Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 | Catamount Sports Forum

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Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 May 23, 2023 8:25:12 GMT -5

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Post by The Cats on May 23, 2023 8:25:12 GMT -5

Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 Rankings for 2023

athlonsports.com/college-football/athlon-sports-preseason-fcs-top-25-2023

6. Furman (10–3, 7–1 Southern)
The Paladins return 18 starters after leading the FCS in turnovers gained (29) and blocked kicks (10). Inside linebacker Braden Gilby (263 career tackles) and free safety Hugh Ryan fuel the defense. Dual-threat QB Tyler Huff moves the offense, but it's smart to keep feeding running back Dominic Roberto (1,120 yards, 11 TDs).

13. Samford (11–2, 8–0 Southern)
The defense has question marks, but the offensive fireworks will continue with quarterback Michael Hiers (3,544 yards and 36 TDs, only four interceptions) and wideout Chandler Smith (100 receptions). The addition of former Murray State running back Damonta Witherspoon will keep defenses honest.

17. Mercer (7–4, 5–3 Southern)
Back-to-back seven-win seasons haven't been enough for a first-ever playoff bid. Touchdown-making wide receivers Devon Harper and Ty James, linebacker Isaac Dowling and safety Lance Wise plan to take the Bears over the hurdle.

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FLCATAMOUNT
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Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 May 23, 2023 9:18:31 GMT -5 catamountalum04 likes this

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Post by FLCATAMOUNT on May 23, 2023 9:18:31 GMT -5

We should have beaten Furman and Samford last year. Got out-coached against all three of these ranked teams. Against Samford, we should have run the ball because that is what they were giving us all day. Had a bad call at Furman where we scored and denied the TD by the visually impaired refs which totally changed the momentum. Obviously, Mercer must have had a copy of our playbook and game plan because they knew exactly what we were going to do. Again, the OC needs to make adjustments and change things if the plan is not working. No excuse now because we have superior talent now. Jury still out if Kade can adjust to what the other team is giving us and not call plays where we are throwing into double and triple coverage. Coaches need to put these guys in position to win in every game or there will be no championship. We should have all 3 of these teams at home this year. We should beat all 3 teams in my mind. Also, losing to Citadel falls clearly on the shoulders of our DC. He is incapable of preparing a team for the option. He had one job that week and failed and then acted like he was surprised. Glad that Citadel is moving away from the TO because they will beat us again if they run the option. Sorry but I still think our DC is suspect. Let’s see what he does this year with more talent.

Last Edit: May 23, 2023 9:20:58 GMT -5 by FLCATAMOUNT

catamountalum04
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Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 May 23, 2023 12:38:41 GMT -5

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Post by catamountalum04 on May 23, 2023 12:38:41 GMT -5

May 23, 2023 9:18:31 GMT -5 FLCATAMOUNT said:

We should have beaten Furman and Samford last year. Got out-coached against all three of these ranked teams. Against Samford, we should have run the ball because that is what they were giving us all day. Had a bad call at Furman where we scored and denied the TD by the visually impaired refs which totally changed the momentum. Obviously, Mercer must have had a copy of our playbook and game plan because they knew exactly what we were going to do. Again, the OC needs to make adjustments and change things if the plan is not working. No excuse now because we have superior talent now. Jury still out if Kade can adjust to what the other team is giving us and not call plays where we are throwing into double and triple coverage. Coaches need to put these guys in position to win in every game or there will be no championship. We should have all 3 of these teams at home this year. We should beat all 3 teams in my mind. Also, losing to Citadel falls clearly on the shoulders of our DC. He is incapable of preparing a team for the option. He had one job that week and failed and then acted like he was surprised. Glad that Citadel is moving away from the TO because they will beat us again if they run the option. Sorry but I still think our DC is suspect. Let’s see what he does this year with more talent.

I agree. Not a fan of the DC. I think the offense props him up