In college football today, it's hard to imagine you would win a game with less than 100 yards passing and only 4 completions. It's also hard to fathom, getting less than half the number of 1st downs, as your opponent and getting the win. Furman did just that on Saturday when they downed Citadel 24-14.
Paladin Head Coach Clay Hendrix said earlier this week, on "Offsides With Marc Ryan", that his guys were looking to get the "State Championship" with a win over Citadel after downing Wofford last week. That displays the emphasis that Furman puts on winning against its in-state Socon rivals.
Citadel struck first on a TD run from QB Jaylan Adams to go up 7-0. Furman would answer on their ensuing possession, as QB Jace Wilson found TE Ryan Miller for a 52 yard TD strike to tie it. Furman would take the lead for good later in the 1st quarter. The Paladins broke on top on a big play in the run game. RB Dominic Roberto went 90 yards to pay dirt to make it 14-7 Furman. The Paladins led 14-7 after the first, they added a FG in the 2nd quarter and took a 17-7 lead into the break.
That would be about all the cushion needed for the Furman defense. Both defenses stood tall in the 3rd and Furman carried the 10 point lead into the 4th. Citadel would score once more to add some drama in the 4th. Furman's lead was down to three in the final frame. The Paladins put it away with a 7 play scoring drive that took nearly four minutes off the clock. RB Devin Abrams punched it from the 1 yard line to push the lead to 10 again and Furman won it 24-14.
Citadel won almost every offensive category and had a major 21-10 advantage in first downs. Furman's defense bent some as they were unable to get off the field on 3rd down consistently. However, they didn't break as they didn't allow a point from early in the 1st through the 3rd quarter. The win not only gives Furman the "State Title" , it keeps them in the Socon race. Furman is now 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in league games. The league has a 3 way tie at the top at 3-1. Furman has one of those 3-1 teams this week, as they host ETSU. It's a big opportunity in the Socon Standings for the Paladins. Furman hosts East Tennessee for a 2 Pm kickoff Saturday, you can hear every play on ESPN Upstate.
