Florida Tech (1-3) is looking to avoid its third straight Gulf South Conference loss when they compete against No.1 Valdosta State (3-0) Saturday at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.
The Blazers conclude their four-game home stand playing their first ever meeting between the newly added associate GSC members.
This marks the inaugural season for the Panthers which is been frustrating due to the rough start surrounded by injuries.
FIT quarterback Bobby Vega will make his second start of the season with normal starter Sean Ashley still recovering from a shoulder injury.
Despite throwing for 332 yards and a touchdown, the senior recorded two interceptions in last week’s 52-31 loss to Delta State.
“Florida Tech throws the ball a good amount and that’s what they do best, but hopefully we’re going to put pressure on the quarterback. It would be good to see our defensive ends get up field and get some sacks,” head coach David Dean said.
Nevertheless, preventing the Blazers from scoring should be more of a task for FIT than the Panthers’ offensive effectiveness.
With Blazer cornerback Dominique Wheeler coming off an award winning week, (assuming they matchup) it will be interesting to see how well the senior can contain GSC leading and FIT receiver Xavier Milton.
FIT’s defensive injuries are crucial setbacks that make their chances of victory slimmer than before.
VSU is currently the second highest scoring offense in the GSC and the Panthers are giving up an average 36 points a game.
Cochran and Downs have yet to face a team to slow down the dangerous duo. Downs already has compiled 291 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
VSU gets into the heart of its schedule next week starting with the first road game against 2012 Gulf South Conference champs West Alabama.
Kick-off is set of 3 p.m. on Saturday.
By Eric Jackson