The Need To Know On Furman

After a bye week the South Carolina Gamecocks have homecoming against a very unfamiliar opponent, so we wanted to get you the need to know on Furman Paladins.   Considering they are in South Carolina and most people are familiar with the school itself, you’d think there was a lot of history between the two schools on the football field.  Well, at least in terms of recent history, you’d be wrong.  The two teams have only played one game in the last 30 years, and that was 2010 in which the Gamecocks struggled to put away the Paladins until Stephon Gilmore returned an interception 80 yards to finally get control and winning 38-19.  At the time, Coach Steve Spurrier said he was glad “we don’t have to play them for another 25 years”.  Well, apparently it’s a little sooner than you thought Coach.  Let’s take a look at some info about both teams heading into this game.

• Furman has lost 4 in a row and are 2-4 overall this season
• South Carolina has lost 2 in a row and are 3-3 overall this season
• Furman is being paid $230,000 to play this game at Williams-Brice stadium
• The last time Furman beat an SEC opponent was 1963
• The last time Furman beat an FBS opponent was 1999 against UNC
• There are only 2,600 students enrolled at Furman, which means the football team represents 4% of the entire school
• There are more than 30,000 students enrolled at South Carolina, which means the football team represents less than 0.4% of the entire school
• Furman is giving up 304 yards a game on defense, which ranks 14th in the FCS
• South Carolina is giving up 441 yards a game on defense, which ranks 92nd in the FBS
• Furman is giving up 132 passing yards a game, which ranks 1st in the FCS
• South Carolina is giving up 264 passing yards a game, ,which ranks 100th in the FBS
• Furman is giving up 171 yards rushing yards a game, which ranks 60th in the FCS
• South Carolina is rushing for 171 yards a game, which ranks 61st in the FBS

As you can see, most things lead to the simple fact that South Carolina should, no must, win this game.  However, Furman is very good against pass, makes very few turnovers, and is almost never penalized.  Not to mention, Furman will be fired up and ready to play against their in-state University and ready to play David against Goliath, just like the Gamecocks are every year against Georgia.  We shouldn’t have to cross our fingers on this one, but many people probably will just to be safe.