Towson Tigers
Colonial
Saturday’s 64-35 victory at New Hampshire gave Towson a share of the CAA crown. In winning or sharing back-to-back league titles, Towson has posted a 13-3 conference record. In its four previous CAA seasons, it was 3-29. The Tigers finished the regular season with four consecutive victories – no small feat in a year that was filled with adversity. Against New Hampshire, the Tigers were missing All-American safety Jordan Dangerfield because of a game suspension and earlier this season a former player accused coach Rob Ambrose of verbally assaulting his players. Two of the Tigers’ losses came against FBS LSU and Kent State (combined 19-3 record). Towson made its first FCS playoff appearance last year where it lost to Lehigh, 40-38.
2012 Record: 7-4, 6-2
Coach: Rob Ambrose
Big Wins: 10/27 at Villanova (49-35), 11/3 at Delaware (34-27)
Bad Losses: 10/6 at James Madison (10-13), 10/20 Old Dominion (20-31)
Strengths:
Senior quarterback Grant Enders directs the attack, which is No. 29 nationally in total offense. He is second in the CAA in total offense. Sophomore Terrance West, who had 236 yards on 19 carries against New Hampshire to go over the 1,000-yard rushing mark, is the team’s top running back. Senior Tom Ryan has emerged as Enders’ go-to receiver. He has 39 receptions for 533 yards. The Tigers also control the clock. They are No. 3 in the nation in time of possession, averaging 34:02 a game.
Weaknesses:
While its overall numbers aren’t bad, turnovers have hurt Towson at times. In the season-opening loss to Kent State, the Tigers committed six turnovers. Nationally, they are ranked 101st in turnover margin. The Tigers have only four interceptions, yet they’re No. 22 in pass defense. In addition, Towson picks up its share of penalties. It is 62nd nationally, getting hit with almost 60 yards in penalties per game. Only two other CAA teams were penalized more this season.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Terrance West, RB, 1,051 yards
Passing: Grant Enders, QB, 2,337 yards
Receiving: Tom Ryan, WR, 533 yards
Tackles: Tye Smith, CB, 75
Sacks: Frank Beltre, DE, 5.0; Monte Gaddis, LB, 5.0
Interceptions: Jordan Love, S, 2
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 210.40 (16th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 208.70 (62, 5)
Total Offense: 419.10 (29, 5)
Scoring Offense: 28.70 (45, 6)
Rushing Defense: 132.40 (31, 2)
Pass Defense: 177.60 (22, 1)
Total Defense: 310.00 (15, 1)
Scoring Defense: 24.80 (55, 7)
Turnover Margin: -0.70 (101, 9)
Sacks: 2.80 (16, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.30 (22, 2)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2011 Second Round Lost to Lehigh
*all team stats through 11/10
