THE Citadel Could Spoil Furman’s Homecoming | SoCon Football Week 9 Predictions

Game Previews

Furman vs. The Citadel

If this game was played perhaps even two weeks ago, Furman would likely be a considerable favorite. But the Paladins have not looked great since a win over ETSU. In fact, they’ve looked quite bad, getting blown out by Western Carolina to a tune of 52-7 and falling to Wofford last week 31-13. Quarterback Trey Hedden has thrown three picks in each of those games, which isn’t great against a Bulldogs defense that just became the first team to intercept Taron Dickens in 2025 last week. Despite the loss to the Catamounts, the Bulldogs put up a good effort, scoring 38 points and totaling 410 yards. That’s bad news for Furman, even with the game being held in Greenville.

The Citadel 27, Furman 19

Mercer vs. VMI

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The Bears are rolling. The Keydets, on the other hand, are stuck in neutral. VMI had a great chance to pick up their first SoCon win of 2025 with a home matchup against Samford last week, but fell short after a 32-yard field goal missed with 25 seconds left. Mercer’s last two games have them averaging 41.5 PPG, a mark that VMI hasn’t hit in any game against an FCS opponent since October of 2021. Is that bad? It’s not good. Mercer should roll at home.

Mercer 41, VMI 10

Samford vs. Chattanooga

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Samford finally got over the hump with their first SoCon win of the season last weekend. The Bulldogs gave up a 21-7 lead in the second half, but rallied back when it mattered most with a game-winning field goal off the boot of Jake Garner. The Mocs haven’t looked super impressive this year, but they got the job done the past two games with one-score victories over VMI and ETSU. Even with the game being held in Birmingham, there’s reason to think that streak should continue, especially if Caleb Orth keeps playing well.

Chattanooga 28, Samford 14

ETSU vs. Wofford

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After Wofford finally won a game following weeks of heartbreak, they figured they might as well do it again with a 31-13 victory over Furman last week. Watch out for the Terriers and J.T. Fayard when they have momentum. Of course, ETSU has Devontae Houston, and that has to count for something, even following a tough loss to Chattanooga. What breaks first, ETSU’s home-field advantage or Wofford’s momentum? It’s anyone’s call.

ETSU 25, Wofford 23