Breaking Down the Matchups: SoCon Week 7 Game Previews

Game Previews

Mercer at Princeton

Look out when Mercer’s clicking. In this matchup of two orange teams, the Bears seemingly have the upper edge, having just defeated Samford 45-21 to move their winning streak to four games. However, the wild card in this contest is that it’s being held in Princeton. These two teams played last season, with Mercer winning 34-7 in Macon. But even with home field advantage, it’s hard to imagine the Tigers playing equivalent football for four whole quarters.

Mercer 27, Princeton 10

Wofford vs. Norfolk State

These two teams are pretty evenly matched. They’re both 0-4 against FCS opponents, and are both looking for their first D-I win this weekend. Something has to give. At home, and after a truly heartbreaking loss to Western Carolina, the money’s on Wofford. The Terriers fought tooth and nail against the Catamounts but fell on a last-minute field goal. They’re now somehow only at a -8 point differential against FCS teams, with an average margin of defeat of just two points. At some point, they’re bound to break through. Jayden Whitaker makes the difference Saturday.

Wofford 20, Norfolk State 14

The Citadel vs. Valdosta State

For people unfamiliar with D-II football, Valdosta State is historically an elite team in that division of football. This year, however, they’ve stumbled just a bit, getting shutout by UNC Pembroke and recording losses to Lenoir-Rhyne and Johnson C. Smith as well. The Citadel, on the other hand, is coming off a monumental road victory over Chattanooga, in which Quentin Hayes rushed for 103 yards and a pair of scores. If Hayes is under center again, the Bulldogs should have no issues in what a rainy day in Charleston could be.

The Citadel 24, Valdosta State 6

Western Carolina vs. Furman

It would be journalistic malpractice to not start off this piece by mentioning Taron Dickens’s performance against Wofford. The Florida native started his day by completing 46 straight passes, an FCS record. His final completion percentage of 94.6% (53-56) also broke the FCS record. That’s a heck of a performance, but it’s shocking that the Catamounts only managed to win by two points: they recorded 31 first downs to the Terriers’ eight. Furman is no rollover, either. The Paladins, following a loss to Presbyterian, have won three games in a row and have scored 28 points in all three games. That’s good news, considering Western’s defense has given up 30+ points in all but one game this season. In what could be a shootout, Furman has the advantage at home, but Western Carolina has the advantage at quarterback. It’s anyone’s game.

Western Carolina 38, Furman 35

ETSU vs. VMI

This has the potential for ETSU to right the ship. It’s a home game against a VMI team that has really struggled on offense this season. After a painful loss to Furman last week, the Bucs need to get back on track, and Devontae Houston can help do that. He rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns last week, despite the loss. VMI’s leading rusher, on the other hand, had just 16 yards.

ETSU 31, VMI 10