Towson Football Vs. William And Mary Recap: Tigers Pull Away From Tribe
Towson Football Vs. William And Mary Recap: Tigers Pull Away From Tribe
The Towson Tigers dominated the second half of their showdown with William & Mary to secure a 34-24 victory and spoil the Tribe's 2023 homecoming.
Towson was dominant in the second half of its Coastal Athletic Association showdown with William & Mary on Saturday, and the Tigers cruised to a 34-24 win against the No. 13-ranked Tribe, spoiling their homecoming weekend.
The Tigers controlled the ball for more than 24 minutes of the second half and scored 31 points, while limiting the Tribe to 95 yards, 68 of which came on a late scoring drive once the game was out of reach.
Towson improves to 3-4 on the season and 2-2 in CAA play, and the defeat marks the third consecutive loss for William & Mary, which opened the season with four straight wins. The Tribe, the reigning CAA co-champions (with New Hampshire) sit at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
William & Mary jumped out to a 17-0 lead in just over a quarter of play in front of a Walter J. Zable Stadium-record crowd of more than 13,700 and led 17-3 at halftime, but the Tigers were ferocious after the break.
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Towson Vs. William & Mary Prediction And More CAA Picks For Week 8
Towson Football In 2023: What To Know About The Tigers
William & Mary Football In 2023: What To Know About The Tribe
For the game, Towson and William & Mary ended up relatively close statistically.
Towson finished with 72 plays for 396 yards (208 rushing and 188 passing), while William & Mary had 55 plays for 341 yards (212 rushing and 129 passing).
The Towson defense made all the difference in the win, sacking the Tribe twice and recovering a pair of William & Mary fumbles.
Individually, senior running back Devin Matthews did much of the leg work for Towson, stepping in for an injured D’Ago Hunter and turning in a season-best 117 yards on 20 rushes. His third-quarter touchdown helped the Tigers tie the game at 17.
Redshirt junior Nathan Kent handled things through the air, connecting on 19-of-28 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
The two touchdown tosses were to redshirt junior tight end Carter Runyon, who had a game-best 92 yards on seven catches.
William & Mary quarterback Darius Wilson had a pair of touchdown strikes in the loss, too. The left-hander connected with fellow quarterback Hollis Mathis from eight yards and 18 yards in the second and fourth quarters, respectively.
The Tribe did not score in the third quarter Saturday, which is an ironic twist, as they had not allowed an opponent to score in the third quarter all season. Towson ended that streak with 14 points after the halftime break.
The Tigers also put an end to William & Mary’s home winning streak, which was at six, and the Tribe’s string of wins in the series, which was at two.
Towson has won six of the last 10 meetings between the two teams, but William & Mary owns the advantage in the series, 11-8.
Next up for Towson is a meeting with CAA front-runner, Delaware, next Saturday in Maryland at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Delaware is 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play after picking up a 47-3 conference win Saturday against Hampton.
William & Mary will host Monmouth at Zable Stadium next Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern. The Hawks were defeated Saturday by Elon, 28-26.
Highlights: Towson Vs. William And Mary | 2023 CAA Football
Final Stats From Towson Football At William And Mary
| Team | Towson | William & Mary |
| Total Yds | 396 | 341 |
| Pass Yds | 188 | 129 |
| Rush Yds | 208 | 212 |
| Penalties | 10-65 | 8-91 |
| 1st Downs | 23 | 20 |
| 3rd Downs | 7-14 | 5-10 |
| 4th Downs | 3-3 | 1-1 |
| Total Plays | 72 | 55 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 5.5 | 6.2 |
| Avg Yds/Completion | 9.9 | 10.8 |
| Avg Yds/Rush | 4.7 | 6.2 |
| Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg) | 217 (5) | 236 (7.6) |
| Red Zone | 5-5 | 4-5 |
| Time of Poss | 34:00:00 | 26:00:00 |
| Turnovers (Def Pts Off) | 0 (0) | 2 (7) |
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-0 | 2-2 |
| Sacks (Def Yds) | 3 (22) | 1 (9) |
| TFL (Def Yds) | 7(36) | 1(9) |
| Points | 34 | 24 |
Towson Football Defeats William And Mary
The Towson Tigers defeat the William & Mary Tribe 34-24 in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Towson improves to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in CAA play. William & Mary loses its third consecutive game and falls to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference games.
