SoCon Football Schedule - Week 6

Game Previews

VMI vs. Chattanooga

The bad news for Chattanooga is that they were just embarrassed by The Citadel as double- digit favorites at home. The good news? They have the opportunity to bounce back against VMI. The Keydets’ defense has looked sloppy in the past two games, giving up an average of 36.5 PPG to Bucknell and Richmond. Keep in mind that Wofford held the Spiders to just 14 points. Can the Mocs get back on track? Or does VMI have some Lexington magic stuck in their back pocket? When in doubt, Justus Durant is a pretty safe bet.

Chattanooga 32, VMI 19

Wofford vs. Western Carolina

Western Carolina has found an offense. That’s bad news for Wofford, who, along with Samford, is one of two SoCon teams without a win to call their own this year. That hasn’t been without a fight, however, as all three of the Terriers’ losses have been by single digits, including two one-point losses to good teams. But does Shawn Watson’s group have an answer for Taron Dickens? The sophomore has thrown for an astonishing 1,009 yards in just two games. He leads the SoCon in passing touchdowns with 10, again in just two games. Wofford won’t have an answer for that, nor do they have the requisite offense to keep neck-and-neck with the Catamounts.

Western Carolina 38, Wofford 20

Furman vs. ETSU

Last week was heartbreak for the Bucs. They had a double-digit lead over the top team in the SoCon at home, only to see it wither away. With two four-point losses under their belt, there isn’t much separating ETSU from a 4-1 record and a national ranking right now. But there’s no use in speaking in hypotheticals when every game is a must-win against SoCon competition. Furman looked pretty good last week against Samford, and even though the Bulldogs are not necessarily the toughest opponent, Trey Hedden again impressed. This game should come down to the fourth quarter, and at home, ETSU has the edge.

ETSU 28, Furman 27

Mercer vs. Samford

These two teams are going in two very different directions. Following a loss to Presbyterian, Mercer has reeled off three straight SoCon victories, including erasing a 10- point deficit last week on the road against ETSU. Sure, there are things the Bears could work on. They gave up 467 yards, with 398 of those coming from the arm of Cade McNamara, and committed eight penalties for 83 yards. But for the most part, Mercer is looking pretty good. Samford is not: they’re still winless on the season, and after a 31-13 home loss to Furman last week, they’ve officially given up 30+ points in every game since November 16 of last year. Barring a miracle, this one shouldn’t be close.

Mercer 45, Samford 15