VIDEO: Florida Tech Stays On Road To Face Division I FCS Foe Presbyterian College Blue Hose

By  //  September 23, 2016

FIT 0-2 VS. DIVISION I FCS COMPETITION

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While the Panthers have had an impressive start to their fourth season in program history, they will face a big road challenge when FIT ventures outside of the Gulf South play and travels to Division I-FCS Presbyterian located in Clinton, South Carolina

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA —#19 Florida Tech Panthers (3-0, 2-0 Gulf South) at Presbyterian College Blue Hose (1-2, 0-0 Big South) Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, S.C.

Series Record: First Meeting

Florida Tech’s Last Game: Defeated Shorter, 40-0

Presbyterian’s Last Game: Defeated Campbell, 31-14

Last week Florida Tech continued its torrid start to conference play, earning a second straight shutout with a 40-0 win at Shorter. In two conference games for the Panthers, they have outscored opponents 81-0.

While the Panthers have had an impressive start to their fourth season in program history, they will face a big road challenge when FIT ventures outside of the Gulf South play and travels to Division I-FCS Presbyterian located in Clinton, South Carolina.

ABOVE VIDEO: Florida Tech defensive coordinator Mark Smith talks with Space Coast Daily

The Panthers boast the top offense in the Gulf South Conference, averaging 41 points and 550.7 yards per game.

The rushing attack for the Panthers averages more than 275 yards per game and features and trio of standout runners. Antwuan Hayes, Trevor Sand, and Gary Holmes.

All rank in the Top 10 of the GSC in rushing yards per game.

ABOVE VIDEO: Panther Football Head Coach Steve Englehart talks about the Panther’s two consecutive shutout victories to open the 2016 season, and also previews his team’s game with Presbyterian College on Saturday.

The Panthers have never defeated a Division I FCS school (0-2) losing to Bethune Cookman in 2014 and Southeastern Louisiana last season.

presbyterian-180Presbyterian got its first victory of the season with a 31-14 win at Campbell last Saturday. It was the first road win for the Blue Hose since 2014. However, the Bluehose faced two tough opponents to start the season in Central Michigan and The University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

Presbyterian scored 31 points against the Camels last week, its most since 2014. That season, PC defeated Bluefield 69-14 at home. Its Presbyterian’s most points in a road game since November 13, 2010 when Presbyterian scored 39 points in a loss to Charleston Southern.

Will Brock threw for 129 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start. Darrell Bridges also helped pace the offense with 159 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Nick Moss totaled a team-high nine tackles to lead the Presbyterian defense, as they held Campbell to 14-points and a 2-for-11 mark on third downs.

The Presbyterian defense has looked strong on third downs this season, holding opponents to 5-of- 29 (17.2 percent) on third-down conversions on the young season, fourth best in the FCS.

The Bluhose are 3-1 under the lights at home since they were installed a few seasons back.

ABOVE VIDEO: Senior DT Skylar Sheffield discusses the defensive play of Florida Tech. The Panthers haven’t allowed a TD in 9 straight quarters.

Florida Tech By The Numbers:

Offensive Leaders Rushing: Antwuan Haynes (223 yds, 7.7 avg, 2 TDs)

Passing: Mark Cato (646 yds, 215.3 avg/g, 6 TDs)

Receiving: Kenny Johnston (8 rec, 189 yds, 1 TD)

Defensive Leaders Tackles: Andrew Adair (LB, 18 solo, 2 ast, 1.5 TFL/1 yd)

Sacks: Adonis Davis (DL, 3.0 sacks/22 yds)

Interceptions: 6 tied with 1 INT (Adair, Abad, Jackson, Montgomery, Sturgis, Stapleton

Florida Tech Ranked No. 19 In Latest Coaches Poll, Panthers Take On Presbyterian (S.C.) SaturdayRelated Story:
Florida Tech Ranked No. 19 In Latest Coaches Poll, Panthers Take On Presbyterian (S.C.) Saturday

Presbyterian By The Numbers:

Offensive Leaders Rushing: Darrell Bridges (287 yds, 4.0 avg, 1 TD)

Passing: Will Brock (187 yds, 93.5 avg/g, 2 TDs)

Receiving: Darquez Watson (8 rec, 104 yds, 1 TD)

Defensive Leaders Tackles: Khari Rosier (DL, 11 solo, 6 ast, 4.5 TFL/20 yds)

Sacks: Karmen Mack (DL, 3.0 sacks/13 yds)

Interceptions: 3 tied with 1 INT (Beidel, Lindsay, Green)

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