William and Mary Tribe
CAA
Picked to finish fourth in the CAA this season, William & Mary did a little better than that for coach Jimmye Laycock, now in his 36th season. The Tribe won a share of the CAA title for the first time since 2000. This will mark William & Mary’s first playoff appearance since 2010. After being upset by Delaware on October 3rd, the Tribe ran off six straight wins before losing in the season finale at Richmond.
2015 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Jimmye Laycock
Big Wins: 10/10 at Villanova (38-16), 10/31 James Madison (44-41)
Bad Losses: 9/3 at Delaware (23-24), 11/21 at Richmond (9-20)
Strengths:
This team is another one of the playoff teams that doesn’t make mistakes. Let’s put it this way: The Tribe had more wins than turnovers – going into the Richmond contest. They had eight wins and seven turnovers, but were intercepted three times by the Spiders. Only South Dakota State has fewer turnovers. Quarterback Steve Clutey leads the offense and he has thrown 13 TD passes and just five interceptions, with three of those coming in the regular season finale. Nationally, William & Mary is fourth in turnover margin and 26th in total offense. Here’s another telling stat: When William & Mary rushes for 200 yards in a game, it wins. Since 1993, when the Tribe have accomplished that goal, they have a 67-4 record. Individually, DeVonte Dedmon gives William & Mary a potent return man as he leads the CAA in kick return average.
Weaknesses:
This is a workmanlike team that’s not going to dazzle you with positive stats, or negative stats for that matter. William & Mary’s loss to Delaware is a head-scratcher although the Hens seemed to play to the level of their competition this season. The Tribe is only 58th nationally in team sacks so it’s not a great pass-rushing unit and they’re only 66th in red zone offense.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Kendell Anderson, RB, 1,218 yards
Passing: Steve Cluley, QB, 2,438 yards
Receiving: DeVonte Dedmon, 482 yards
Tackles: DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, 86
Sacks: Peyton Gryder, DE, 4.0
Interceptions: DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, 4
2015 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 212.2 (21st in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 222.3 (50, 3)
Total Offense: 434.5 (26, 3)
Scoring Offense: 32.8 (25, 3)
Rushing Defense: 135.2 (29, 5)
Pass Defense: 189.4 (29, 4)
Total Defense: 324.6 (25, 5)
Scoring Defense: 17.8 (16, 3)
Turnover Margin: 1.20 (4, 1)
Sacks: 2.00 (58, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 1.10 (21, 1)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2010 Second Round Lost to Georgia Southern
2009 First Round Defeated Weber State
2009 Quarterfinals Defeated Southern Illinois
2009 Semifinals Lost to Villanova
2004 First Round Defeated Hampton
2004 Quarterfinals Defeated Delaware
2004 Semifinals Lost to James Madison
2001 First Round Lost to Appalachian State
1996 First Round Defeated Jackson State
1996 Quarterfinals Lost to Northern Iowa
1993 First Round Lost to McNeese State
1990 First Round Defeated Massachusetts
1990 Quarterfinals Lost to UCF
1989 First Round Lost to Furman
1986 First Round Lost to Delaware
*all team stats through 11/14