Towson Football Recovers Onside Kick, Starts Final Drive
The Towson Tigers go into victory formation and kneel for two downs to run out the clock.
William And Mary Football Gets Consolation Touchdown In Final Minute
Left-hander Darius Wilson hits Hollis Mathis from 18 yards. It's the 17th touchdown of Mathis' career and cuts the Towson lead to 34-23.
Caden Bonoffski adds the extra point for William & Mary to bring the score to 34-24 with 47 seconds left to play.
Onside kick likely coming.
Towson Piling On The Points Against William And Mary
A play-action play call resulted in a one-yard touchdown toss from Nathan Kent to Carter Runyon.
Towson leads William & Mary, 34-17 with 1:55 left to play in the Tribe's 2023 homecoming game.
Kent is 19-for-28 for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He also has run for 38 yards.
Towson Football Backup Back Making Noise
Senior running back Devin Matthews got the start Saturday for the injured D'Ago Hunter, and Matthews has made the most of the opportunity.
He has rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts and will help the Tigers run out the clock in the fourth quarter.
William And Mary Fumbles Again, Towson Takes Over
William & Mary quarterback Darius Wilson fumbles while scrambling. Towson recovers. Unsportsmanlike penalty against the Tribe adds another 15 yards.
Towson takes over on the WM 20-yard line.
Take A Look At The Carter Runyon TD For Towson Football
🚨 @CarterRunyon6 from @nathankent15_ to the house and the Tigers are ROLLING! @Towson_FB | @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/nZhB0bh8lc
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 21, 2023
Towson Tigers Pulling Away From William And Mary Football
A simple throw and catch, Towson quarterback Nathan Kent connects with redshirt junior tight end Carter Runyon for a 53-yard score. Keegan Vaughan adds the extra point.
Towson leads 27-17 with about four minutes to play.
William And Mary Football Punts Again
Towson gets the ball back at its own 40 with 5:38 left in the game.
During the second half, Towson has had the ball for 20:51, and William & Mary has had it for 3:31.
After going up 17-0 in the second quarter, William & Mary has been held scoreless in the second half.
Towson Football Leads Against William And Mary
The Towson Tigers are in upset mode with less than eight minutes to play.
Towson kicker Keegan Vaughan puts one through from 24 yards out to give the Tigers a 20-17 lead. It's his second field goal on three attempts Saturday.
Towson Time In Virginia
In the third quarter against William & Mary, Towson had the ball for 13:39, and the Tribe had it for 1:21.
Fourth Quarter Underway For Towson Football And William And Mary Football
William & Mary finally got a chance to run some offensive plays in the second half, but the Tribe got nowhere and were forced to punt.
Towson will start the fourth quarter at its own 28-yard line.
Towson Football Scores Again
Senior running back Devin Matthews runs it in from 10 yards out to bring the score to 17-16. He has run for 83 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts.
Keegan Vaughan added the extra point to even the score at 17.
Towson is controlling the second half against William & Mary. WM hasn't run a single offensive play, and there's only 1:21 left in the third quarter.
William And Mary Fumbles Kickoff
William & Mary returner JT Mayo fumbles the ensuing kickoff (forced by Justin Toler), and it is recovered by Towson sophomore Alijah Bivans.
Towson takes control at the William & Mary 26.
