Samford Bulldogs
Overall Rank: #25
#5 SoCon
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Samford was picked to finish fourth in the preseason in a very competitive Southern Conference, but watch out for the Bulldogs as they return a lot of leadership from a strong 2012 squad. Samford opened 2012 4-0 but went 1-3 over their following four games falling to the same three SoCon teams picked ahead of them this season. With returning stars such as Fabian Truss, Jaquiski Tartt, and QB Andy Summertin, the Bulldogs are in a position to make a run at a conference title. Even without with the expanded playoffs, Samford looks like a strong team for a postseason run.
2012 record: 7-4, 5-3
2012 postseason: None
Coach: Pat Sullivan (32-34 at Samford, 56-76-1 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Brandon Herring
Defensive Coordinator: Bill D’Ottavio
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Fabian Truss, RB, 1,063 yards
Passing: Andy Summertin, QB, 2,269 yards
Receiving: Kelsey Pope, WR, 552 yards
Tackles: Jaquiski Tartt, CB, 94
Sacks: Trey Westley, DB, 4.0
Interceptions: Jaquiski Tartt, CB, 4
Other key returners: WR Chris Cephus, OL Kasey Morrison, TE Zeke Walters, CB James Bradberry, LB Justin Shade
Key losses: WR Riley Hawkins, LB Darion Sutton, DE Nicholas Williams
Strengths:
The offense returns the backfield threats of QB Andy Summertin and RB Fabian Truss that, with another year of experience, will be even more dangerous. Truss was the leading rusher for Samford in 2012, but was also a top target receiving out of the backfield. Coach Sullivan will need his experienced offense to lead the way in 2013 as the defense tries to replace a few key losses.
Weakness:
The defense is the weaker side off the ball needing to replace leading tackler Darion Sutton and sack leader Nicholas Williams. But the Bulldogs still have a lot of talent on defense, including defensive back Jaquiski Tartt who’s been on almost every preseason list announced. The real struggle may come from a tough draw in the schedule where the Bulldogs take on some tough road games and one span of five weeks between home games.
The Bottom Line:
Samford opens 2013 with three straight road games in different surrounding states with Georgia State, Arkansas, and Florida A&M. Two of the opponents are obviously from the FBS ranks with GSU joining the Sun Belt. The Bulldogs get SoCon powers Appalachian State and Georgia Southern early in their conference schedule. If the Bulldogs can split or possibly sweep those games they may be heading into a game on November 16 against Chattanooga that could decide the conference champ.
Projected Postseason: None
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 142.27 (69th in nation, 8th in conference)
Passing Offense: 209.36 (60, 3)
Total Offense: 351.64 (77, 7)
Scoring Offense: 24.73 (68, 6)
Rushing Defense: 164.64 (65, 4)
Pass Defense: 171.00 (16, 4)
Total Defense: 335.64 (29, 3)
Scoring Defense: 20.64 (19, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.82 (10, 1)
Sacks: 2.45 (27, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 2.64 (91, 8)
Madness 2013 FCS Football Recruit Rankings:
#40 Connor Rafferty
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