When the Samford Bulldogs and Furman Paladins face off on the gridiron, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and unyielding determination. With a rich history of success, both teams consistently rank among the top FCS programs in the nation, boasting talented rosters, skilled coaching staffs, and a passionate fan base.
Historical Rivalry
The rivalry between Samford and Furman dates back to 1935, and over the decades, the teams have met on the field 45 times. The series is remarkably even, with Samford holding a slight advantage with 23 wins to Furman’s 21. In the last 10 meetings, Furman has emerged victorious in six contests, while Samford has won four.
Recent Form
In the 2022 season, both teams experienced contrasting fortunes. Samford finished with a respectable 7-5 record but missed out on the FCS playoffs. Furman, on the other hand, enjoyed a remarkable campaign, posting an 11-3 record and claiming a share of the Southern Conference Championship. The Paladins also advanced to the FCS semifinals, where they eventually fell to eventual national champion North Dakota State.
Key Players to Watch
Samford
- Quarterback Liam Welch: The reigning Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Welch is a dynamic playmaker with an impressive passing arm and exceptional running ability.
- Wide Receiver Jamal Anderson: Anderson emerged as one of the most dangerous pass-catchers in the FCS in 2022, recording over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
- Defensive End Denzel Williams: A disruptive force on the defensive line, Williams finished the 2022 season with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
Furman
- Quarterback Darren Grainger: A highly touted recruit, Grainger took over the starting role in 2022 and impressed with his poise and accuracy.
- Running Back Devin Wynn: A physical runner with excellent balance, Wynn is a key component of Furman’s potent rushing attack.
- Safety Ryan Ledbetter: Ledbetter leads Furman’s defense with his tackling prowess and ball-hawking instincts, earning him a spot on the FCS All-American team in 2022.
Coaching Matchup
Samford
- Head Coach Chris Hatcher: A seasoned veteran with over 20 years of collegiate head coaching experience, Hatcher has led Samford to numerous conference championships and FCS playoff appearances.
- Offensive Coordinator Keyvan Gaither: Gaither brings a dynamic offense to Samford, emphasizing tempo, creativity, and player development.
- Defensive Coordinator Tom Mason: Mason is known for his aggressive and attacking defensive schemes, which have consistently ranked among the top in the FCS.
Furman
- Head Coach Clay Hendrix: Hendrix is entering his fourth season at the helm of Furman, having previously guided the program to its first Southern Conference Championship in over 20 years.
- Offensive Coordinator John Sisk: Sisk’s innovative and balanced offense has helped make Furman one of the highest-scoring teams in the FCS.
- Defensive Coordinator Ryan Smith: Smith brings a wealth of experience to Furman’s defense, having previously served as defensive coordinator at several Power Five programs.
Strategies to Watch
Samford
- Spread Offense: Samford employs a high-tempo, pass-heavy offense designed to create mismatches and exploit the defense.
- Aggressive Defense: The Bulldogs defense relies on pressure and turnovers, often employing blitzes and exotic coverage schemes.
- Special Teams Excellence: Samford boasts one of the top special teams units in the FCS, led by All-American punter Samford native Matt Brock.
Furman
- Balanced Offense: Furman’s offense incorporates a mix of running and passing, with a focus on establishing and maintaining a physical presence.
- Opportunistic Defense: The Paladins defense is opportunistic and disciplined, forcing turnovers and making key plays in crucial moments.
- Strong Running Game: Furman has one of the most potent rushing attacks in the FCS, led by running backs Devin Wynn and Wayne Anderson.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Turnovers: Both teams must prioritize protecting the ball and minimizing turnovers.
- Penalties: Unnecessary penalties can derail drives and momentum.
- Special Teams Miscues: Games can be won and lost on special teams, so both Samford and Furman must execute their kicks and coverages effectively.
Step-by-Step Approach to Victory
- Establish the Run: Both teams need to establish a successful running game to control the game and keep the defense honest.
- Create Turnovers: Forcing turnovers can give either team a significant advantage and create scoring opportunities.
- Limit Explosives: The defenses must limit big plays and prevent the opposing offense from gaining easy yards.
- Execute in Critical Situations: Teams must be sharp in critical situations such as third downs and red zone opportunities.
- Win the Battle of Field Position: Special teams play and good field position can set up both offenses for success.
Conclusion
The upcoming Samford vs. Furman matchup promises to be a clash of titans, featuring two of the top teams in the FCS. With a rich history of rivalry, talented players, skilled coaching staffs, and passionate fan bases, the game is sure to deliver an unforgettable spectacle on the gridiron. As the teams prepare for their showdown, the stage is set for an epic battle that will test their limits and determine who will reign supreme.
Samford
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 7-5 |
| Conference Record | 4-3 |
| Points per Game | 32.0 |
| Yards per Game | 426.1 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 297.3 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | 128.8 |
| Defensive Points per Game | 25.5 |
| Total Tackles | 627 |
| Sacks | 31 |
| Interceptions | 12 |
Furman
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-3 |
| Conference Record | 7-1 |
| Points per Game | 34.8 |
| Yards per Game | 443.6 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 275.1 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | 168.5 |
| Defensive Points per Game | 18.4 |
| Total Tackles | 706 |
| Sacks | 36 |
| Interceptions | 14 |
Samford
- Defensive Back Jalen Nash (Out for Season)
- Wide Receiver Liam Ryan (Questionable)
Furman
- Offensive Tackle Ashton Short (Out for Season)
- Linebacker Bryce Lewis (Questionable)
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM EST
Location: Paladin Stadium, Greenville, SC
Tickets for the Samford vs. Furman game can be purchased through the Furman Athletics website or by calling the Furman ticket office at (864) 294-2143. Prices range from $20 to $50.
The Samford vs. Furman matchup is a must-see event for FCS football enthusiasts. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and a proven track record of success, the game promises to be a battle of epic proportions. The outcome could have significant implications on the Southern Conference title race and the FCS playoff picture. Get ready for a thrilling spectacle that will leave a lasting memory in the annals of college football.