Watch The Towson Football Scoring Drive
A drive going 22(‼️) plays and eating up almost 12 minutes ends in a Tigers TD 🤯@Towson_FB | @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/JIDOoUZA4O
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 21, 2023
Towson Football Marches Down The Field, Scores Touchdown Against WM Football
The Towson Tigers march 82 yards on 22 plays to start the third quarter, while running more than 11 minutes off the clock.
The Tigers were stopped on third and 1 and pushed ahead on fourth and 1 to bring the score to 17-9.
Redshirt junior quarterback Nathan Kent got the score, and Keegan Vaughan handled the PAT, cutting the deficit to 17-10 with 3:24 left to play in the third quarter.
Check Out The Towson Tigers' Fake Punt
Josh Cupitt......the rusher! First down on the fake punt!
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 21, 2023
📺- https://t.co/NM6OfOLJYv
📻- https://t.co/E30RYISddd
📊- https://t.co/Fw3BqFW0vp#GohTigers | #Arete pic.twitter.com/MpKTYwWGl1
Fake Punt Gets Towson Football First Down
A fake punt by Josh Cupitt on fourth and 6 yields the Tigers a first down. He ran for nine yards on the play.
Second Half Underway For Towson And William And Mary
William & Mary has kicked it off, and Towson will begin the second half at its own 18.
William And Mary Sets Stadium Record For Attendance
It was announced during the halftime recap that the 2023 William & Mary homecoming game at Zable Stadium set a new venue record for attendance with 13,713.
First-Half Stats From Towson Football At William And Mary
| Team | Towson | William & Mary |
| Total Yds | 126 | 246 |
| Pass Yds | 55 | 59 |
| Rush Yds | 71 | 187 |
| Penalties | 5-25 | 4-46 |
| 1st Downs | 8 | 14 |
| 3rd Downs | 2-5 | 4-7 |
| 4th Downs | 0-0 | 1-1 |
| Total Plays | 26 | 38 |
| Avg Yds/Play | 4.8 | 6.5 |
| Avg Yds/Completion | 6.9 | 8.4 |
| Avg Yds/Rush | 5.5 | 7.2 |
| Sack-Adj Rush Yd(Avg) | 80 (6.7) | 188 (7.5) |
| Red Zone | 1-1 | 3-4 |
| Time of Poss | 9:43 | 20:17 |
| Turnovers (Def Pts Off) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Sacks (Def Yds) | 1 (1) | 1 (9) |
| TFL (Def Yds) | 4(8) | 1(9) |
| Points | 3 | 17 |
Towson Takes Final Shot At End Zone With 7 Seconds Left, Then Attempts Field Goal
At 7 second before halftime, Towson took a shot at the end zone, but the pass was batted away.
With 1 second left on the clock, Keegan Vaughan was brought in to attempt a 45-yard field goal, which was no good.
William & Mary leads Towson at halftime, 17-3.
William And Mary Football Can't Find End Zone, Attempts Field Goal
The Tribe threatened, but couldn't get into the end zone.
Senior kicker Caden Bonoffski misses from 36 yards. He's now 12-of-14 for the season.
Towson takes over at its own 20.
William & Mary leads 17-3 with less than three minutes left in the half.
CAA Preseason Defensive Player Of The Year Doesn't Disappoint
Junior outside linebacker John Pius is a sack specialist for William & Mary. Check out this sack against Towson:
in other news: jp is just... not gonna stop
— William & Mary Tribe Football (@WMTribeFootball) October 21, 2023
💻@FloFootball
📻 The Tide 92.3 FM
📊https://t.co/QQtv1wDoQW#GoTribe pic.twitter.com/4zEbwOD6y8
Malachi Imoh Fumble For William And Mary Reviewed
Yes, Malachi Imoh had the ball punched out, but the whistle ended the play. The 8-yard run by Imoh stands, and play resumes.
WM is at its own 28-yard line.
Big Decision For Towson Football
The Tigers are at the William & Mary 12, but it's fourth and 7.
