Football Preview: St. Francis Saints to bring powerhouse offense to the Dome

          After guaranteeing a losing sophomore season with a heart- breaking loss to UT San Antonio last weekend, the Panthers will be fighting for pride as they host the St. Francis Saints this Saturday.

         Through the first 8 games of the season, the Saints hold a 7-1 winning record. They are 3-1 at home and 4-0 on the road. Winning games on the road has not been a difficult task for the Saints this season. In their four road victories they've won by a mar- gin of 42 points.

       The Saints have scored over 50 points in 5 games this season. Not coincidentally, they have won each game by double digits. The Panthers will have to slow down sophomore quarterback E.J White if they are going to be competitive in this game.

        White has been nothing less than spectacular this season throwing for 27 touchdowns in the first 8 games. In a 69 – 6 victory over Haskell Indian Nations University, White threw for a school record 6 touchdowns. What's more impressive is that he accomplished this playing in the first half with a score of 42-6.

      White's success can be attributed to his dynamic receivers. So far White has three receivers with seven touchdowns a piece. With a legit quarterback and explosive receivers, the Panthers defense will have to step their game up and be ready for the challenge.

      The Saints are averaging 50 points a game while holding opponents to two scores or less. This team is an offensive power house converting 51 percent of their 3rd downs and scoring points 95 percent of the time they reach the red zone.

    Although the main focus on this team is offense, they are exceptional on the defensive side of the ball as well. The Saints are holding opponents to a 26 percent conversion rate on 3rd downs and have also intercepted the ball 12 times.

    The Panthers cannot dig a hole early in the game otherwise the Saints will continue to pile on points. If the Panthers offense can hold possession of the football and keep E.J White off the field, the Panthers have a chance.

This game will kick off at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday at the Georgia Dome