A look at William & Mary

William & Mary was one of the top FCS teams in 2009. The Tribe went 11-3 and 6-2 in the CAA and reached the semi-finals of the FCS tourney.

In the regular season they lost only to pending National Champ Villanova and Richmond. W&M crushed their first two playoff opponents (Weber State 38-0 and Southern Illinois 24-3). They lost 13-14 to Villanova in a playoff rematch. In regular season the Tribe beat Virginia 26-14.

William & Mary has had a lot of continuity in coaching. HC Jimmye Laycock will start his 31st season with the Tribe when they open against UMass.

The main reason for W&M's success in 2009 was their stellar defense:

• #1 in scoring defense (12.1 points/game)
• #1 in total defense (229.8 yards/game --57 yards/game better than #2 James Madison!)
• #1 in rushing defense (61.1 yards/game)
• #2 in pass defense (186.6 yards/game)
• #1 in sacks (49-- UMass last with 13)

The Tribe's offense (#3 in total offense) revolved around Jonathan Grimes (#1 in the CAA) SO 14 games 277 yards/game AVE 1294 yards 9 TD's 61 Lg 92.4 Ave/game.

Starters returning:

Offense 6

• RB Jonathan Grimes
• WR Chase Hill
• OL Keith Hill, Jr
• OL Derek Toon
• OL Chris Sutton
• FB Terrence Riggins

Defense 6

• DB Ben Cottingham
• LB Evan Francks
• LB Wes Steinman
• LB Jake Trantin
• DL Mike Stover
  
• DB B.W. Webb (CAA defensive rookie-of-the-year, ECAC rookie-of-the-year)
  

Special teams 1

• P-David Miller

The Tribe returns 30 letterman: 14 offense, 15 defense, 1 special teams.

The 2010 edition of the Tribe was picked #4 in the nation by both the FCS Coaches Poll and The Sports Network.

William & Mary will be a tough challenge to a young Minutemen team. This is a team that could contend again for the FCS National Championship.