Coming off a heartbreaking 48-41 overtime loss to VMI two weeks ago, Samford will look to stop their losing skid this weekend as they host the Buccaneers of East Tennessee State.
The Bulldog offense has been prolific lately and possibly even more balanced than previous years. Samford has managed an average of 285 passing yards and 152 yards on the ground per game, the latter of which might be considered high for the style of offense that Head Coach Chris Hatcher runs.
The achilles heel so far for the team this season has been consistency on both sides of the ball.
Being able to move the ball successfully with a balanced attack each and every week will be crucial if the Bulldogs want to get back in the win column and make a push for the playoffs this season.
As for their opponent this weekend, ETSU is trying to break a three-game losing streak of their own, having lost their first three games in Southern Conference play.
Last Thursday, the Bucs lost a close 16-13 contest to Chattanooga via a last second field goal from the Mocs.
On offense for the Bucs, a fairly balanced offensive attack has yielded an average of 341 yards a game through the team’s first seven outings. This lack of offensive production compared to that of the Bulldogs has in large part led to ETSU’s 2-5 start to the season.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Trey Mitchell leads the Bucs offensively, having completed 106 of 184 pass attempts on the season for seven touchdowns and four interceptions. On the ground, the combo of redshirt sophomore Quay Holmes and sophomore Jacob Saylors has proven to be an effective duo for the Bucs.
Holmes has run for 497 yards on 98 carries and two touchdowns, while Saylors for 425 yards on 68 carries and three touchdowns. This duo has provided ETSU with a majority of its offensive production on the season.
The contest is set to kickoff at 12 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