Towson opts to go for the field goal. Redshirt junior Keegan Vaughan connects from 28 yards to bring the score to 17-3 with just over 10 minutes left in the half.
WM Football Finishes Drive, Scores Again
Junior quarterback Darius Wilson connects with junior (fellow quarterback) Hollis Mathis from eight yards out, puts the Tribe ahead 16-0.
Caden Bonoffski adds the extra point, William & Mary leads 17-0 with 13:39 left in the half.
Adjustment To Malachi Imoh Run
It was determined that Imoh had stepped out of bounds, so the run was adjusted from 75 yards to 56 yards, putting the Tribe at the Towson 26.
Homecoming Celebration For William And Mary Football
Between the first and second quarters, the 1953 William & Mary football team is recognized.
Read more: W&M Football Legends - The 1953 Team
First Quarter Ends In William And Mary - Towson Football Game
Junior running back Malachi Imoh adds some last-second excitement and nearly runs the length of the field for another Tribe score. He makes it 75 yards down the left sideline, before being tripped up.
At the end of the first quarter, William & Mary leads 10-0 but will start the second quarter at the Towson 12.
Watch Martin Lucas Help Put WM Football Ahead 10-0
martin so far today → five carries, 38 yards, ONE TRIBE TOUCHDOWN
— William & Mary Tribe Football (@WMTribeFootball) October 21, 2023
us 10, towson 0 | 2:12 1Q
💻 @FloFootball
📻 The Tide 92.3 FM
📊 https://t.co/QQtv1wDoQW#GoTribe pic.twitter.com/7XCAtXyExx
William And Mary Adds First-Quarter Touchdown
Martin Lucas finishes off the drive with the seventh touchdown of his career. The sophomore scored on a one-yard rush up the middle.
William & Mary leads its homecoming game 10-0 with less than three minutes left in the opening quarter, following the Caden Bonoffski extra point.
WM Tribe Into The Red Zone
Martin Lucas rumbles down the left sideline for 10 yards to get the Tribe into the red zone.
Towson Kicks Game's First Punt
The Tigers went three and out on their first drive, highlighted by two rushes for eight yards from senior running back Devin Matthews.
After the 40-yard punt from Josh Cupitt, Jalen Jones returns it 19 yards for the Tribe, who will start their next drive at the Towson 49.
William And Mary Football Opens The Scoring
Senior kicker Caden Bonoffski connects from 36 yards to put the Tribe ahead 3-0.
It's his 12th field goal in 13 attempts this year.
William & Mary has taken more than eight minutes off the clock.
WM Football Converts On Fourth Down On Opening Drive
Sophomore running back Martin Lucas pushes ahead on fourth and 1.
Towson Wins Coin Toss, Defers To Second Half
The Towson Tigers won the opening coin toss of its 2023 showdown with William & Mary. The Tribe will get the ball to start the action at Zable Stadium in Williamsburg, Virginia.
When Is The Towson Vs. William & Mary Football Game?
Towson will take on William & Mary at Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
How To Watch The Towson Vs. William & Mary Football Game
Football action is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app, including the Towson and William & Mary football game during Week 8.
Replays and postgame highlights also will be available on both platforms.
Today's Other Scores From Around The CAA
*Richmond def. North Carolina A&T, 33-10
*Elon def. Monmouth, 28-26
*Delaware def. Hampton, 47-3
*New Hampshire def. Stony Brook, 45-14
*UAlbany def. Rhode Island35-10
*Campbell def. Maine, 34-28
*Streaming on FloFootball
Towson Football Starters For William And Mary Game
The (probable) starters at W&M!#GohTigers | #Arete pic.twitter.com/3ZrfWpSkQz
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 21, 2023
*WM football starters not posted yet.
