Ferrum came to the last game of the season in the position they wanted to be in. Contending for the championship. For six other teams in the USA South conference, the last day was one to close out the season, and realize that win or lose, their equipment would be put away after the game. For Ferrum and Christopher Newport, this game was the BIG game. The game that determined the automatic qualifier for the Division 3 playoffs.
From the beginning, it was evident that field conditions would be a factor. Rain had soaked the Tidewater area for a couple of days. The weather forecast predicted more of the same. This could really affect a team that relies on the running game like Ferrum, and it did to a point.
Game Recap
What a game! Both teams left everything on the field, and could not have tried harder. Ferrum and Christopher Newport both came out ready to play, and did not disappoint. Ferrum fell to the Captains, 13-10 in a game that was truly decided by inches. My review of "keys to a Ferrum victory" is below.
Importance of the first series- Ferrum started on offense, and after getting two first downs, their drive stalled. Christopher Newport on their first possession after the Ferrum punt had 5 first downs, and were at the goal line when Ferrum's goal line defense stiffened, and the Captains settled for a field goal. The importance of the first series can in a lot of situations determine momentum. There is no doubt that had CNU scored a touchdown, it would have set a different tone all the way around. Ferrum's goal line defense stood tough, and sent a strong message, but after each team had run its first series, Ferrum was behind.
Pressure the CNU Quarterback/Cover the receivers tight- CNU quarteback was 6 of 14 for 116 yards passing, averaging 19.3 yards per completion. He was sacked once for an 11 yard loss. This was not ideal, but not too bad. Christopher Newport relies on the run, much like Ferrum.
Stop Ogun, but don't sacrifice the long pass- Tunde Ogun was the number one rated running back in Division 3 football going into Saturday's game. From my perspective, I thought Ferrum handled him well. He is a strong punishing running back, but Ferrum did a good job containing him. He did not get a big play, and did not score a touchdown. He did carry the ball 35 times for 181 yards. He was effective in maintaining drives for the Captains, but did not prove to be the big play difference maker that I feared he would be. Alot of little plays did add up however.
Special Teams- Field conditions were awful, and when you have those conditions, special teams can be affected. Slappey was one of two on FG attempts, and the one miss looked close to me. Punting was strong as usual, and was an important factor in keeping the Captains deep in their own territory. Punt coverage was excellent as CNU averaged just 4 yds. per return. Kickoff returns were less than I thought as Ferrum only averaged 17 yards per return. That seemed less than normal, but I would have to verify that.
Field goal miss was crucial, but it was a 45 yard attempt on a very wet field.
Ferrum played loose, had fun, and did not give up when they fell behind. They pushed on evry play, and even ran a flea flicker that just missed. Turnovers were something that given the conditions, one may have expected a lot. Ferrum did not turn the ball over, but CNU did fumble twice. One was recovered by Ferrum, and the Panthers converted it for a field goal.
So in a game that was so close, where was the difference? Three things stick out as difference makers.:
1. Time of Possession- CNU 33:54 Ferrum 26:02 ( 4th quarter Ferrum 3:36 CNU 11:24)
2. Penalties- CNU 1-5yds. Ferrum 5-48
3. Red Zone Chances CNU 3-3 Ferrum 1-2
To summarize, there are some differences that would suggest a slight edge to CNU, and that was the result. The biggest difference may not have been the powerful running game of either team, or the defensive pressure being applied by both teams, but more a game that was decided by mere inches. What if, Slappey had hit that field goal...What if that first play of the second quarter had been a stop instead of a Captains touchdown..(There are some that think it was a stop) What if the wind had blown just a little harder, and the football had bounced off of the crossbar, instead of bouncing over it in what proved to be the game winning field goal.
This was not meant to be, and it turned out to be a loss and the end of the season for Ferrum. No one should feel bad, everyone on the Panther team tried as hard as they could have.
The future is bright for Ferrum, and I am ready to predict right now that Ferrum will again contend for the USA South next year, and will win it...even if its just by inches.
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