By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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The upcoming rematch between Wofford and The Citadel will be like watching a fight between identical twins.

nThe upcoming rematch between Wofford and The Citadel will be like watching a fight between identical twins. For as much disdain as the pair of in-state foes will surely display on Saturday evening, the similarities between the squads are uncanny.

nOn the surface, the easiest comparisons to draw are between the teams’ respective styles and identities. Both pride themselves on physicality, each boasting one of the best defenses and rushing offenses in the nation. Both run an option attack. However, the likenesses become even more pronounced when looking at the personnel.

nBoth The Citadel and Wofford possess ideal B-Backs, both of whom are the engines that make keep their respective units moving. Tyler Renew and Lorenzo Long are each in the top 25, nationally, in rushing yards per game, and lead top five rushing units.

nBoth teams were well represented along the all-conference offensive lines. The Bulldogs were represented on the second team by Kyle Weaver, and the first team by Nick Jeffreys and Isaiah Pinson, the winner of the Jacobs blocking award.

nThe Terriers had Anton Wharby on the first team and Roo Daniels on the second.

nWhile predominantly rushing teams, each school, curiously, has their fair share of playmaking wideouts; more than some gunslinging teams.

nJoe Crochet and Tyler Vaughn are two of the best defensive linemen in the country. Scary good edge rushers, there is always potential for a busted play no matter how good the opposing scheme is.

nFor all the similarities, there are a few fascinating differences, as well.

nDominique Allen, especially given his freedom to make changes at the line of scrimmage, independent of checks to the sideline, gives The Citadel a definite advantage under center.

nAs a whole, Wofford has the clear edge in the fornt seven given the defensive line, as a whole, and the immediate impacts of freshman linebackers Datavious Wilson and Jireh Wilson.

nThe Citadel may well have the best secondary in FCS football, however it is yet to be seen how much impact that will have against Wofford’s run heavy offense, this second time around.

nWhen all these factors came to a head earlier this season it took a ‘pitch six’ and overtime to decide a winner.

nIf these two teams switched jerseys, it may take the entire game to realize who is who, so don’t be surprised if this weekend’s result is even crazier.