Where: E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
-announcers: Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson
TV/video: ESPN3 / Nexstar Network
-announcers: Pete Yanity - PBP, Jared Singleton - Analyst (Nexstar affiliates with the opportunity to air games are: ECBD (Charleston), WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Lynchburg/Roanoke), and WYCW (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville).
The last game played vs. Wofford: October 30, 2021 - Catamounts Dominant in 41-21 Road Win at Wofford - Returning to the starting lineup, quarterback Rogan Wells threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns and wide receiver Raphael Williams caught a school-record 16 passes for 177 receiving yards and two TDs as Western Carolina won its second-straight Southern Conference road game, defeating Wofford 41-21 at Gibbs Stadium.
Head Coach: Shawn Watson (Interim Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) - Wofford College head football coach Josh Conklin announced on Thursday, Oct. 6, his resignation. Shawn Watson was immediately named the interim Head coach. Watson joined the staff as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator on January 13, 2022. He was named interim head coach on October 6, 2022. A veteran with over 35 years of coaching experience, he most recently was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa. He recruits nationally for the quarterback position, along with the Rock Hill area of South Carolina.
Shawn Watson's record vs. WCU: 0 - 0
Game Notes: Western Carolina - Wofford
Mascot: Terrier
Colors: Old Gold & Black
Message Board: Wofford Fans
The Series: The Cats are 15-28 overall against the Terriers in a series that started in 1952, The Cats & Terriers have played a total of 43 times, and the Cats are 10-12 in games played in Cullowhee. Last season's win in Spartanburg broke a 4 game Terrier win streak over the Catamounts.
The last game played vs. Wofford: October 30, 2021 - Catamounts Dominant in 41-21 Road Win at Wofford - Returning to the starting lineup, quarterback Rogan Wells threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns and wide receiver Raphael Williams caught a school-record 16 passes for 177 receiving yards and two TDs as Western Carolina won its second-straight Southern Conference road game, defeating Wofford 41-21 at Gibbs Stadium.
Shawn Watson's record vs. WCU: 0 - 0
Kerwin Bells' record vs. Wofford: 1 - 0
Last Season's Record (2021 Wofford): 1-10 overall, 0-5 home, 1-5 away, 1-4 SoCon.
This Season's Record (2021 Wofford): 2-6 overall, 2-2 home, 0-4 away, 2-3 SoCon.
Offensive Formation: Pro spread offense
Defensive Formation: 3/4 Base
Starters returning/lost: 16 / 9
Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 6 / 5
Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 8 / 3
Offensive Formation: Pro spread offense
Defensive Formation: 3/4 Base
Starters returning/lost: 16 / 9
Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 6 / 5
Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 8 / 3
In the 2022 Southern Conference Preseason Poll, the
conference’s nine head coaches picked Wofford to
finish ninth with 13 points. This marked the lowest
preseason selection for the Terriers since 1997, the
first year in the SoCon.
Wofford College head football coach Josh Conklin announced on Thursday, Oct. 6, his resignation.
Shawn Watson, the Terrier's assistant head coach and offensive coordinator will serve as interim
head coach for the remainder of the season. Watson has over 35 years of coaching experience,
including a stint as head coach at Southern Illinois (1994-96). It marks the first time in school
history that the football team has had an interim head coach. Tyler Carlton will take over primary
play-calling duties for the offense.
Injury Report: To begin the 2022 season, LB Marcus Gatling, DL Jacob Drag, and LB Camden Gray have been out due
to injury. OL Nick Russo, OL Luke Mabry, WR Alec Holt, and WR Rickie Shaw will miss the remainder
of the season due to injury.
For their first win of the season, The Citadel Bulldogs traveled to Spartanburg on Oct. 15th, and Wofford came away with a 31-16 win over the Bulldogs at Gibbs Stadium.
With the game tied at 7-7 in the second quarter, the Terriers responded with 24 unanswered points
on the way to the victory.
