Steve Irvine’s Five Storylines for SAMFORD vs FURMAN
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - September 27, 2024
SAMFORD VS. FURMAN
Site, kickoff time: Paladin Stadium, 1 p.m. CT
Record: Samford 1-2 overall, 0-0 SoCon; Furman 1-3, 0-0 SoCon
Five storylines
1. Quarterback play. Samford’s Quincy Crittendon averages nearly 230 yards per game heading into the Bulldogs fourth game of the season. Crittendon accounted for four touchdowns – two rushing, two passing – in the season opener at West Georgia. Since then, though, the only touchdown he accounted for came on a scoring pass in a 12-7 win over Alabama State. Furman true freshman quarterback Trey Hedden has taken over the reigns of the offense. In the past three games, the 6-foot-3, 231-pound Tampa product is 44 of 78 for 724 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
2. Which team will turn things around? This is a matchup of the past two Southern Conference champions. Samford won the title in 2022 and Furman captured the crown in 2023. Both teams are looking to get things moving in the right direction with the beginning of Southern Conference play.
3. Is this an opportunity for Samford to get the running game going? On paper, Furman is struggling against the run. The Paladins allow 210.5 yards per game on the ground, which is 105th out of 123 FCS teams. But the bulk of those yards came against Ole Miss (243) and FCS No. 12 ranked William & Mary (384). Furman shut down the run against Charleston Southern and Stetson. Samford is 88th in the country after rushing for an average of 113 rushing yards per game thus far. This game could offer a chance for Damonta Witherspoon, who is averaging 60 yards per game, to get going.
4. Will Samford linebacker Noah Martin reach double digits in tackles? This will remain a storyline throughout the season. The preseason All-American linebacker has reached double digits in tackles in each of the first three games this season, as well as the final two contests of the 2023 season. Martin averages 11 tackles per game, which is tops in the SoCon.
5. Can Samford win the turnover battle? Turnovers haven’t been a strength for Samford on either side of the ball thus far. The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times thus far and have forced just one turnover. The turnover margin of minus-3 is tied for 106th best in the FCS. Turnovers have been an even bigger problem for the Paladins, particularly on offense. Furman has eight turnovers in five games and forced five turnovers. The Paladins also are minus-3 in turnover margin. Where will the turnovers come on Saturday?