W&M-UNH Game Thread

[WrenFGun]

A bit surprised there isn't a game thread on this already, or perhaps I've missed it (in which case, feel free to delete this), but I think this is one of the bigger games of the season in terms of evaluating for the playoffs, though obviously less significant than some of the SLC matchups, the Patriot League Championship and the App/Elon game, since those will reveal what types of teams they'll have entering the playoffs.

UNH has not had a victory over William and Mary since 1998, and they have foiled an undefeated season in 2004 for UNH, and also gave them their first loss of '08, at homecoming, on a brilliant play by Jake Phillips to straddle the LOS and toss a late TD (though the play occurred after a questionable roughing the passer call where UNH had an INT on the last drive).

I personally feel like W&M has the edge here, not simply because they're at home, on senior day, but also because they have the type of offense (only looking at stats here) that dinks and dunks, finds the open man and takes advantage of soft coverage for numerous first downs. They also seem to have two RB's that can really ware on you.

IMO, if UNH is going to have a shot in this one they'll have to control the TOP (very unlikely to win it, so I'd like to see it within 33-27, or so), avoid three and outs early, and take some chances down the field to keep a really good defense honest. I think UNH can keep it close without that in the first half but will, eventually, begin to wear down over time, much like what happened against UMass in Amherst earlier this year.

Because I'm a homer, I'll pick UNH to win, 16-13, but I think W&M is the clear favorite.

[Mattymc727]

i agree with everything you stated above..... I think the real big matchup is how well can the UNH O-line handle the D-line of William and Mary

[NHwildEcat]

UNH has found ways to win all year...and they are really one posession away from what could have been a potential undefeated season. With that said, I think they can win this game...even if have of my reasoning heavily relies on the fact that UNH is "due" to win. Besides the gut feeling I have of a UNH win, I would says the big play factor UNH brings can work both for them and against them.

Kackert can break away for huge gains and scores, but when he does this he hurts the defense because they have less time to stop abd readjust before the next series. Of course though, it is always a positive when you score, but the TOP will certainly not be in favor for UNH unless they can really grind out some early drives to take the time off that clock.

With a few grinding drives, and some big plays, UNH can win this game. I'll take UNH 23-21 (another late FG by Manning!).

[Bogus Megapardus]

The Sportsbook line is W&M -8½ with an O/U of 47. Rough weather in the northeast might have nixed any home field advantage the Wildcats would have counted on were this game in Durham - but it's not. It will be closer than 8½, but I'd look for a Triumphant Tribe here.

[soccerguy315]

W&M has missed out on some practice time this week... huge rain storms in Williamsburg.

I expect W&M to come out strong on defense. Possibly a little rusty on the offensive side, but they will pull it together and get some long drives on UNH to pull away. I think UNH will have a hard time moving the ball, and probably finish the game in the 13-17 point range, which should let the methodical W&M offense score 21-28.

[Tribe4SF]

The wildcard in this matchup is limited practice time for W&M. The weather here in Williamsburg has been horrendous since Tuesday, and W&M has no indoor facility. Preparing for UNH's multiple offense is no easy task. They also run a somewhat unique 4-4-3 defense.

[WrenFGun]

Tribe4SF,

It's more of a 4-2-5, tbh. Klein and Souza both play some linebacker but they're really both safeties in size.

[Wildcat80]

I say its time for UNH to break the myth that williamsburg is a tough place to play. looking at the past results plenty of teams have defeated them at home. Time for UNH to get it done. If we play our best without stupid penalties or turnovers we will find out if we really are a TOP seed. I say the win over nova was NOT a fluke. Get it Done CATS!!xnodxxnodxxnodxxnodxxnodx

[UNHFootballAlum]

A top key to this game is whether the UNH 'D' can get off the field on 3rd downs. This will have an impact on the wear down factor later in the game

[UNH72Plus]

One possible reason for UNH's poor defensive showing last week was the absence of Jordan Long in the line up. Has anyone heard whether or not he has been re-instated for this week? I also noticed that Steve Young was being taped up during the game and don't know how much he played after that.

[UNHFootballAlum]

Jordan Long is not going to be active for this weeks game. he is back practicing with the team. I think that he will be reinstated in time to play in the Maine game for Senior Day

[2xspyder]

We'll be watching.xcoolx

[WMTribe90]

We'll need are defense to continue what we've done for most of the year, control the line of scrimmage and shut down the run. Also , need to play disciplined defense and guard against the big/trick plays. If we can force UNH to be one dimensional and unleash the pass rush, I like our chances.

