In a game headlined by the puzzling decision to rename Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium, another confusing result occurred for the Samford football program.
The Bulldogs now sit at 3-4 after a crushing 27-21 loss to Furman. While the Paladins were the favorites, as they were ranked No. 5 in the country, Samford kept it close and had plenty of opportunities to win the game.
Michael Hiers remains one of the best quarterbacks in the FCS; the graduate threw a total of 291 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Freshman wideout Brendan Jenkins had his best game in a Bulldog uniform so far, with two touchdown receptions that helped keep Samford in the game.
The offensive issue was the boys up front, who gave up eight sacks to the Furman defense. The running back duo of Jay Stanton and Damonta Witherspoon combined for a paltry 37 yards. So far this season, the Samford offensive line has allowed 25 sacks, one of the worst marks in the country.
Defensively, the Bulldogs did their part, giving up 27 points. Noah Martin continues to raise his status as Samford’s best defender and his draft stock after a stellar 13-tackle performance, the best in his career so far.
Head coach Chris Hatcher gave his thoughts on the loss.
“The guys played hard. I thought defensively this was one of the best games we’ve played all season,” Hatcher shared. “A very disappointing defeat, and we didn’t make our breaks today.”
So far, this season has been one of bad breaks for the Bulldogs. After an opening drubbing of Shorter, the Bulldogs were hampered by a rain delay and a weak offensive performance in a 30-7 loss to Western Carolina. The Bulldogs then traveled to Auburn and couldn’t measure up to SEC-caliber talent in a 45-13 defeat. A shocking 47-24 loss to Chattanooga on Family Weekend at Seibert Stadium, and now the Furman loss, brings Samford to sub .500 once again, with the reigning SoCon champions searching for answers on both sides of the ball.
Samford will look to rebound on the road at VMI on Sat., Oct. 21.
Sports Editor