Wofford is now 1-6 on the season and 1-3 in the Southern Conference. The Terriers had 349 total yards, with 232 passing yards. Wofford was 5-of-14 on third down. Wofford was called for nine
penalties and The Citadel was called for five in the game.
Wofford is now 2-6 on the season and 2-3 in the Southern Conference. In the ETSU win, the Terriers were led by Jimmy Weirick, who set a new school record with 409 passing yards along with three touchdowns. Landon Parker had eight catches for 179 yards and Amir Annoor had an interception with a minute left in the game. Wofford had 580 total yards, with 409 passing yards.
2022 Wofford Statistics (8 games)Rushing Offense: 709 yards
Yards per game: 88.6
Yards per rush: 2.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 45
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 1611 yards or 201.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.1 yards
Passing 1st downs: 71
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 226-129-6
Yards per game: 88.6
Yards per rush: 2.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 45
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 1611 yards or 201.4 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.1 yards
Passing 1st downs: 71
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 226-129-6
TDs Passing: 8
Total Offense: 2320 yards or 201.4 per game
3d Down Conversions: 37 of 113 (32.7)
4th Down Conversions: 7 of 10 (70%)
Field Goal: 4 of 6
On-side kicks: 1- 1
Red Zone Scores: 16 of 20
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 20
PAT: 15 of 16
Total Offense: 2320 yards or 201.4 per game
3d Down Conversions: 37 of 113 (32.7)
4th Down Conversions: 7 of 10 (70%)
Field Goal: 4 of 6
On-side kicks: 1- 1
Red Zone Scores: 16 of 20
Red Zone Touchdowns: 14 of 20
PAT: 15 of 16
Punts: 55, Avg per punt: 37.2 yards
Monday, October 24, 2022
2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #8)
Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings after week #8 of play.
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach the end of the season, here are this week's power rankings. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach the end of the season, here are this week's power rankings. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
1. (2) Chattanooga (6-1, 4-0 SoCon)
Next: at Furman
2. (3) Samford (6-1, 4-0 SoCon)
Next: at The Citadel
3. (1) Mercer (6-2, 4-1 SoCon)
Next: at VMI
4. (4) Furman (6-2, 4-1 SoCon)
Next: Chattanooga
5. (8) The Citadel (2-5, 2-3 SoCon)
Next: Samford
6. (7) Wofford (1-6, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: ETSU
7. (6) ETSU (3-5, 1-5 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford
8. (5) Western Carolina (3-5, 1-4 SoCon)
Next: Bye
9. (9) VMI (1-6, 0-4 SoCon)
Next: Mercer
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Game #8 - The Citadel
For the eighth game of the season, the Catamounts return home to face The Citadel Bulldogs in E.J. Whitmire Stadium.
The Bulldogs enter the game in a three-way tie for fifth place, with three teams holding identical 1-3 conference records. The Citadel's conference win is over ETSU back in September at home is their lone win of the season.
Game #8 - The Citadel
-announcers: Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson
TV/video: ESPN+
-announcers: Kevin Gehl (PxP), John Shoop (Analyst)
Live Stats: WCU live stats
Game Notes: Western Carolina - The Citadel
Citadel Message Board: Citadel Fan Message Board
Nickname: Bulldogs
Mascot: Spike
The Series: Western is currently 19-26-1 vs. the Bulldogs overall. The Cats and Dogs first played on the gridiron in 1972. The Cats own an 11-12 record vs. the Citadel in games played in Cullowhee, NC
Last Season's Game vs. The Citadel (10-23-21) - Catamounts Score Road Victory at The Citadel, 45-31 - Charleston, S.C. – Quarterback Carlos Davis threw for a career-high 401 yards and three touchdowns while running back TJ Jones amassed 205 total yards, including 132 rushing with a pair of scores and three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown as Western Carolina upended The Citadel 45-31 on Saturday afternoon at Johnson Hagood Stadium.