Fast Facts: WM Football By The Numbers
William & Mary has held its opponents scoreless in the third quarter of every game this season … Senior defensive lineman Nate Lynn leads the CAA in sacks this year (eight), and his 28 career sacks are the most among active Division I players … William & Mary has won four of its last five games after a bye week … Six players on the Tribe’s 2023 roster have thrown at least one career touchdown pass, but junior Darius Wilson has taken all but two snaps this season … Junior outside linebacker John Pius is on the watchlists for the Butkus Award, Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl 1000 and Buchanan Award.
Fast Facts: More About Towson Football
The Towson Tigers are playing their 54th season, but first under head coach Pete Shinnick … Graduate defensive lineman Jesus Gibbs was selected for the 2024 Shrine Bowl 1000 (chosen from a list of the top 1,000 NFL Draft-eligible players), and he’s on the watchlist for the Reese’s Senior Bowl … Graduate defensive back Robert Javier was an FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honorable mention on Sept. 16 … Graduate linebacker Jamal Gay is a semifinalist for the 2023 Campbell Trophy.
Odds In WM Football Favor
William & Mary has a six-game home winning streak and has won five of its last seven homecoming games.
The Tribe lead the country in scoring defense (242.7 yards per game) and rank in the top 5 in passing defense (140 ypg), scoring defense (13.5) and third-down defense. They’re in the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed (one) and sacks per game (3.17).
The only wrinkle here is that Towson owns a 6-4 advantage in games played between the two teams in Williamsburg.
Who’s On The Call This Week In Williamsburg?
Longtime voice of the Tribe, Jay Colley, will handle the play-by-play responsibilities for the Towson game, and former W&M standouts Mike Leach and Shawn Knight will provide analysis.
Watch: CAA Top 10 Plays Of The Week | Week 7
Check out the Top 10 CAA Plays of the Week from Week 7.
Other CAA News This Week
For the first time this season, there’s nothing but conference games on the schedule for the CAA teams, so this week should help break up some of the ties and jumble in the conference standings.
Delaware is the only team undefeated in conference play and tops the standings at 3-0. Elon, Richmond and Villanova are next at 3-1. Monmouth, UAlbany and William & Mary all are 2-1.
Things To Watch This Week, Courtesy Of The CAA:
CAA Football Weekly Awards – Oct. 16
Monmouth picked up two of this week’s four awards, earned by junior running back Jaden Shirden and junior return man TJ Speight in a 61-10 victory over Hampton.
Shirden had a record-setting day for the Hawks and was named CAA Offensive Player of the Week, while Speight made some history on the way to the CAA Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Delaware’s Jackson Taylor and Villanova’s Isaiah Ragland also were honored.
Read more about this week’s award winners here.
CAA Football Awards For Towson And William & Mary This Season
Towson
Nathan Kent, Co-Offense, Oct. 2
William & Mary
Caden Bonoffski – Special Teams, Sept. 11
Nate Lynn – Defense, Sept. 18
Towson Football Schedule 2023
All times Eastern
- Sept. 2: Maryland 38, Towson 6 (L)
- Sept. 9: Monmouth 42, Towson 23 (L)
- Sept. 16: Towson 20, Morgan State 10 (W)
- Sept. 23: Norfolk State 21, Towson 14 (L)
- Sept. 30: Towson 54, New Hampshire 51 (OT) (W)
- Oct. 7: UAlbany 24, Towson 17 (L)
- Oct. 21: at William & Mary, 3:30 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Oct. 28: Delaware, 4 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 4: at North Carolina A&T, 1p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 11: at Villanova, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 18: Rhode Island, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
William & Mary Football Schedule 2023
All times Eastern
- Aug. 31: William & Mary 34, Campbell 24 (W)
- Sept. 9: William & Mary 23, Wofford 6 (W)
- Sept. 16: William & Mary 15, Charleston Southern 7 (W)
- Sept. 23: William & Mary 28, Maine 3 (W)
- Sept. 30: Elon 14, William & Mary 6 (L)
- Oct. 7: Virginia 27, William & Mary 13 (L)
- Oct. 21: Towson, 3:30 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Oct. 28: Monmouth, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 4: at UAlbany, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 11: at Hampton, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
- Nov. 18: Richmond, 1 p.m. ET, FloSports
The Week 8 CAA Football Schedule
Here’s what the CAA action looks like this week. All times are Eastern.
