Steve Irvine’s Five Storylines for Samford vs West Georgia
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - August 29, 2024
SAMFORD AT WEST GEORGIA
Site, kickoff time: University Stadium, 5 p.m. CT
2023 record: Samford 6-5 overall, 4-4 SoCon; West Georgia 6-4 overall, 5-3 GSC
Five storylines
1. Will the newness around the West Georgia program be a factor? West Georgia will be playing its first game as a Division I program. The Wolves, who began playing football in 1981, had success at the Division II level. Will that success carry over to Division FCS? It will also be the first game as a head coach for West Georgia’s Joel Taylor. He is familiar with the Samford program after serving as the Mercer defensive coordinator the past four seasons. Chris Hatcher, by the way, is coaching in his 279th game and 25th season as a college head coach.
2. How will Samford head coach Chris Hatcher divvy up the quarterback reps? Quincy Crittendon and Nik Scalzo battled each other for the starting quarterback spot during fall camp. Both are capable of leading Samford to wins. It may take both to replace the production of graduated standout Michael Hiers.
3. What will a Samford offense look like without Jay Stanton carrying the football? Stanton carried the ball 649 times in five seasons at Samford. He gained 3,487 yards with 35 touchdowns. So, naturally, it will feel a bit different without him in the backfield. Hatcher is excited about the running back duo of Micah Kelly and Demonta Witherspoon. Kelly, who is listed as the starter, is in his sixth college season with the first five coming at Toledo.
4. Will the attacking style of new defensive coordinator Adam Braithwaite be successful? Any good defensive scheme is better with good players. Samford looks to be solid on that side of the ball with preseason All-American Noah Martin and Jaden Mosely leading the way at linebacker. One area the Bulldogs need improvement on is rushing the passer. Samford had just 17 sacks in 11 games last season.
5. How will the veteran offensive line perform for Samford? The Bulldogs have four returning starters on the offensive front in guards Chris Noble and Luke Byrne, center Cooper Frazier and right tackle Zach Brown. Redshirt freshman Duncan Johnson, who played in one game last season, gets the nod at left tackle.