Last season's Record - (The Citadel): 4-7 overall, 3-3 home, 1-4 away, 3-5 SoCon
This season's Record - (The Citadel): 1-5 overall, 1-1 home, 0-4 away, 1-4 SoCon
Head Coach: Brent Thompson - Brent Thompson was named The Citadel's 25th head football coach on January 19, 2016. In his first year, he led the Bulldogs to unprecedented heights while authoring one of the best seasons in Southern Conference history. Thompson’s first season in charge featured a program-record 10-game winning streak, a single-season school-record six road victories, only the seventh 8-0 conference record in 84 years of SoCon football, a second consecutive conference championship, a No. 6 national seed in the FCS Playoffs and the first home playoff game in 24 years.
Offensive Formation: Triple Option
Defensive Formation: Multiple
Offensive Formation: Triple Option
Defensive Formation: Multiple
Offensive Starters Returning/Lost: 5 / 7
Defensive Starters Returning/Lost: 10 / 3
Thompson's Record at The Citadel: 33-42
Overall Record: Same
Tompson's Record vs. WCU: 3-3
Bell's record vs. The Citadel: 1-0
The Citadel was picked to finish 8th in the coach's preseason poll and 9th in the media poll. The Bulldogs placed four players on the
All-SoCon preseason team with Destin Mack
being chosen to the first team and Marquise
Blount, Tereis Drayton, and Carson Hatchett to
the second team.
The Bulldogs come into Cullowhee riding a four-game losing streak and are coming off a 16-31 upset loss to Wofford in Spartanburg last Saturday. The Bulldogs currently rank 9th in the conference in scoring offense, averaging 9.3 points per game, and 6th in scoring defense, giving up an average of 27.3 points per game. The Bulldogs rank 5th in rushing offense (173.7 YPG) and 6th in rushing defense (giving up 177 YPG). They rank last in pass offense (92 YPG) and 3rd in pass defense.
2022 The Citadel Statistics (6 games):Rushing Offense: 1038 yards
Yards per game: 173 yards
Yards per rush: 3.5 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 50
Yards per game: 173 yards
Yards per rush: 3.5 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 50
TDs rushing: 2
Passing Offense: 552 yards or 92 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 27
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 41-84-4
TDs Passing: 4
Total Offense: 1590 yards or 265 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13 - 6
3d Down Conversions: 28 0f 92 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 10 of 201(48%)
Field goal attempts: 5 of 6
PAT-Attempts: 5 of 6
On-side kicks: 0 of 20
Passing Offense: 552 yards or 92 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 27
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 41-84-4
TDs Passing: 4
Total Offense: 1590 yards or 265 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13 - 6
3d Down Conversions: 28 0f 92 (30%)
4th Down Conversions: 10 of 201(48%)
Field goal attempts: 5 of 6
PAT-Attempts: 5 of 6
On-side kicks: 0 of 20
Red Zone Scores: 6 of 12 (67%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 4 of 12 (33%)
Punts - Yards: 29 for 1083 yrds - Avg per punt: 37.3
Red Zone Touchdowns: 4 of 12 (33%)
Punts - Yards: 29 for 1083 yrds - Avg per punt: 37.3
Monday, October 17, 2022
2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #7)
Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings after week #7 of play.
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 7 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 7 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
1. (1) Mercer (6-1, 44-0 SoCon)
Next: at Chattanooga
2. (2) Chattanooga (5-1, 3-0 SoCon)
Next: Mercer
3. (3) Samford (5-1, 3-0 SoCon)
Next: at ETSU
4. (5) Furman (5-2, 3-1 SoCon)
Next: at VMI
5. (4) Western Carolina (3-4, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: The Citadel
6. (8) ETSU (2-4, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: Samford
7. (9) Wofford (1-6, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: Bye Week
8. (6) The Citadel (1-5, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: at Western Carolina
9. (7) VMI (1-5, 0-3 SoCon)
Next: Furman
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Game 7 - at Furman Paladins
For the seventh game of the season, the Cats remain on the road and travel to Travelers Rest, SC to face the Furman Paladins for the 2022 football edition of The Battle for Purple Supremacy and the game is the SoCon Game of the Week.
