Yes I know, the following is a dumb statement. We all remember the North Carolina loss almost two weeks ago. (See, told you. Stating the obvious here.) Here’s the positive news though…No, I’m not going to talk about that one again. We’ve been there already; Zach and I were totally off on predictions and everything else leading up to the game for that matter. It was embarrassing for all parties involved. But that’s in the past! We’re done with that! However, there is a reason I bring up the score of 62-0.
This weekend, the Phoenix will welcome Division II opponent West Virginia State University to Rhodes Stadium. Last weekend, the Yellow Jackets came to North Carolina to take on the North Carolina A&T Aggies. (You thought I was going to say North Carolina Tar Heels didn’t you!) The Yellow Jackets were crushed by the Aggies, losing 77-0. North Carolina A&T racked up 489 yards of offense to WVSU’s 41. Yikes…
However, the Yellow Jackets are 1-1 on the young season. That also happens to be Elon’s record. In fact, both teams have scored the same number of points this year in 34. The Phoenix beat NC Central last weekend while the Yellow Jackets lost badly. But the week before, Elon lost badly while the Jackets won.
I’m by no means saying this is going to be a close game between two teams that have had similar seasons to this point. I’m just pointing out the facts.
So, what should the Elon fan base expect this weekend from the Phoenix against the Yellow Jackets? For one, don’t expect the Phoenix to take them lightly. Head coach Jason Swepson will not allow it.
“All we have to do is look in the mirror,” Swepson said. “We came off a 62-0 loss and we put together a great game the following week and that’s how we’re going to prepare…that they’re going to come in and put together a flawless game and really challenge us.”
Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Spain echoed a similar message.
“It’s just like every other week. We come out with the same mentality to play, to get better, and to win. Nothing changes,” Spain said. “It’s another opportunity to work on some things. That’s why we play on Saturdays. Anything can happen so we’re going to go out there and do the best to our ability and get our mind right and ready to play and get the win.”
Spain also did play the role of analyst though this week after practice, giving his three keys to the game.
“We have to hit the gaps, execute the simple things, and keep pace with the game, especially on special teams,” he said. “We just have to play hard.”
Jonathan, if it’s okay with you, I’m going to add another key in there.
Though I don’t think the Phoenix will necessarily need to rely on his this weekend, it’s crucial to get senior wide receiver Aaron Mellette going to give not only him, but the offense as a whole the confidence they need with a trip to Georgia Southern next weekend in their conference opener.
“We better be hitting on all cylinders when we go to Georgia Southern, so we need a good performance Saturday for us to have that confidence going down there,” Swepson said.
So here it is. I’m going to make a prediction, which is something I vowed never to do again after North Carolina. (That didn’t last very long. I told Zach my prediction last week was Elon, 45-24.) However, I look to the positive here with my predictions. Whether the score was right or not, I am 2-0 on the season in team picks. I must be doing something right! I’m taking the Phoenix in a blowout this week, 62-7. Aaron Mellette and the offense will get rolling, and they will have the momentum needed going into next weekend. I have to be honest though, I am not confident in the seven points for West Virginia State. This Phoenix defense is tough. Don’t be surprised to see it below seven, and maybe even at zero. Hey, North Carolina A&T did it. Elon will be rolling on all cylinders this weekend, and I expect to see backup quarterback Mike Quinn and the rest of the second stringers get extended playing time in the second half.