SoCon Football Preview: Western Carolina vs Mercer Headlines Playoff Push

Game Previews

Chattanooga vs. Furman

This matchup should be a good one, especially since it’s taking place in Greenville. Furman couldn’t keep up with Mercer last weekend, but who has been able to keep up with the Bears? We can’t ding the Paladins for that. Chattanooga, quietly, has turned in a very solid few weeks. After an absolute drubbing of Samford on the road, the Mocs almost took Western Carolina to overtime. Three players had at least 15 carries on the ground against the Catamounts, so is the key to beating Furman staying with the ground game?

Chattanooga 24, Furman 20

The Citadel at Ole Miss

The Bulldogs deserve applause for a hectic comeback against VMI last weekend. Down 24-7 in the fourth quarter, The Citadel scored 28 points in the fourth quarter thanks to a combo of Quentin Hayes and Jihad Marks. Marks finished the day with 168 yards receiving and three touchdowns. A Bulldogs wide receiver hadn’t hit the 168-yardage mark or three touchdowns since Andre Roberts accomplished both in 2009. But against Ole Miss, a top- ten team in the FCS, the Bulldogs need a miracle. In-state foe South Carolina couldn’t muster even 15 points against the Rebels defense. Can The Citadel do the same?

Ole Miss 55, The Citadel 10

VMI vs. Wofford

Wofford is finally clicking. The Terriers have won three of their last four, and the only loss was a tough road defeat to ETSU. Last weekend, the defense scored 16 points, with two interception returns for touchdowns by Maximus Pulley and Eli Campbell. Meanwhile, it looked like VMI was about to pull away with their first SoCon win of the year. But The Citadel roared back, and the Keydets defense had no answer. This weekend, the Keydets offense might not have an answer for a really good defense from Wofford.

Wofford 28, VMI 6

Western Carolina vs. Mercer

This is the SoCon’s game of the year. Both teams enter the weekend undefeated against SoCon teams. Mercer is 7-1 overall and 6-0 against the conference, while Western is 6-3 overall but 5-0 against SoCon competition. Having the game in Cullowhee is big for the Catamounts, who have scored 35+ points in seven of eight games against FCS teams. But Mercer is playing just as well. The Bears just went into Greenville and beat Furman 52-28. Braden Atkinson and Taron Dickens against each other? This game might be into the 50s. Make sure to tune in to ESPN+ Saturday to watch this game. At home, Western has the edge, but anything could happen.

Western Carolina 45, Mercer 42

Samford vs. ETSU

Is this the week Samford pulls through? The Bulldogs struggled against Wofford last week, turning the ball over four times. Meanwhile, ETSU struggled to move the ball in their last game, also against Wofford. Charlie Gilliam threw four picks, and Quincy Crittendon came into the game as relief, playing well. If Crittendon gets the start, Samford’s got a shot. But you can’t sleep on Devontae Houston.

ETSU 21, Samford 17