Once you get over the “oh crap” reaction to South Carolina State drawing Appalachian State in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs this Saturday, you can begin focusing on the ways the Bulldogs can have a strong performance, and even upset the upset kings.
Here’s five ways the Bulldogs can make it happen.
5. Stop the Running Game- Appalachian State runs a balanced offense and can light it up with the pass or run, but they are more productive on the ground than through the air. The MEAC in 2008 was a run-heavy conference, and South Carolina State was second-best in the conference in rushing yards allowed. They will have to pressure on runs to the outside, as App. State ran for nearly 40 touchdowns on the season at 5.6 yards a carry.
4. Run, Run and Run Some More – The Bulldogs have the conference’s top rusher in Will Ford, and he will have to be their primary offensive weapon. The Mountaineers were only the fifth-best team in the Southern Conference at stopping the run, but were second-best at pass defense. The Bulldogs were tops in the MEAC at running the football, and fourth in pass offense. It’s simple math.
3. Make Special Teams Spectacular – Neither team was particularly great on special teams offense, but the Bulldogs did score two touchdowns on punt returns this season. The Bulldogs only averaged 33 yards per punt, but they were tied for second in the conference with six touchbacks.
2. Never Give Away Third Down- Appalachian State is tops in their conference at converting third down plays, and stopping them. South Carolina State has been prolific at offensive conversions on third down, but mediocre at defensive stands. The Bulldogs must force these downs to be long conversion scenarios.
1. Be Upset Minded – The Bulldogs only lost two games this season, both at the hands of FBS opponents who have been ranked in the top ten in the last two seasons. The possibility is there for a Bulldog upset over the second-seeded Mountaineers, but the Bulldogs must recognize that victory will not come as easy as their regular season games did.
American Don 5:39 pm on November 24, 2008 Permalink
SCSU will need to feel like world beaters to win, as it will be pretty cold in the Mountains and the Mountaineers know how to win in the playoffs. App State will load up the box to make SCSU beat them with the pass. Hopefully SCSU can capitalize. Outside of the FAMU game, SCSU did not really have a game on their schedule to prepare them for this.
Biggest Upset Ever | HBCU Sports Blog—Article 12:20 pm on November 25, 2008 Permalink
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jj 5:36 pm on November 25, 2008 Permalink
SCSU does not stand a chance in this game. Hbcu’s are not prepared in any level d1 or d2 or any sport basketball, football, etc to play against non hbcu schools. That’s why we just need to have after season classics for teams because we dont’t stand a chance. Look at the history at hbcus in the playoffs on any level and you’ll see what I mean.
JC 11:55 pm on November 25, 2008 Permalink
SCSU stands more than chance to compete in this game. This is the same Bulldogs squad that kept pace with South Florida earlier this season.
Don’t be so pessimistic about the level of preparedness at HBCUs. They may not be dominant, but they are more than just undisciplined pushovers.
jj 3:38 pm on November 26, 2008 Permalink
This is in response to JC. First of all they didn’t keep pace with south florida they kept it close with Central florida. I give them credit there defense played balls to wall against ucf but their offense could not generate any yardage. Secondly im not trying to discourage scsu in anyway. Im just stating the facts and being realistic. Like last year delaware state got puonced on by delaware and they were the best of the meac. Last week albany state got beat by two touchdowns in a playoff game. Then the last few years hampton’s been losing to southern illinois. And remember a couple of years back that great undefeated hampton team? Went to the playoffs and got destroyed by richmond 38-10. That’s why we need to have after the season hbcu bowl game classics for the money and oppurtunity. Also the winning team has momentum going into next year. Because were just not ready to play outside our schools.
JC 4:04 pm on November 26, 2008 Permalink
Good look on the Central Florida error. Those are good examples of when HBCUs get blasted, but you would agree that the talent level between the HBCUs and other mid-majors has dramatically closed in recent history. More transfers and higher level recruits are choosing HBCUs, and this has closed the gap significantly.
I will agree that it isn’t even, but South Carolina, if they prepare well, can play this game closer than expected, and possibly win.
Your insight on the topic is good though, and I really appreciate it.
jj 7:27 pm on November 26, 2008 Permalink
Thanks JC. I love and support hbcu sports thats why im on here. Good luck scsu on saturday.