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The Breakdown: Samford at Appalachian State |
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Thursday, 24 September 2009 |
by ROB JENKINS
Sports Editor
The Matchup
Samford is 2-1 coming off a 31-12 win against Miles College last weekend.
Appalachian State, ranked No. 10 in the nation, is 0-2. The Mountaineers had a bye last week after losing to McNeese State Sept. 12.
How ASU can win
It all starts with defense.
The Mountaineer defense was embarrassed last time out against McNeese, giving up 522 yards and 40 points to the Cowboys.
Samford’s offense is not as potent as McNeese’s, but the Bulldogs have solid skill players.
The Bulldogs’ powerful running back Chris Evans has rushed for 311
yards in three games so far this season. Evans is averaging an
impressive 5.3 yards per carry.
The Mountaineers need to win the battle in the trenches and control the
line of scrimmage if they hope to contain the 6-1, 215 lbs. Evans.
The ASU secondary must not blow coverages like they did against MSU.
The Cowboys’ receivers burned the Mountaineer corners several times for
big plays.
Most importantly, the Mountaineer defense must make sure they are lined
up correctly before the play. Coaches believe misalignment led to many
of the defensive issues against McNeese.
On the offensive side, the Apps need to establish the run early in the contest.
Samford ranks first in the Southern Conference in rushing defense, allowing only 62 yards per game.
Devon Moore needs to turn in a performance similar to the one he gave against McNeese, when he ran for 155 yards.
Establishing the run early will take pressure off Armanti Edwards and the Appalachian passing game.
How Samford can win
Hand the ball off to Evans early and often.
During the first half against East Carolina and the whole game against
MSU, the Appalachian defense was unable to stop the run. Running the
ball successfully will open up the passing game, giving wide receiver
Riley Hawkins a chance to make a play.
Hawkins only has seven catches on the year, but three of them have gone for touchdowns.
The sophomore is averaging an almost unheard of 32 yards per reception.
The Samford defense must continue to play the way it has in the first three games of the year.
The Bulldogs rank first in the SoCon in total defense (181 ypg),
scoring defense (13.3 ppg), rushing defense (62 ypg), passing defense
(119 ypg) and passing efficiency defense (94.7 efficiency rating).
While these numbers are impressive, two of Samford’s opponents have
been very weak: Jacksonville, a member of the Pioneer Football League—a
conference that does not participate in the FCS playoffs, and Miles, a
Division II school.
The Bottom Line
This game will be much closer than Appalachian fans would like. Samford is a quality team that is on the rise in the SoCon.
ASU’s defense will come out and prove they are better than they have
shown so far, but the Bulldogs will not roll over and play
dead—especially since they have seen the Apps are vulnerable.
ASU 23, Samford 21
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