Offensive key will be red zone offense. We lead the CAA in total offense (yds), but are third in scoring offense. We need to score TDs and not settle for too many FGs. UNH has an opportunitic defense, so we'll need to protect the ball, something we've done a pretty good job of all year. We are getting our top WR back from injury (mised last two games), if he is healthy he gives us a downfield big play threat. I think our defense holds UNH to 21 or less (barring special team or defensive scores). Our offense should be able to muster more than that.

Lastly, this WM squad has an uncharacteristically high number of penalties this year. Need to play with emotion, but smart and under control.

I'll say 24-20 Tribe.

[Hoyadestroya85]

W&M has one of the Best defensive lines i've ever seen in 1-AA football (and that includes UR last year)

[UNHFan]

I think I am with my Brothers/Fans.... UNH Will Rise!!! They just seem to do it!!! Period!

UNH! UNH! UNH! UNH!

PS I am the worst critic of this team!!! Stressing already!!! lol

[UNHFan]

W&M has one of the Best defensive lines i've ever seen in 1-AA football (and that includes UR last year)

Tops in CAA Have watched VA game over and over! Blessed to have the the video...

[LacesOut]

The weather here in Williamsburg has been horrendous since Tuesday, and W&M has no indoor facility.

Nothing indoors????!!! The basketball arena?

[soccerguy315]

Nothing indoors????!!! The basketball arena?

cannot really run plays on the bball court, lol

[MR. CHICKEN]

The wildcard in this matchup is limited practice time for W&M. The weather here in Williamsburg has been horrendous since Tuesday, and W&M has no indoor facility. Preparing for UNH's multiple offense is no easy task. They also run a somewhat unique 4-4-3 defense.


LIMITED PRACTICE TIME = SOME REST.....NOT LIKE UH BYE WEEK..JES' UH COUPLE O' SLEEP-INS.........YER SUFFOCATIN' D....SHOOD MAKE DUH HUSKIES......LOOK LIKE DERE PLAYIN' IN MAPLE SYRUP....;)....AWK!


LET'S GO......CAA SOUFF.....xbeerchugx....DOODLE-DOO!

[LacesOut]

cannot really run plays on the bball court, lol

Well duh!! LOL

I never played college football, but I did play four years of high school ball. And when it rained outside and we couldn't get any outdoor practice/work done, we went indoors, with just helmets and shoulder pads.

Obviously we couldn't go full speed. But we still ran some offensive plays, did some defensive game planning, and also did some cardio/conditioning.

I just assumed that a I-AA football program would do, maybe, something similar. I was wrong, of course!

[Wildcat80]

Well duh!! LOL

I never played college football, but I did play four years of high school ball. And when it rained outside and we couldn't get any outdoor practice/work done, we went indoors, with just helmets and shoulder pads.

Obviously we couldn't go full speed. But we still ran some offensive plays, did some defensive game planning, and also did some cardio/conditioning.

I just assumed that a I-AA football program would do, maybe, something similar. I was wrong, of course!

UNH goes inside when necessary too. I guess "mary" does not let bill inside to practice. xwhistlex hope it helps us tomorrow. Go Cats!

[UNHFootballAlum]

cannot really run plays on the bball court, lol

I am not buying the limited practice . It is a built in excuse in case they lose. We had lots of bad weather when I played and the coaches always had a plan to get the work in. It is not the same as being outdoors, but you still get the learning part done.

[WMTribe90]

Nope, if we lose it's totally because we couldn't practice outside and if we win its because we're the better team. UNH has already lost. xlolx

[Old Cat Fan]

Key to game will be if Toman can handle pressure situations and not do anything stupid..