The Cats broke a 5-game-losing streak to the Paladins last November winning a 43-42 slugfest in EJ Whitmire Stadium. This is a critical game for both teams, as a win for the Cats would break a 3-game "road losing streak", and a win for the Paladins would keep their conference championship hopes alive.
Game #7 - Furman Paladins
Time: 2 pm EST
Where: Paladin Stadium, Travelers Rest, SC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
Where: Paladin Stadium, Travelers Rest, SC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
-announcers: Gary Ayers, Daniel Hooker, Jeff Bryson
TV/video: ESPN+ & Nexstar Network
TV/video: ESPN+ & Nexstar Network
-announcers: Pete Yanity (pbp), Jared Singleton (analyst)
Furman Message Board: GoPaladins
Head Coach: Clay Hendrix - Introduced as Furman’s new head football coach on December 19, 2016, Clay Hendrix in five 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.
The Series: The Cats are 13-34-2 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 last season with a 43-42 win in Whitmire Stadium. The Cats are 6-18-1 in games played at Furman.
Game Notes: Western Carolina - Furman
The last game played vs. Furman: Nov. 6, 2021 - Catamounts Win Third Straight; Rallies Past Furman, 43-42 - Western Carolina twice erased 11-point deficits on Saturday afternoon, the second coming on an 85-yard scoring strike from quarterback Rogan Wells to Kenny Benjamin out of the backfield as the Catamounts rallied and then held on for a thrilling 43-42 Southern Conference victory over the Furman Paladins at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
The last game played vs. Furman: Nov. 6, 2021 - Catamounts Win Third Straight; Rallies Past Furman, 43-42 - Western Carolina twice erased 11-point deficits on Saturday afternoon, the second coming on an 85-yard scoring strike from quarterback Rogan Wells to Kenny Benjamin out of the backfield as the Catamounts rallied and then held on for a thrilling 43-42 Southern Conference victory over the Furman Paladins at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
Record At Furman: 35-25 (6th Season)
Overall Record: Same
Record vs. SoCon: 27-15
Hendrix vs. Western Carolina: 4-1
Bell vs. Furman: 1-0
Kerwin Bell (Florida ‘87)
Record At The WCU: 7-10 (2nd Season)
Overall Record: 98-51 (14th Season)
Record vs. SoCon: 4-5
Last Season's Record (Furman 2021): 6-5 overall, 3-2 home, 3-3 away, 4-4 in the SoCon
This Season's Record (Furman 2022): 4-2 overall, 1-1 home, 3-1 away, 2-1 in the SoCon
This Season's Record (Furman 2022): 4-2 overall, 1-1 home, 3-1 away, 2-1 in the SoCon
Offensive Formation: Multiple (option - flexbone look)
Defensive Formation: 3-4
Furman was a fourth-place pick in both Southern Conference preseason polls, and six Paladins have earned all-conference accolades, including four first-team selections — tight end Ryan Miller, offensive tackles Anderson Tomlin and Pearson Toomey, and cornerback Travis Blackshear — and a pair of second-team picks, running back Dominic Roberto and nose guard Cameron Coleman.
Up until this point in the season, the Paladins have wins over North Greenville, ETSU, CSU, and most recently The Citadel. The Citadel, CSU, & ETSU wins all came on the road.
Furman ranks 4th in the SoCon in scoring offense, putting up an average of 27.2 points per game, while holding their opponents to 18.7 points. The Paladins come in second in rushing offense, averaging 192.2 yards per game, and holding opponents to 127.8 yards. Furman is putting up 224 yards per game (4th in the SoCon) and holding opponents to 193.8 yards per game. Furman quarterback Tyler Huff returned to the field last Saturday against The Citadel after a non-throwing elbow injury that sidelined him for their Samford game. He completed 14-of-19
passes for 113 yards but also threw two interceptions. Prior
to his injury, he connected on 65-of-92
passes for 666 yards and three touchdowns (1 INT) in the three contests.
