Bulldog versus Bulldog action never fails to disappoint.
The Samford Bulldogs (3-3) took on The Citadel Bulldogs (0-9) on Saturday in Charleston, South Carolina. Both teams were coming off week 5 defeats, needing quick turnarounds to have a chance at competing for the Southern Conference title.
After putting up 550 yards of total offense, Samford came out victorious with a dominant 55-7 win.
Samford quarterback Liam Welch had another career day in Charleston. The senior threw for 306 yards and 3 touchdowns. Welch also rushed for a whopping 139 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
Welch’s top target was his familiar wingman Montrell Washington, who picked up 94 receiving yards on six receptions. Additionally, Jai’Rus Creamer logged 2 touchdown receptions and 97 yards receiving.
Though Welch was the top rusher on the day, running back DeMarcus Ware added 46 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs. All in all, head coach Chris Hatcher’s rushing and passing attack was too much for The Citadel to handle, and the navy and crimson ran away with the game.
For the first time since August of 2018, Samford’s defense held an opponent to under 20 points. The team has made significant progress this season under new defensive coordinator Nick Benedetto, and will need to continue its progress in order to finish the 2021 season strong.
Samford currently ranks sixth in the SoCon, sitting just below the Mercer Bears (3-2).The first place team is the VMI Keydets (5-0), who beat Samford in a tight 38-37 game on March 20.
Due to COVID-19, the Southern Conference schedule is limited to 8 games this spring. However, some teams, including The Citadel, chose to participate in non-conference games in the fall. Samford chose to play only eight games, solely in the spring.
The Bulldogs have unfortunately lost a number of close matchups this year. This includes overtime losses to nationally ranked SoCon foes Furman and VMI. Because of these losses, the Bulldogs will have to win out in order to compete for a SoCon title at the end of the season.
Samford’s next game will be against the Chattanooga Mocs on April 10. The Bulldogs will have its bye week this weekend, meaning an extra week of preparation for this critical SoCon matchup.
