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After a tough road test to open the 2025 campaign, the VMI Keydets return to Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium this Saturday for their home opener> They host a Ferrum College team making the move from Division III to Division II. VMI is eager to get into the win column following a challenging season opener, while the Panthers are looking to make a statement.
VMI comes off a 52-7 defeat at the hands of the Navy Midshipmen. While the final score was lopsided, the Keydets showed flashes of offensive firepower. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Owen Sweeney was a bright spot, setting new career highs with 5 receptions for 126 yards, including a highlight-reel 75-yard touchdown grab for his first career score. He became the first VMI receiver to crack the century mark since Aidan Twombly accomplished the feat in 2023 against Western Carolina. Redshirt junior QB Collin Shannon showed poise in the pocket, completing 16 of 25 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown, all without turning the ball over. However, the offensive line will need to shore things up, as Shannon was sacked five times.
On the defensive side, the Keydets faced a high-powered running game and saw several players rise to the occasion. Safety Kouri Crump was a tackling machine, leading the team with 14 stops, 13 of which came in the first half. Cornerback Amaje Parker also had a career day with 10 tackles, and safety Isaiah Grevious added 7. In total, 24 Keydets recorded a tackle, a testament to the depth and effort of the defense. Nevertheless, they will need to tighten up after giving up 556 yards of total offense. Special teams were solid, with punter Ben Shrewsbury averaging 42.8 yards on eight kicks, including a 61-yard bomb.
For Ferrum, this game is a chance to prove themselves. The Panthers began their DII season last week with a 45-13 loss to Catawba College, surrendering 495 yards of total offense. On the offensive side, they leaned on the running game, with junior RB Jahylen Lee rushing for 69 yards on 14 carries and redshirt sophomore QB Eli Foutz adding 72 on 11 attempts. Foutz was less effective through the air, throwing for 108 yards on 12 of 19 attempts with no touchdowns and being sacked twice. The team’s lone offensive touchdown came unusually when offensive lineman Trey Reiter recovered a loose ball in the end zone. Kicker Jon Davis was a highlight, connecting on two field goals from 36 and 44 yards.
This in-state battle will be a fascinating clash of styles and motivation. The Keydets, a Division I program, are looking to get their season on track, while the Panthers, the DII newcomer, are out to make a name for themselves.
The Keydets' offense must protect Collin Shannon and give him time to find his playmakers. If the offensive line can hold up, Sweeney and the rest of the receiving corps could have a big day. Defensively, VMI needs to contain Ferrum's dual-threat quarterback Eli Foutz and limit the Panthers' ground attack, forcing them to win through the air.
The Panthers need to control the clock and lean on their rushing attack to keep VMI’s offense off the field. QB Eli Foutz must avoid turnovers and get the ball to his receivers in space. On defense, Ferrum will be challenged to create pressure on Shannon and prevent the big plays that plagued them in their opener.