2022 Furman Statistics (thru 6 games)
Rushing Offense: 1150 yards
Yards per game: 192
Yards per rush: 4.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 58
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 1347 yards or 224.65 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.5 yards
Passing 1st downs: 64
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 138-206-5
TDs Passing: 9
Total Offense: 2497 yards or 416.2 ypg
3d Down Conversions: 43 of 99 (43%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 9 (56%)
Field Goal: 8 of 11
On-side kicks: 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores: 18 of 23
Rushing Offense: 1150 yards
Yards per game: 192
Yards per rush: 4.7 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 58
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 1347 yards or 224.65 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 6.5 yards
Passing 1st downs: 64
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 138-206-5
TDs Passing: 9
Total Offense: 2497 yards or 416.2 ypg
3d Down Conversions: 43 of 99 (43%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 9 (56%)
Field Goal: 8 of 11
On-side kicks: 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores: 18 of 23
Red Zone Touchdowns: 23 of 23
Avg per punt: 39 yards
Fumbles-Lost: 9 - 7
Avg per punt: 39 yards
Fumbles-Lost: 9 - 7
Monday, October 10, 2022
2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #6)
Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings after week #6 of play.
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 6 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 6 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
1. (1) Mercer (5-1, 3-0 SoCon)
Next: ETSU
2. (2) Chattanooga (4-1, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: VMI
3. (3) Samford (5-1, 3-0 SoCon)
Next: Bye
4. (5) Furman (4-2, 2-1 SoCon)
Next: Western Carolina
5. (6) The Citadel (1-4, 1-2 SoCon)
Next: at Wofford
6. (8) ETSU (3-3, 1-3 SoCon)
Next: at Mercer
7. (4) Western Carolina (3-3, 1-2 SoCon)
Next: at Furman
8. (7) VMI (1-4, 0-2 SoCon)
Next: at Chattanooga
9. (9) Wofford (0-6, 0-3 SoCon)
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Game #6 - at #12 Mercer Bears
For the 2022 season's sixth game, the Catamounts return to the road and travel to face a nationally ranked team. After facing nationally ranked Samford just two short weeks ago, the Cats will travel to Macon, GA to face the #12 nationally ranked Mercer Bears.
The Bears finished the 2021 season in second place and were picked to finish the 2022 season in third place by the coaches in preseason voting.
Game #6 - The Mercer Bears
Time: 4:00 pm
Where: 5 Star Stadium, Macon, GA
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
-Play-by-Play: Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson
Where: 5 Star Stadium, Macon, GA
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
-Play-by-Play: Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson
TV/video: ESPN+
-Play-by-Play: Frank Malloy (PxP), Phil Cox (Color), Megan Birdsong (Sideline)
Live Stats: Mercer Live Stats
Game Notes: Western Carolina - Mercer - SoCon Weekly Notes
Fan Message Board: MU Bear Down
The Series: In only the 9th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 2-6 overall record against the Bears, having dropped the last six (6) games played in the series. The Cats are 1-3 against the Bears in games played in Macon.
Last Season's Game vs. Mercer (October. 9, 2021) - Benjamin Scores Twice, Comeback Falls Short on Homecoming - Western Carolina rallied from a two-touchdown, first-half deficit on Saturday afternoon, clawing back even early in the fourth quarter on a Richard McCollum field goal. However, Mercer capitalized on a pair of fourth-quarter miscues by the Catamounts to spoil WCU's annual Homecoming game with a 34-24 victory in Southern Conference action in front of 11,123 at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
Last Season's Record (2021 Mercer): 7-3 overall, 4-1 home, 3-2 away, 6-2 SoCon
This Season's Record (2022 Mercer): 4-1 overall, 2-0 home, 2-1 away, 2-0 SoCon
Cronic's Mercer Record: 16 - 10
Kerwin Bell's record vs. Mercer: 0 - 1
Drew Cronic's record vs. WCU: 2 - 0
Mercer Offensive Formation: Multiple (Spread Wing)
Defensive Formation: Multiple
Mercer Starters Returning/Lost :
Offense: 8 / 3
Defense: 7 / 4
Total: 15 / 7
Defense: 7 / 4
Total: 15 / 7
Mercer was picked third in the preseason coaches
poll and tied for second in the preseason media
poll after going 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the SoCon
last season, finishing a game back of ETSU. The Bears
return eight starters on the offensive side of the ball, seven on defense, and three on special teams and have seen punt returner Devron Harper and defensive back Lance Wise
earn preseason All-America honors.