[UNHFootballAlum]

Nope, if we lose it's totally because we couldn't practice outside and if we win its because we're the better team. UNH has already lost. xlolx

Some of your WM cohorts have said that one key to the game is how well team handles limited practice time

[Old Cat Fan]

The Tribe and UNH have beat up on the some common opponents, here is how they got to this game xnodx

UNH Date Opponent Time/Result Audio/Video
Sat, Sep 5 St. Francis (PA) W 24-14 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Ball State W 23-16 --
Sat, Sep 26 Dartmouth W 44-14 --
Sat, Oct 3 at Towson W 57-7 --
Sat, Oct 10 Villanova W 28-24 --
Sat, Oct 17 at Massachusetts L 17-23 --
Sat, Oct 24 at Hofstra W 18-10 --
Sat, Oct 31 Northeastern W 48-21 --
Sat, Nov 7 Rhode Island W 55-42 --
Sat, Nov 14 at William & Mary 1:30 pm

W&M
Sat, Sep 5 at Virginia W 26-14 --
Sat, Sep 12 Central Connecticut State W 33-14 --
Sat, Sep 19 at Norfolk State W 27-15 --
Sat, Sep 26 Delaware W 30-20 --
Sat, Oct 3 at Villanova L 17-28 --
Sat, Oct 10 at Northeastern W 34-14 --
Sat, Oct 24 James Madison W 24-3 --
Sat, Oct 31 at Rhode Island W 39-14 --
Sat, Nov 7 Towson W 31-0 --
Sat, Nov 14 New Hampshire 1:30 pm --

[TheTribeHasSpoken]

Tomorrow, W&M cements itself as the #2 team in the FCS.

[soccerguy315]

I am not buying the limited practice . It is a built in excuse in case they lose. We had lots of bad weather when I played and the coaches always had a plan to get the work in. It is not the same as being outdoors, but you still get the learning part done.

it's not an excuse. IT'S A FACT.

Don't worry, I have already given my predictions on the first page, and if UNH wins, it will because they are better than I think they are, not because W&M didn't get much outside practice time this week. We had a lot of time to work on things that we needed to last week vs. Towson ;)

[UNHFootballAlum]

it's not an excuse. IT'S A FACT.

Don't worry, I have already given my predictions on the first page, and if UNH wins, it will because they are better than I think they are, not because W&M didn't get much outside practice time this week. We had a lot of time to work on things that we needed to last week vs. Towson ;)

It may be a fact, but it isn't a key to the game

[soccerguy315]

I will agree with that, haha.

heading to the game in a few minutes... hope it's a good one.

go tribe!

[Bogus Megapardus]

This is a game I'd really like to see.

[WrenFGun]

Good luck to both teams, today. I think it'll be a dogfight.

[UNH_BLUE]

William & Mary's Athletic website is pretty good. They have highlights of their offense and defense.

They are damn fast. QB has a terrific arm.

Scary team.

http://tribeathletics.com/story.php/8843/

[WMTribe90]

Could a UNH fan provide a link to your audio broadcast? Thanks.

[UNH_BLUE]

Could a UNH fan provide a link to your audio broadcast? Thanks.


http://secure.stretchinternet.com/demo/games.php?user=unh&o=cal_stamp&sd=today

The announcers get half the players wrong though.

[UNH Fanboi]

How's the weather and field conditions today?

[WMTribe90]

Ran has stopped, wind has slowed, field is wet, but in good condition (field turf). Temps in the 60's, overall pretty good conditions.

[UNHlund]

Should be a great game.

Keys to Victory:

UNH - Strong defense outside; establish the run on offense

W&M - Stop the run, force Toman to make bad decisions.

[WrenFGun]

UNH has a three and out, W&M ball at their 31.

[UNHlund]

Sounds like the W&M offense is firing on all cylinders. 1st and 10 on UNH's 24

[WrenFGun]

I get the sense UNH is giving their customary 10 yard cushion and W&M is picking us apart on this drive.

[UNH_BLUE]

Personal foul Tribe.

Now a very long 3rd and goal

[UNHlund]

W&M is lining up for a 31 yard fg

[UNH_BLUE]

3-0 Tribe.

I'll take it they way they were marching.

[UNHlund]

...and it's good. WM 3, UNH 0, 7:37 left in the 1st

[WrenFGun]

Agreed. Nice hold there after a tough start.

[WMTribe90]

WM kills their own drive with a personal foul. Can't settle for too many FGs today.

[UNH_BLUE]

Need some 1st downs. Gotta give the D a rest.

[smcwildcat]

comon O lets see some sparks

[UNH_BLUE]

Huge 1st down by Negron on 3rd and long.

[smcwildcat]

big first down

[UNHlund]

UNH gets in the red zone looking for a fast response. Go Cats!

[UNH_BLUE]

Yeah baby!!

TD Sicko!!

