The Citadel's Drayton Speaks His Mind on Furman Rivalry

Maurice Drayton, the coach of The Citadel, didn't hold back when talking about the upcoming game against Furman. He made it clear that this matchup is more than just a game; it's a rivalry filled with history and pride. Drayton's strong words about Furman's purple color caught attention. He said, "Purple makes me puke, and it will all week. " This isn't just about colors, though. It's about the deep history between these two teams and the importance of representing their school with pride. Furman has had the upper hand in this rivalry, leading the series 64-37-3. They've won the last four games against The Citadel. Drayton acknowledged this but also pointed out that Furman has had a rough patch lately, losing their last two games. Drayton also talked about the importance of understanding the rules of the game. He mentioned that his coaching staff reviews every game and sends in calls they believe were missed or incorrect. This is a big deal, especially after a controversial call in last year's game against Furman that ended up costing The Citadel the win. It wasn't all about the rivalry, though. Drayton also shared his thoughts on the firing of Florida head coach Billy Napier. He expressed concern for the assistant coaches and their families, who often bear the brunt of these decisions. The coaching world is a small one, and Drayton's own career path is a testament to that. He took over a position left vacant by Tony Elliott, who was hired by Furman. This interconnectedness shows how closely linked the coaching community is.