The “Family Weekend Folly” is in the rearview mirror. For the Elon University football team, the focus is now on Southern Conference play. With an 0-1 record in conference play — a 31-21 loss to Appalachian State University — the Phoenix is already in a hole. For that reason, this weekend’s game with Furman University is pivotal.

Furman was picked to finish seventh in the SoCon, only one spot above Elon. The Paladins are one of the more evenly matched teams Elon will see over the course of the season.

A year ago, it was a 31-17 home loss to Furman that eliminated Elon from postseason contention and sent the team on a downward spiral through the season’s final three games.

Two years ago, however, it was Elon earning a 41-34 road win over the No. 21 Paladins. That victory ended Furman’s hopes for a postseason trip in a year where they won six games.

LAST TIME OUT: Big second half gets Coastal Carolina past Elon

So far in 2013, Furman is off to a 2-2 start, including a win over Presbyterian College and a road win in conference against The Citadel. A win over Elon would give the Paladins a three-game winning streak and legitimize their season. An Elon team looking to stabilize itself could get back on its feet with a win, or send the season veering further off course with another loss.

Let’s get to the facts.

Elon Offensive X-factor: Mike Quinn, QB

A week ago against Coastal Carolina University, junior quarterback Mike Quinn only threw for 94 yards thanks to a resurgence of the run game. But, Furman has allowed 845 passing yards so far this season through four games, so Quinn has a chance to re-establish the passing game this week. Running a truly balanced (equal run and pass) offense will give Elon an opportunity to win.

Furman Offensive X-factor: Hank McCloud, RB

Junior running back Hank McCloud only averages 84.2 yards per game, but if recent trends hold true, he has the potential for a career day against Elon. The past two weeks, Appalachian State University freshman running back Marcus Cox and Coastal Carolina senior running back Lorenzo Taliaferro have completely shredded the Elon defensive front. McCloud’s ability to do so will determine the success for Furman’s offense against the Phoenix.

MORE: Football still optimistic as final SoCon slate arrives

Elon Defensive X-factor: Defensive line

This is a direct counter to the offensive key for Furman. The Elon defense was embarrassed by Coastal Carolina, giving up 652 yards of total offense. That defensive outing wasted a solid first half from the Phoenix offense, one that saw 28 points scored. Elon’s defense needs to get itself back on track, and there is no better way to do it than by shutting down Furman.

Furman Defensive X-factor: Defensive line

Furman’s defensive line will be in for a test if Elon chooses to go with its revamped run game in key situations this week. The Phoenix ran for 231 yards a week ago, well over the season average for rush yards surrendered per game by Furman (140.75). Furman’s defensive line will be tasked with ensuring that Elon does not use the run game to hang around once again.

Prediction

If Elon has proven anything so far in 2013, it is that inconsistent defense does not win games. Elon has had opportunities each of the last two weeks, but has not been able to put all the pieces together on offense and defense. That factor, combined with Furman’s momentum coming into this matchup should carry the Paladins to a home win.

Furman 34, Elon 21