LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI Football Team hopes to turn the page this Saturday as it opens up its 2024 conference season when it visits Samford. Kickoff from Birmingham is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. eastern time.
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SoCon Notes
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VMI Keydets (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)
Roster
Schedule/Results (Last Week – Bye)
Statistics
Game Notes
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Samford Bulldogs (1-2, 0-0 SoCon)
Roster
Schedule/Results (Last Week – DNP)
Statistics
Game Notes
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LAST TIME OUT
The Keydets were last in action on September 21, falling to the Norfolk State Spartans 32-10 at home. In the absence of Collin Shannon (injured) Chandler Wilson (33 yards, INT) got the start at quarterback, but was eventually spelled by Brady Hammonds (85 yards, two INT). The lone touchdown of the afternoon was a two-yard touchdown run by Cade Cox. Hunter Rice had just 35 yards on the ground, while Destin Moore's four receptions, 28 yards led VMI.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
Samford enters the weekend with a record of 1-2, losing at West Georgia and at Florida, before scoring a home victory over Alabama State on September 14. The Bulldogs, whose bye week was September 21, had last weekend's game at Furman postponed due to Hurricane Helene. Quincy Crittendon is a dual-threat quarterback, leading the team in rushing while throwing for three scores this year. Graduate student Noah Martin leads the team with 33.0 tackles, leading a team that has a total of 25 graduate students and 16 seniors.
THE SERIES
The Keydets have been victorious just three times in 11 matchups, taking three straight from 2019-21. The last two times the sides have faced off, VMI has been competitive until the end, with Samford pulling away late. Hunter Rice had one of his big games last year against the Bulldogs, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown, while Eric Rankin collected 12.0 tackles including a sack.
2024 Leaders
Passing
Chandler Wilson – 21-for-37, 139 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Brady Hammonds – 15-for-27, 126 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Hunter Rice – 56 rushes, 299 yards, 3 TDs
Luke Schalow – 15 rushes, 40 yards
Receiving
Ivan Thorpe – 11 catches, 84 yards
Nathan Lhotsky – 8 catches, 60 yards
Defense
Kouri Crump – 35.0 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 break ups
Shamus Jones – 31.0 tackles, 1 forced fumble; Eric Rankin – 25.0 tackles, 1 forced fumble