While the Bears enter the game nationally ranked at #13, the Bears have lost only one game, to FBS opponent Auburn, 16-42. However, is the crew from Macon overrated? Let's take a look... While Mercer has victories over 4 FCS teams, including two conference wins, they did win all 4 games in convincing style. However, the Bears have yet to win a game over any team with a winning record.
Mercer convincingly beat Morehead State 63-13 in Macon to open the season (Morehead State is currently 2-3 on the season). The Bears then took care of SoCon member, The Citadel, 17-0 (the Bulldogs are currently 1-3 overall), next Mercer traveled to Boiling Springs and took care of Gardner-Webb, 45-14 (the Running Bulldogs are currently 1-4, with a lone win over D2 Limestone). Lastly, the Bears traveled to Sparkle City and easily handled the Terriers, 42-7 (as you know, Wofford is currently winless this season standing at 0-5). So, in my opinion, it's the Bears that have something to prove, in facing their first team with a winning record. While the below stats look impressive, just remember, they were made against teams that will probably end the reason with very poor overall records.
The Cats have an opportunity in the next two weeks to gain some serious respect not only in the SoCon but in the entire FCS as well. Let's hope they don't blow it.
2022 Mercer Statistics (5 games):
Rushing Offense: 1059 yards
Yards per game: 193.8
Yards per rush: 5.48 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 43
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 1204 yards or 240,8 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 9.3 yards
Passing 1st downs: 55
Passing: Comp-Att-Int: 129-85-0
TDs Passing: 14
Total Offense: 2178 yards or 435.6 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 12-6
3d Down Conversions: 30 of 63 (47.6%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 6 (83%)
Field goal attempts: 3 of 4
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 14 of 16
Red Zone Touchdowns: 11 of 16
Rushing Offense: 1059 yards
Yards per game: 193.8
Yards per rush: 5.48 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 43
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 1204 yards or 240,8 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 9.3 yards
Passing 1st downs: 55
Passing: Comp-Att-Int: 129-85-0
TDs Passing: 14
Total Offense: 2178 yards or 435.6 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 12-6
3d Down Conversions: 30 of 63 (47.6%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 6 (83%)
Field goal attempts: 3 of 4
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 14 of 16
Red Zone Touchdowns: 11 of 16
PAT: 24 of 25
Touchdowns scored: 25
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Monday, October 3, 2022
2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings - (after week #5)
Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2022 SoCon Football Power Rankings after week #5 of play.
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 5 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.
As we approach midway in the season, here are this week's power rankings. After 5 weeks of play, here's how we see it shaping up. (last week's ranking in parenthesis):
1. (2) Mercer (4-1, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: Western Carolina
2. (1) Chattanooga (4-1, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: Bye week
3. (3) Samford (4-1, 2-0 SoCon)
Next: Wofford
4. (5) Western Carolina (3-2, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: at Mercer
5. (4) Furman (3-2, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: at The Citadel
6. (6) The Citadel (1-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Next: Furman
7. (7) VMI (1-3, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: ETSU
8. (8) ETSU (2-3, 0-3 SoCon)
Next: at VMI
9. (9) Wofford (0-5, 0-2 SoCon)
Saturday, October 1, 2022
WCU Player of the Game (VMI)
Purple & Gold's "Catamount Player of the Game" for the VMI game is junior quarterback Carlos Davis
Today's player of the game against the Virginia Military Institute is junior quarterback Carlos Davis. Davis threw four touchdown passes to four different receivers and was 30-of-44 passing for 336 yards with two interceptions. Davis added 13 yards on the ground.
Davis connected with nine different receivers with Raphael Williams finishing with a team-best 103 yards on six catches, Jalynn Williams caught a career-best 10 passes for 94 yards to lead WCU.
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