Some FCS programs would rather not be on the playoff bubble, while several are just happy to be in the discussion. Samford is one of those programs that would love to make the playoffs … so being on the bubble is hardly a bad thing. The Bulldogs want to punch their ticket.
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So let's take a look at what Samford needs to do next week, and how it helped itself today:
SAMFORD (7-3) IN A NUTSHELL
TODAY'S RESULT: Big home win over East Tennessee State, 42-7.
TODAY'S STAR?: QB Devlin Hodges (261 yards, 4 TDs); DL Ahmad Gooden (8 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 hurries); DB Christian Stark (7 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT for 28 yards).
HOW DID TODAY HELP/HURT?: It helps a ton, because it locks in that 7th win going into what will be a grueling matchup at home with Furman. Today's win ensures the Bulldogs will be in discussion for a playoff spot no matter what happens with Furman, and also a win over the Paladins could lead to a possible home game in the first round, depending on bidding. The Bulldogs had to put this one away convincingly and they did it.
WHAT'S NEXT?: Plays host to Furman
THE SKINNY?: Samford has won five of six now since falling to Western Carolina late in the game. And remember, Samford has the win over Wofford and also is Big South co-leader Kennesaw State's lone loss this year. You can obviously throw out the loss to Georgia as that's an FBS loss, and the only real blemish on this entire schedule is falling to a struggling Chattanooga team — otherwise we'd be talking about a Southern Conference frontrunner and potential seed. This is a team with a very solid resume.
IF IT MAKEs PLAYOFFS, WHO COULD THEY FACE?: The Bulldogs are interesting because they may provide a good matchup for the Southland runner up (Sam Houston State?) or maybe a Missouri Valley program that leans to the eastern half of the conference (Western Illinois? Illinois State?). And what if nearby Austin Peay gets in from the Ohio Valley Conference? Lots of options here, geographically.
RELATED: Which FCS program has drawn the biggest crowds this year — this may surprise you.
