Samford Bulldogs
SoCon
Samford endured a very tough road schedule and still managed to reach the playoffs. In September they picked up what turned out to be a huge win at Central Arkansas. They lost road games against top Southern Conference teams Chattanooga and Citadel, but it took overtime in the latter loss. Samford also lost at Mississippi State, which was no surprise, but the Bulldogs managed to drop 41 points on Mississippi State.
2016 Record: 7-4, 5-3
Coach: Chris Hatcher
Big Wins: 9/10 at Central Arkansas (35-29), 10/1 Wofford (28-26)
Bad Losses: 11/5 at Citadel (34-37), 11/19 at ETSU (14-15)
Strengths:
The passing offense has been amazing and the team averages nearly 370 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Devlin Hodges has thrown for 3,716 yards and 33 touchdowns and Samford will always count on him to make big plays. And when Hodges needs to make a big play, he will look in the direction of wide receiver Karel Hamilton. The senior wideout caught 100 passes for 1,242 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season. Kelvin McKnight and Emmanuel Obajimi have emerged as very good second and third options for Hodges. Hodges can do some damage with his legs too, but Samford needs K’rondis Larry and Justin Curry to be more effective when they get a chance to run the ball.
Weaknesses:
The defense has some quality playmakers like Ahmad Gooden on the defensive line and Omari Williams in the secondary, but the unit gives up a lot of yards. Samford ranks eighth in the SoCon in rush defense and sixth in pass defense so there is plenty of room for improvement and plenty of opportunities for their opposition in the playoffs to put up big points. When that happens, the pressure will fall on Hodges and the passing game to keep up.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: K’rondis Larry, RB, 470 yards
Passing: Devlin Hodges, QB, 3,716 yards
Receiving: Karel Hamilton, WR, 1,242 yards
Tackles: Jamerson Blount, S, 90
Sacks: Ahmad Gooden, DL, 7.0
Interceptions: Omari Williams, DB, 4
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 99.4 (112th in nation, 9th in conference)
Passing Offense: 369.9 (3, 1)
Total Offense: 469.3 (12, 1)
Scoring Offense: 38.3 (11, 1)
Rushing Defense: 215.7 (104, 8)
Pass Defense: 213.1 (52, 6)
Total Defense: 428.8 (94, 7)
Scoring Defense: 27.4 (58, 5)
Turnover Margin: 0.40 (37, 4)
Sacks: 2.00 (53, 5)
Sacks Allowed: 2.50 (85, 6)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2013 First Round Lost to Jacksonville State
1992 First Round Lost to Delaware
1991 First Round Defeated New Hampshire
1991 Quarterfinals Defeated James Madison
1991 Semifinals Lost to Youngstown State
*all team stats through 11/12
