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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett previews the Southern Pigskin Game of the Week: Appalachian State at Elon. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin
Game: Appalachian State at Elon
Why to Watch - This de facto Southern Conference championship game features two top ten teams, two of the top players in all of college football and obvious playoff seeding implications. This could be the game of the year in the FCS as both the Mountaineers and Phoenix are considered national title contenders. Fireworks could be in store as ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards and Elon wide receiver Terrell Hudgins bring record-breaking resumes into this game.
Overview - These are without question the top two teams in the league and two of the elite players nationally in Armanti Edwards and Terrell Hudgins. After opening the season with two losses, Appalachian State enters Saturday riding a seven-game winning streak. Elon is undefeated in FCS play this season and have scored 164 points in their last four games. Neither the Mountaineers nor the Phoenix have been played within single digits since the first weekend of October.
Appalachian State Keys to Victory
1. Don't Let Hudgins Beat You - No wide receiver in college football is more productive than Elon senior Terrell Hudgins. The record-setting veteran has 90 receptions for 1,195 yards and 14 touchdowns. Just for a point of reference, he has more receptions than LSU's Brandon LaFell and USC's Damian Williams combined. He has seven touchdown receptions in his last three games and is capable of a 16-reception, 209-yard performance like he had against Furman earlier in the year. Appalachian State probably can't stop Hudgins, as he hasn't had less than six catches in a game this year, but they need to try to slow him down. When he is in sync with quarterback Scott Riddle, Elon is nearly impossible to slow down. Even at the risk of freeing up coverage on other receivers, the Mountaineers must slide their coverage towards Hudgins and shift defensive attention to his side of the field. Hudgins has over three times more catches than any other receiver on the roster and no other player has more than three touchdowns receptions. It's obviously way easier said than done, but slowing down Hudgins has to be considered the recipe for success for trying to get this high-powered offense out of rhythm. The goal of any defense is to make the offense adjust their gameplan and force them out of their comfort zone. By devoting as much attention as possible to Hudgins, ASU can do just that.
2. Defensive Unpredictability - Against an offense as hot as any in college football, the Mountaineers will have to mix their style of play up in attempt to confuse and frustrate Scott Riddle and Elon. The gameplan of defensive coordinator John Wiley will be crucial as the Mountaineers look to win a schematic chess match against the Phoenix. Timely blitzes will be key, as Riddle can't be given consistent time to throw. He's too good to blitz too often and through traditional packages as he will beat defenders downfield. Appalachian State has not had great success rushing the passer this season, one of their biggest concerns heading into the postseason, but Elon has shown some vulnerabilities in pass protection allowing 19 sacks. ASU will need an innovative effort from Wiley as they try to find ways to pressure Riddle and disrupt the timing he has with his receivers. An atypical defensive approach would keep the Phoenix on their toes. This unit cannot allow Elon to get comfortable and settle into a groove. Wiley has to find ways to pressure Riddle.
3. Moore of Devon - Armanti Edwards is going to get his. He's one of the greatest players in NCAA history and, like Hudgins, he will get his production. What quietly makes Edwards so effective, in part, is the play of hybrid athlete Devon Moore. You can compare his role to that of a Jeff Demps in relation to Tim Tebow at Florida. When the two athletes are playing in rhythm, the ASU offensive machine is extremely difficult to stop. His speed and the threat of him gashing the middle of the field detracts defensive attention away from Edwards and forces safeties to switch their awareness towards his ability, away from staying in their zones or eyeing wide receivers. By keeping Moore, and the big play threat he brings, involved in the game, the ASU coaching staff only makes Edwards and the offense that much more dangerous. The bottom line; give the Phoenix two offensive playmakers to worry about. Moore is extremely capable as he leads the SoCon in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Elon Keys to Victory
1. Defensive Success on First Downs - Elon brings the Southern Conference's top defense into this crucial league tilt. For as much attention as Riddle and Hudgins have gotten, the Phoenix defense has played just as big of a role in this team's successes. What will be absolutely crucial against the Mountaineers, led by All-American quarterback Armanti Edwards, is allowing just marginal gains on first down. Appalachian State leads the conference in passing efficiency, first downs converted via rushing and overall first downs. This means a couple of things. One, the offense is gaining considerable yardage on first down and avoiding third down and long situations. They are facing third down and short situations which give Edwards and the offensive coaches a variety of options. Hence ASU's conversion rate on rushing for first downs and Edwards' 71% completion rate. The backs are only asked to get three or four yards and Edwards can make easy throws to move the sticks. No defense can stop this unit when they only need two or three yards to keep the chains moving. Such challenges play directly into the strength of this offense as it brings Edwards' mobility, the tailback's speed and the Mountaineers' versatility at receiver into play. Whether it's defending the lead draw, stopping screen passes or limiting yards after the catch, Elon cannot allow ASU to gain chunks of yards on first downs. The end result would be a demoralized defense chasing a Mountaineer offense dictating tempo and a deflated home crowd.
