
Catamount Football Looks for First Win Against Samford Bulldogs

By Coach Steve
The Cats from Cullowhee open SoCon play at home against the Samford Bulldogs at 230 PM on Saturday on ESPN+. The Catamount football team is still looking for its first win of what has been a tumultuous and challenging season thus far. On the surface, this looks like a meager matchup between two winless teams. But not all 0-3 records are the same. While the Catamounts of WCU have remained highly competitive against FCS competition, the Samford Bulldogs haven’t shown much signs of life. In fact, I would not be surprised if Samford finishes at the bottom of the Southern Conference this year. The Bulldogs’ stats are absolutely appalling. Samford averages a paltry 7.7 points per game, scoring only two touchdowns all year. The Samford offense has gained more than 300 yards of offense only once this season against The Citadel. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs defense has not held an opponent under 300 yards so far this year.
As for Western, the situation remains mostly the same with a minor change. We still do not know for sure who will be the starting quarterback when the Catamounts take the field Saturday afternoon. Per my reporting a few weeks back, Taron Dickens could return this week, but it is not necessarily a guarantee. The change? Bennett Judy has been demoted to QB3, and the depth chart released earlier this week clearly states “Taron Dickens OR Isaac Lee.” That’s right, we are on week four of Taron Watch 2025. That being said, I don’t think it should matter in the slightest this week. Samford has looked downright terrible all year long, with an anemic offense and a swiss cheese defense that has given up huge plays in both the passing and running game. The Catamounts should be able to dispatch of the Samford Bulldogs with relative ease, especially if Dickens is finally suiting up in the purple and gold. Look for Western to get back on the right track this weekend with a decisive win over Samford at home in the friendly confines of Whitmer Stadium.
As always, see you Sunday, and GO CATS!