Saturday, Oct. 21
*Richmond at North Carolina A&T, 1 p.m.
*Monmouth at Elon, 2 p.m.
*Delaware at Hampton, 2 p.m.
*New Hampshire at Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m.
*Rhode Island at UAlbany, 3:30 p.m.
*Towson at William & Mary, 3:30 p.m.
*Maine at Campbell, 4 p.m.
*Streaming live on FloSports
2023 CAA Football Standings
School | Conference | Overall | Pct. | Streak |
Delaware | 3-0 | 5-1 | 0.833 | W4 |
Villanova | 3-1 | 5-2 | 0.714 | W2 |
Richmond | 3-1 | 4-3 | 0.571 | W2 |
Elon | 3-1 | 3-4 | 0.429 | L2 |
William & Mary | 2-1 | 4-2 | 0.667 | L2 |
UAlbany | 2-1 | 4-3 | 0.571 | L1 |
Monmouth | 2-1 | 3-3 | 0.5 | W2 |
Rhode Island | 2-2 | 4-3 | 0.571 | L1 |
Campbell | 2-2 | 3-3 | 0.5 | W1 |
Hampton | 1-2 | 3-3 | 0.5 | L2 |
New Hampshire | 1-2 | 3-3 | 0.5 | W1 |
Towson | 1-2 | 2-4 | 0.333 | L1 |
Maine | 1-3 | 2-5 | 0.286 | W1 |
N.C. A&T | 0-3 | 1-5 | 0.167 | L2 |
Stony Brook | 0-4 | 0-6 | 0 | L6 |
Stats Perform FCS Top 25 As Of Oct. 15, 2023
Here is the Week 8 Stats Perform FCS Top 25
Ranking | School | Record | Points | Previous |
1 | South Dakota State (56) | 6-0 | 1,400 | 1 |
2 | Montana State | 5-1 | 1,342 | 2 |
3 | Sacramento State | 5-1 | 1,203 | 3 |
4 | Furman | 5-1 | 1,195 | 4 |
5 | UIW | 5-1 | 1,023 | 7 |
6 | South Dakota | 5-1 | 1,002 | 10 |
7 | Delaware | 5-1 | 985 | 8 |
8 | Western Carolina | 5-1 | 981 | 9 |
9 | Montana | 6-1 | 978 | 16 |
10 | Idaho | 5-2 | 946 | 3 |
11 | North Dakota | 4-2 | 930 | 15 |
12 | Southern Illinois | 5-1 | 725 | 13 |
13 | William & Mary | 4-2 | 687 | 11 |
14 | North Dakota State | 4-2 | 673 | 6 |
15 | Holy Cross | 4-2 | 653 | 12 |
16 | North Carolina Central | 5-1 | 607 | 14 |
17 | UT Martin | 5-1 | 504 | 17 |
18 | Harvard | 5-0 | 446 | 19 |
19 | Florida A&M | 5-1 | 403 | 18 |
20 | Central Arkansas | 5-2 | 373 | 20 |
21 | Chattanooga | 5-2 | 268 | 25 |
22 | Villanova | 5-2 | 229 | NR |
23 | UC Davis | 4-2 | 136 | NR |
24 | Austin Peay | 4-2 | 125 | NR |
25 | Youngstown State | 3-3 | 108 | 23 |
Others Receiving Votes (schools listed on two or more ballots): New Hampshire 68; Fordham 44; UAlbany 39; Lafayette 32; Northern Iowa 23; Weber State 23; Eastern Kentucky 13; Eastern Washington13; Illinois State 11; Tennessee State 6; Lamar 2
Archived Footage On FloFootball
Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloFootball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
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