Traveling nearly 2,000 miles, playing in below-freezing conditions and snow, and taking on one of the best teams in the nation should be something that Furman fans and players are proud of. However, while Furman had multiple opportunities to win the game decisively, they left Missoula, Montana, defeated. What went wrong?
The first indication that something was wrong for Furman came on the game's opening kickoff. Montana Wide Receiver Junior Bergen electrified the stadium with a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown. The Paladins responded, though, with a 70-yard knuckleball throw from QB Tyler Huff to WR Colton Hinton, which set the Paladins up for a quick RB Dominic Roberto touchdown. Following a quick march down the field for the Grizzlies, QB Huff responded with a 53-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 14 a piece at the end of the first quarter.
The Paladins played lights-out defense throughout the game. Any rushes up the middle were squashed for little or no gain. Montana’s Jerry Rice Award Winner (awarded to the best FCS player in the nation), RB Eli Gillman, was held to only two yards rushing on attempts. No other Montana RB could do any better. The leading rusher for Montana was dual-threat QB Clifton McDowell, who ran 118 yards on 21 attempts and one touchdown. He would also throw for the game-winning touchdown but threw an interception to Furman CB Micah Robinson to set up a quick RB Roberto touchdown.
Special teams and offensive production set the Grizzlies apart from the Paladins. The Paladins played poorly on special teams, allowing two touchdown returns from Montana WR Junior Bergen. Simply put, it becomes excruciatingly tricky, almost impossible, to mount a run for victory when you give up easy touchdowns that the Grizzlies no longer have to worry about scoring themselves on offense. Special teams were the difference maker in the game. One could narrow it down to Furman’s punter Ryan Leavy having difficulty grasping the ball in the cold to make an accurate and long punt, but it came down to poor tackling by the Paladins and great blocking by the Grizzlies.
Offensive production for the Paladins could have been better. QB Huff looked out of touch, throwing for 188 yards but with sixteen completions on 47 attempts. The nagging shoulder injury in his throwing arm, which he suffered in the first matchup against Chattanooga, was starting to rear itself. Playcalling was highly conservative. The aggression from the previous games was nowhere to be seen. The Paladin offense played a more “game managing” strategy, trying to keep the ball out of Montana’s hands and forcing them to go head-to-head with the stout Paladin defense. This strategy worked for most of the game, but, paired with the touchdowns surrendered on special teams, it made the strategy futile. In the end, the game came down to overtime following a miracle touchdown reception from Huff to tight-end Mason Pline to tie the game late. Any mistakes by the Paladin defense would put victory in great jeopardy. The mistake was made, and the Paladin offense could not respond, resulting in a 35-28 overtime loss.
The Paladins finished 10-3 (7-1 SoCon) for the second consecutive year. This season was far better than the last: the Paladins played with a far better defensive mentality, winning them the Southern Conference Championship. They got the farthest in the playoffs since 2005. As 42 seniors will depart the team, what lies next for the Paladins?
Some Furman Paladins like OL Jacob Johanning and TE Mason Pline have even entered the NFL draft, looking to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’ TE Ryan Miller as the only Furman football players currently on an NFL roster. Some Paladins like QB Tyler Huff or CB Micah Robinson have entered the transfer portal to possibly play at the FBS level or pursue additional educational opportunities elsewhere. But back in Greenvillle, the Paladins will need to make a massive splash in the transfer portal if they want to have significant success next year. Next year’s squad will be the youngest Furman has had in years. One of the best safeties in the SoCon, WCU’s Andreas Keaton, is entering the transfer portal. It would be beneficial if the Paladins could sign him. Another player the Paladins should target is Wofford ATH Chase Soper, who could be a difference-maker on whichever side of the ball he plays on. Offensively, the Paladins will need some help on the offensive line. Any additions would be welcome.
The 2023 season for the Furman Paladins has been nothing short of amazing. The Paladins exceeded expectations and were history-makers, winning the SoCon championship and earning their second-consecutive ten-win season. This season would not have been possible without their hard work, especially by the seniors who will be enshrined forever as true leaders during their time here and beyond. Go Dins!