Fordham at Chattanooga FCS Football 2015 Playoffs 1st Round Breakdown
Fordham at Chattanooga, Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
This first meeting between the two schools is a surprise pairing as the playoff selection committee prefers to pit first-round teams based on geographic proximity, but New York City is a long way from Chattanooga. The Rams (9-2) received an at-large bid, thanks in part to a 37-35 win over FBS Army on the season’s opening weekend. They lost to Colgate and Villanova. This is the third straight season Fordham has made the playoffs and is one of seven schools to hold that distinction.
Meanwhile, the Mocs (8-3) shared the Southern Conference crown but won the automatic bid by defeating The Citadel 31-23 on Nov. 14. They finished up the regular season with a 52-13 loss to Florida State. But on the FCS level, the Mocs are solid. They are 21st in the nation in total defense and eighth against the pass. In addition, they are 28th in team sacks so the contest sets up as a matchup between Chattanooga’s strong defense and Fordham’s aerial attack, which is 24th in the nation. Rams’ quarterback Kevin Anderson is 11th nationally in passing yards and has thrown 29 touchdown passes.
If one were comparing Chattanooga to any team the Rams played this season, it might be Villanova, which defeated Fordham 14-7. The Rams were held to 182 yards offense in that loss. The Rams will be competitive, but this is the last hurrah for a talented group of Chattanooga seniors, who believe they can make a deep run in the playoffs. That experience will win out.
If Chattanooga wins, it will set up a rematch with Jacksonville State, which defeated the Mocs 23-20 in the first game of the season.
Projected Score: Chattanooga 31, Fordham 17
See All FCS Playoff Breakdowns
