• Feb. 27 - VMI

 #37415  by AstroDin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 7:59 am
Flagman wrote:
Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:40 pm
and that's the worst playing surface in the SoCon.
VMI's practice field is artificial turf… not sure why they still play on a grass field that never looks capable of handling any inclement weather. Oh well…

If the speed game is nullified by the field-conditions I would think Furman would have a large advantage on a sloppy field with our big backs including Devin Wynn. A 216 pound Devin Wynn is a lot to handle.
 #37416  by AstroDin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 8:18 am
Thinking about Furman's running game and how it can be a weapon on a sloppy field. VMI's team as you would expect being an Air Raid offense is not deep or experienced at running back. The starting runningback will be Korey Bridy a 6-0 204 junior. Bridy was the return specialist for VMI - his 2019 stats 38 carries for 175 yards. Bridy is it for running backs with college experience. His back will be a freshman that did play one-year of prep ball - Rashad Raymond (5-10 185). After Bridy and Raymond, you have three freshman running backs left on the roster.

VMI's receiving corp is the opposite - the Keydets list 16 wide receivers on the roster.
 #37419  by The Jackal
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 9:33 am
AstroDin wrote:
Sat Feb 27, 2021 8:18 am
Thinking about Furman's running game and how it can be a weapon on a sloppy field. VMI's team as you would expect being an Air Raid offense is not deep or experienced at running back. The starting runningback will be Korey Bridy a 6-0 204 junior. Bridy was the return specialist for VMI - his 2019 stats 38 carries for 175 yards. Bridy is it for running backs with college experience. His back will be a freshman that did play one-year of prep ball - Rashad Raymond (5-10 185). After Bridy and Raymond, you have three freshman running backs left on the roster.

VMI's receiving corp is the opposite - the Keydets list 16 wide receivers on the roster.

It can cut both ways, in my opinion.

Furman, as we saw in 2019, struggled in inclement weather - the Citadel, APSU, ETSU, etc. Our passing attack just wasn't there in sloppy conditions.

The common theory is that a wet field benefits a run team. There is some thought it can also benefit a passing team (especially if it not raining and windy) because the receivers know where they are going and the defenders do not.

I'd expect Furman to start conservatively on defense. See what the Keydets have in terms of running game and what they can throw at us. If they can't run the ball, I'd expect to see a lot of 5 or 6 DB packages and a good bit of Dae'one Wilkins patrolling the middle of the field.
 #37423  by AstroDin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 9:50 am
Based on a post on the Keydet message board - VMI appears to be again shuffling its two-deep with some players not able to play and major reshuffling on defense (backfield).
 #37428  by apaladin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:24 am
I’ve always thought a wet field is a huge advantage to the passing team, especially if the field is wet and the ball is dry which is likely Saturday. Running backs will have trouble cutting etc. and the OL would have trouble getting a good push because of footing. Like Jackal said receivers know where theg are going! DB’s don’t.
 #37432  by Paul C
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 12:12 pm
Adjusted...Linebackers will have trouble cutting and DL will have trouble getting a good push because of footing.... :)

And yea, WR know where they are going but can’t plant/cut as hard.

Overall I think it’s a wash....
 #37433  by AstroDin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 12:28 pm
FYI… mentioned in the pre-game Furman will continue to play a lot of players with this being a two for one season.

The big news– right now Devin Wynn plans on playing in the fall.
apaladin, FUKA61 liked this
 #37436  by gofurman
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:27 pm
Paul C wrote:
Sat Feb 27, 2021 12:12 pm
Adjusted...Linebackers will have trouble cutting and DL will have trouble getting a good push because of footing.... :)

And yea, WR know where they are going but can’t plant/cut as hard.

Overall I think it’s a wash....
Paul. I See what you did there. :D

Rain definitely affects games. I’ve seen us beat western up there where they were more speed and we just pushed em around bw Tackles (‘17 ‘? ). I have seen the difference in wet vs actively raining. Actively raining seems to affect things a lot more than just a wet field
 #37440  by gofurman
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:43 pm
Just first drive but our pass D was not yet inspiring. VMI stopped themselves w drops
 #37441  by QCGlue
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:49 pm
Sure would like to see the play clock and downs and yardage remaining on the score ribbon . . . . Come on ESPN!
 #37442  by gofurman
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:51 pm
Even announcer said there are a fair number of open receivers for VMI. They are just dropping a few balls and QB missed on one. Our coverage is not super inspiring - And they are getting to Sisson too.. Hmm
 #37443  by apaladin
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 1:55 pm
Pretty poor start by the O so far, No blocking at all.
 #37444  by mathprofhiker
 Sat Feb 27, 2021 2:02 pm
Touchdown Dins! Great run after catch. Field is a little sloppy, but could be worse.
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