Who wins this first round game and why?

Southwestern at first look should advance easily, but these Warriors while very talented seem to keep games closer than they should be.

Warriors could win big if the turnover bug doesn't bite them.

SW 35

WC 14

I agree at first glance Southwestern is the favorite in this game. They have several factors going in their favor best of which they are at home for the game. When you look at little deeper at both teams there are some interesting things that jump out at you. Whitley has scored 331 points while Southwestern has scored 219, so you have to give the edge to Whitley in this catagory. Defensively Southwestern has given up 236 while Whitley has given up 306, so you have to give the edge to Southwestern in that catagory, but Whitley has a positive winning margin while Southwestern has a negative winning margin. Southwestern is very balanced run to pass which makes them hard to defend, while Whitley is run oriented, but they have had success particuliarly in the last few games.

 

They only have one common opponent which is Rockcastle County and they played them back to back, with both winning Southwestern by three 17-14, and Whitley winning 28-19, which follows both teams season stats lots points both offensively and defensively for Whitey and low scoring for Southwestern. I think Whitley may be a little better offensively and Southwestern better defensively, and it could boil down to who imposes their will on the other.

 

My call, basicly too close to call, but Southwestern gets the nod at home.

Southwestern is at home and their defense is tough to run on. I'll take the Warriors 28-21.

SW scoring margin is skewed by a 50+ - 0 loss to Bowling Green to open the season.

I will take WC in this one. They are playing better and I think that Coach Black will make the adjustments.

WC 35

SW 21

I went down to watch the Whitley/Rock game and was very impressed by Whitely. I think this game is going to be a lower scoring game than everyone is expecting. I think this game is going to be a smash mouth football game. This game will be decided on who controls the line of scrimmage. I do not think Whitley has the man power on the o-line to control Lewis #52 and Fowler #42. I look for a hard hitting defensive football game and will give the edge to Southwestern.

 

SW- 21

WC- 17

IMO: Whitley wins this game, they have been playing better as of late. Black and his Saff will make adjustments as needed for a win. Tight one.

SW scoring margin is skewed by a 50+ - 0 loss to Bowling Green to open the season.

 

Actually Whitley can make the same claim with Bell County, a 63-6 loss. I think over the course of a season things like that average out.

I will go with Whitley by a TD. SW seems to not play up to their potential come playoff time.

Whitley has been playing well. If they don't lose the turnover battle, I believe they will win.

 

Whitley Co. 27 - Pulaski SW 24

Whitley Co. 21-14.

I am not sure that the Colonels can hold SW to 14 maybe 21, with Whitley scoring 28 or it could be the other way around. As the week as gone on, my feeling have changed I think the Colonels just may pull it off.