Furman football vs. Elon: Scouting report and score prediction
Furman's absence from the FCS football playoffs was only three years, but for a program used to the postseason, it may have seemed much longer.
The No. 11-ranked Paladins (9-2) on Sunday received an at-large berth in the 24-team FCS playoffs and will host Elon (8-3) in a first-round game at Paladin Stadium on Saturday (12 p.m., ESPN+).
Since their most recent playoff appearance -- a 42-6 loss to Austin Peay in the first round in 2019 -- the Paladins have endured some struggles. The 2020 season was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic and then scheduled for the spring of 2021. Furman started 3-1 but finished 3-4. In 2021, Furman was 4-2 but lost three consecutive Southern Conference games to fall out of contention and finished 6-5.
The Paladins turned things around in 2022, playing competitively against Power 5 Clemson and winning their final six games of the regular season to earn their first home playoff game since 2005.
Here are some things to watch in Saturday's playoff game against the Elon Phoenix.
ROBERTO ON THE RUN:How a loss has turned into big gains for Furman running back Dominic Roberto
IN THE RANKINGS:Furman football cracks FCS Top 25 rankings
RULING THE COURT:Furman men's basketball is the SoCon favorite. Here's what will make or break the Paladins
Furman's balanced offense to test Elon
The Paladins' rise in the Southern Conference standings – they finished second behind Samford – can be attributed in part to their balance on offense.
Furman averaged 214 yards rushing and 218 yards passing per game. A key has been quarterback Tyler Huff, a graduate transfer from Presbyterian College. Huff completed 70% of his passes for 1,888 yards, including 592 in the final two regular-season games. Huff rushed for 537 yards with five TDs and averaged 6.2 yards per carry this season.
Huff's favorite target is tight end Ryan Miller, a two-time All-American who has 61 receptions and 11 TD catches in 2022. Huff also has thrown frequently to wide receivers Joshua Harris (43 receptions), Kyndel Dean (38) and Wayne Anderson Jr. (33).
Huff's skill set prevents opposing defenses from, or makes them pay for, focusing on 231-pound running back Dominic Roberto, who has rushed for 963 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The line rarely gets enough credit for an offense's success, but it shouldn't go unnoticed that the SoCon's coaches picked three Paladins linemen for the all-conference first team: Tackles Anderson Tomlin and Pearson Toomey and guard Jacob Johanning, a former St. Joseph's Catholic School standout.
Elon brings the No. 19 rushing defense in FCS (allowing 118 yards per game), but Colonial Athletic Association teams more frequently build their offenses around their passing game.
Expect the Phoenix to try to fly
Though running back Jalen Hampton rushed for 1,023 yards this season, Elon will go as far as quarterback Matthew McKay's arm can take it. McKay passed for almost 2,500 yards with 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions, with prolific targets in wide receivers Jackson Parham (47 receptions, 645 yards, 5 TDs) and deep threat Bryson Daughtry (41 receptions, 18.2 yards per catch).
The Phoenix will try to challenge Furman, which is ranked No. 112 in FCS against the pass, allowing 264.1 yards per game. Don't overlook that the Paladins have 16 interceptions, third-most in FCS.
Players to watch on defense
Furman will have to account at all times for Elon's Marcus Hillman, a first-team all-CAA selection who plays a hybrid linebacker-safety role. He leads the Phoenix in tackles (73), tackles for loss (16.5) and sacks (8.5). He also has broken up three passes, forced four fumbles and recovered two.
Defensive back Omar Rogers has three of the Phoenix's eight interceptions. He also has 59 tackles and has forced two fumbles.
Furman junior Hugh Ryan, a former standout at South Carolina high school power Dutch Fork, earned All-SoCon honors after leading the Paladins with four interceptions and six pass breakups. He also has 61 tackles.
Linebacker Braden Gilby leads the Paladins with 76 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks.
At 304 pounds, nose guard Cameron Coleman is hard to overlook, and he earned All-SoCon recognition for his ability to clog the middle despite often being double-teamed.
Also keep an eye out for redshirt junior Travis Blackshear, a defensive back with a knack for big plays.
This part of the game could be special
You can't overlook special teams play, especially in the playoffs. Definitely pay attention when Elon lines up for a kick.
Phoenix place-kicker Skyler Davis is an All-CAA selection who is 16-for-20 on field goals this season, including 10-for-12 from 40 yards or longer with a long of 53 yards. He is 31-for-32 on point-after tries.
Furman leads FCS with nine blocked kicks, including six field goals and two PATs. Jack Barton has an FCS-best four, all field goals. Matt Sochovka is tied for second in FCS with three blocks (2 PATs, 1 FG).
The Paladins blocked two kicks in their regular-season finale against Wofford, including one by Coleman that defensive back Travis Blackshear returned 65 yards for a touchdown.
Prediction
Furman 31, Elon 23: The Paladins advance to a second-round game in San Antonio against Incarnate Word on Saturday, Dec. 3.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Furman football vs. Elon: Scouting report, score prediction for FCS playoff