2. Offensive Balance - There is no question that the Riddle-to-Hudgins connection is what makes the Elon offense click. The duo is one of the most productive tandems in college football history. But when the Phoenix also run the football well, opposing defenses are caught with their heads spinning. Last week, Elon rushed for 237 yards with a 5.8 yard average. Running back Brandon Newsome rushed for 143 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow tailback Jamal Shuman added 87 yards and one touchdown. In big games, part of the mental chess match is going against the grain with your play-calling. There is no question that Hudgins needs his touches; maybe in this game more than any other one on the schedule. That said, a concerted effort early from offensive coordinator from Rich Strosky to get his tailbacks and other receivers involved would set a diversified tone and force the ASU defense into quick adjustments. Riddle, who thrives off the big play, doesn't need to shy away from checking down through his progressions and looking at short to mid-range passing options. Make the Mountaineers respect the entire field early in the game, then take advantage of the matchups that allows Hudgins to face.
3. Play With Confidence and Focus - It may seem trite to highlight this, but this is one of the most important home games in the history of the Elon program. The Phoenix must play like it. Against a team they haven't beaten since 1964, Elon has to be the aggressor. The Phoenix lost a close game in Boone last season. In what will likely be a close game again, the Pete Lembo’s bunch must remain confident against a team that has had much more big game experience and success than they have. Confidence and swagger in mind, Elon must maintain their focus. This squad has done a very good job of avoiding mental lapses all season long. Appalachian State, however, ranks last in the Southern Conference by a wide margin in penalties. Let the Mountaineers make the mistakes.
Position Advantages
Quarterback; Appalachian State - This is a ridiculously close call, but Armanti Edwards is given the slightest of nods over Scott Riddle because of his resume in big games. Edwards has played on the biggest of stages and has almost always come through. What a great matchup pairing two of the best in league history.
Running back; Appalachian State - Devon Moore leads the Southern Conference in rushing with 810 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a big-play threat and is a tremendous compliment to Edwards in the offensive backfield. Brandon Newsome and Jamal Shuman are a good duo for Elon.
Wide receiver; Elon - Terrell Hudgins has recently broke career marks held by Jerry Rice. Enough said. His name is all over the national record books. At 6'2'', roughly 230 pounds, he is a difficult matchup for any defender. Matt Cline is having a nice season for ASU; CoCo Hillary is out with injury.
Offensive line; Appalachian State - This Mountaineer unit has paved the way for a league-high 34 rushing touchdowns, a staggering figure. Both lines have done a great job this season, but the ASU front five is more battled-tested in games like these.
Defensive line; Elon - The Phoenix lead the conference in sacks with 31 and in rush defense having allowed just 694 yards and three touchdowns. This is one of the top front lines in the nation. Andre Campbell leads the way with 6.5 sacks.
Linebackers; Appalachian State - It's tough to go against the veteran duo of Jacque Roman and D.J. Smith for the Mountaineers. Fast, athletic and overwhelming at the point of attack. Joshua Jones is a tackling machine for Elon.
Secondary; Elon - The top pass defense in the league, the Phoenix are allowing just a 51% completion percentage and 4.9 yards per attempt. No FCS team has been able to beat Elon deep. ASU has given up some big plays, but has been more opportunistic forcing more turnovers.
Special Teams; Appalachian State - It's a close margin, but the Mountaineers have been better in the punting game and better in the kicking game when you factor in extra points. Both return teams have been fairly average. Elon's kickoff coverage has been suspect.
Coaching; Appalachian State - How can you go against Jerry Moore in any coaching comparison? The SoCon patriarch is the most proven winner in FCS football. Pete Lembo is doing a fantastic job at Elon, but few are on Moore's level.
Intangibles; Appalachian State - This is a home game for the Phoenix, but the edge is given to the Mountaineers because of their prowess in big games under Armanti Edwards and their success in this series. Elon has to proven they can win this game.
Players to Watch
Appalachian State; Armanti Edwards - Considering his accomplishments to date, Edwards is the obvious choice. His play will go a long way towards determining who wins this football game. No current FCS player has had more big game big plays.
Elon; Scott Riddle, Elon - You could pick Hudgins, but in a game that will be back and forth, the pressure will be on Riddle to match Edwards drive-for-drive. He has been near perfect this season and will need similar results in his team's biggest game of the year.
Staff Predictions
Rodney Atkins, Country Music Star - Appalachian State
B.J. Bennett, Senior Editor - Elon
J.T. Bennett, Staff Writer - Elon
Charlie K., National Columnist - Appalachian State
Kevin Thomas, Staff Writer - Appalachian State
Brian Turner, Columnist - Appalachian State
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