Panthers go to 2-1 with win over Southern Virginia

Mike Vann goes over 3000 career all purpose yards

On a muddy field in Buena Vista, Ferrum extended its winning streak to two games by defeating Southern Virginia University 28-21. While this was a harder fought victory than some might have expected, as Southern Virginia was 0-4 coming into the game, I was not surprised at the strength the Knights displayed. While their four losses had all been very lopsided, SVU has raised the level of its competition. They had three losses to Division II teams, and one loss to an FCS team. They still have one FCS team to play this year. Raising the level of your competition raises the level of the teams performance, and also is a revenue producer for the program. SVU may end this year with a losing record, but if they continue their scheduling trend, they will be a more difficult team for Ferrum, and many other DIII schools to beat.

While yesterday's score was close, Ferrum did give a very solid performance. The Panthers (2-1, 0-0), who have the tenth ranked rushing offense in Division III football, moved the ball well on the ground, amassing 242 rushing yards. Leading the running game was Matt Lucus with 11 rushes for 98 yards. Mike Vann, who had 4 carries for 52 yards, added to his career totals pushing his career all purpose yardage over the 3000 yard mark. Through the air, Ferrum was also very consistent as QB Matt Dobson was 4 of 12 with one interception and two touchdown strikes. (Jackson and Vann)

On the defensive side of the ball, Ferrum, while giving up more points than they would have liked, did keep the Knights under their per game passing average, and only allowed them 84 yards on the ground. This was a solid performance by the defense, and a solid win for Ferrum against an improved Southern Virginia team.

Keys to a Ferrum Win:


Pressure the quarterback, and cover the receivers tight. Disable their passing game.
Good job in this area. Bent but did not break.

Get three interceptions
Wish you had. None on this day, but a good performance by the pass D.

Minimize penalties-
Showing improvement in this area as average per game penalties fell.

Utilize running game as usual. Their weakness will be against the run.
This proved to be true, as Ferrum dominated the ground game. It also gave the Panthers the edge in time of possession.

Special teams...keep up the good work.
Considering the field conditions, this aspect of the game was good. 4 for 4 on xp's, and punting was consistent. Good Kickoff return yardage also.

Play the entire game with intensity...no letting up.
This was much better this week, but needs to be the mindset going forward. Curiously however, Ferrum has yet to score a point in the third quarter.


Ferrum, you should relax Sunday and enjoy the day and the victory. Monday however, its time to FOCUS on the conference championship...First stop- North Carolina Wesleyan.