09/08/2018
Paladins VS Phoenix
Excited to watch the Paladins against FCS competition. Going to try something new, post my thoughts on what I think will be interesting matchups as well as other tidbits.
Today we'll get a better picture of the quarterback situation. I know I might be alone here, you want to win these early non-conference games, but I'll be watching the QB performances versus Elon and Colgate as prep work for the start of the SoCon season against ETSU.
Lincoln and Grainger showed the ability against Clemson to get yardage running the ball; I expect 70 plus rushing yards from them.
In the playoff matchup against Elon Wilcox and Dirks ran for 141 yards, I'd expect Elon to focus on shutting down Dirks and crew. Blaze rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries, Morehead only carried the ball three times for 31 yards. With the addition of Watkins and Dejaun Bell, I think we will see more outside rushing attempts. The Wildcard here is IMO the Paladins have upgraded rushing ability at the quarterback position, Elon plays tough D, I'm excited to see what these two freshmen quarterbacks will do in the rushing game.
The other question mark, how will the Paladins passing game perform against FCS teams? Gordon, Burnette, DeLuca, Bell, Avery, throw in Walker at tight end that's a great group of men that can catch the ball. Schumpert and Gordon made some big plays in the playoff game; Walker could make some big plays today, as could the shifty true freshman Dejaun Bell.
On defense, I think the Paladins have improved overall unit speed, and our tackling looked solid against an impressive offensive machine last week. I'll be watching Amir Trapp at corner. I doubt the Phoenix go his way often, but we'll see.
McKoy should put up some big tackle numbers today, the other linebacker position (Perryman and Gilby) should be interesting to watch.
Will Furman put pressure on Cheek from the edge? I think so. I was impressed by the play of the Dins defensive ends and the bandits.
I expect a battle up front, Reid, and Stokes going against Elon center Alex Higgins.
Finally special teams, Furman's Achilles heel against Elon last season. Furman fumbled a punt and a kickoff return setting up two of Elon's scores. Elon had ZERO touchbacks against USF, so it's a safe bet we'll see some returns (Gordon averaged 27 yards a return in the playoff game). FYI, Grayson Atkins belted both of his kickoffs through the end zone. Trapp is set to return punts, the last matchup we got very little — could we see a big play here? Maybe.
Well, that's all I've got for what it's worth, I'm a fan just like you. Go Dins!
