Citadel Bulldogs
SoCon
The Citadel is an interesting team for the playoff committee. The fact that they played Chattanooga tight and lost by eight points may have played in their favor. But the quality wins were few and far between, with the exception of the big win over South Carolina in the season finale. Back on September 12th, the Bulldogs beat Western Carolina 28-10 and that is really the only other quality win on their resume.
2015 Record: 8-3, 6-1
Coach: Mike Houston
Big Wins: 9/12 Western Carolina (28-10), 11/21 at South Carolina (23-22)
Bad Losses: 9/26 Charleston Southern (20-33), 11/14 at Chattanooga (23-31)
Strengths:
The Citadel has been productive on the ground. Sophomore Dominique Allen has taken over the quarterback job and had a solid debut season. He does a lot of damage with his legs, as one would expect from a Citadel quarterback, and has rushed for a team high 717 yards and 11 touchdowns. His passing has been a bit erratic, but he is capable of hitting the deep ball when the opposition starts creeping in to stop the run. However, many of those passes end up getting picked off too. Cam Jackson, Isiaha Smith, Tyler Renew and Evan McField are all capable rushers and this is an offense that can be very tough to defend, especially with a week or less to prepare for it.
Weaknesses:
The defensive numbers are not bad, especially when it comes to the passing defense. However, against the tougher competition, the defense has buckled. The Bulldogs have allowed at least 31 points in all three of their losses. They never allowed more than 25 points in their seven wins. Against the Mocs, it was the passing defense that was disappointing, allowing the Mocs to throw for 267 yards, nearly 100 yards over their average. If Citadel falls behind, which they can against a potent offense, they will have trouble coming back. This team needs to grind out first downs on the ground, eat up clock and hope for a break or two to fall their way.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Dominique Allen, QB, 717 yards
Passing: Dominique Allen, QB, 771 yards
Receiving: Brandon Eakins, WR, 200 yards
Tackles: James Riley, LB,84
Sacks: Mitchell Jeter, DL,8.0
Interceptions: Dee Delaney, DB,5
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 343.7 (2nd in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 82.7 (120, 7)
Total Offense: 426.4 (29, 2)
Scoring Offense: 33.0 (24, 2)
Rushing Defense: 164.9 (62, 4)
Pass Defense: 176.7 (18, 2)
Total Defense: 341.6 (31, 2)
Scoring Defense: 20.9 (29, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.60 (19, 2)
Sacks: 2.30 (41, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 0.60 (3, 1)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
1992 First Round Defeated North Carolina A&T
1992 Quarterfinals Lost to Youngstown State
1990 First Round Lost to Georgia Southern
1988 First Round Lost to Georgia Southern
*all team stats through 11/14