[smcwildcat]

TD sickoooooooo

[UNH Fanboi]

TD Sicko!!! Nice drive by UNH and good passing by Toman!

[WrenFGun]

ATTAWAY SICKO!

TD UNH! 7-3 UNH leads.

[smcwildcat]

ya buddy rollin like a big shot

[smcwildcat]

comon D

[smcwildcat]

int terrence klein!!!!

[WrenFGun]

KLEIN PICK!!

UNH BALL at the W&M 35. WAY TO GO D!

[UNH Fanboi]

INT by Klein at the 35!!

[smcwildcat]

huge turnoverrr

[UNH_BLUE]

Holy crap!!

INT UNH.

Ball @ Tribe 35

[UNH_BLUE]

Cats do nothing with the turnover.

UNH to punt.

[WMTribe90]

Good stop after the INT. Come on offense!

[benuski]

Good regrouping by the Tribe defense...

[smcwildcat]

nice punt down to the 1

[WrenFGun]

UNH has to punt, but downs it at the 1. Archer Sneak on first for 1 yard.

[UNH Fanboi]

Punt downed at the 1. 2 and 9 at the W&M 2.

[smcwildcat]

get up mccguniess we need you

[UNH_BLUE]

Nice job UNH D.

W&M to punt out of their end zone.

Orlando brings in to W&M's 32.

Nice.

[WMTribe90]

WM losing the special teams battle.

[benuski]

WM defense is bailing out our offense and special teams... we're lucky to be only down 7 so far.

[smcwildcat]

fd unh

[smcwildcat]

fdgl sorry

[smcwildcat]

10-3 unh

[UNHFan]

MANNING AGAIN!!! FROM 46

[UNH_BLUE]

What a year for Manning.

10-3

Good guys.

[WMTribe90]

Another Wm penalty allows UNH a makable FG attempt.

[WrenFGun]

Jesus Manning with another FG.

[OxSoxUNH05]

UNH should have gone for it there. Early enough to make it up if you don't convert. Go for the kill with good field position

[UNHFan99]

score?

[OxSoxUNH05]

10-3 End of 1st

[WMTribe90]

Yet another WM penalty negates a nice KO return.

[UNHlund]

10-3 UNH, end of the 1st

[Mattymc727]

audio keeps cutting out for me..... at key points too... as if there screwing with me

[Mattymc727]

*they're

[UNH_BLUE]

UNH should have gone for it there. Early enough to make it up if you don't convert. Go for the kill with good field position

It's nice to have the FG but I agree w/ you there. There should always be at least one play in the playbook to get you 1 yard.

[benuski]

Griiiiiiiimes rumbles for a 54 yard gain!

[OxSoxUNH05]

It's nice to have the FG but I agree w/ you there. There should always be at least one play in the playbook to get you 1 yard.

However, history shows that UNH doesn't have that play. xlolx

[benuski]

2nd and goal from the 5 for the Tribe... lets punch this in!

[benuski]

TD WM!! All tied up at 10

[smcwildcat]

****t wm td 10-10

[WMTribe90]

That's more like it. Defense is playing well and offense just had a nice drive. Just need to stop the penalties and tighten down our special teams coverage now.

[WMTribe90]

Can't keep surrendering the 40 yd line on KO's and giving UNH short fields!

[smcwildcat]

unh nother big retuen to the 46

[WMTribe90]

UNH can't run on the WM defense.

[WrenFGun]

HOW DO YOU RUN THERE?

GOOD LORD. WHO IS CALLING THESE PLAYS? THAT IS ATROCIOUS. W&M will take over on downs.

[WMTribe90]

WM defense stuffs the run on 4th and 1. UNH is -12 rushing today.

[benuski]

UNH goes for it on 4th and 3 and are stuffed by Adrian Tracy!

Best field position WM's started with all game...

[smcwildcat]

comon UNH run from the shut gun?

[seattlespider]

Is there a video link for this game?

[benuski]

There's no video that I know of, but there's a pretty good liveblog at the WM student newspaper's website.

http://flathatnews.com/content/72125

[rcny46]

UNH has no ground game whatsoever when going up against a good defense.Negative yardage so far.Of course the O line play isn't helping the situation.

[art vandelay]

what is with the running for unh? throw the stupid ball.

[WrenFGun]

FAKE PUNT! UNH FIRST DOWN!

[UNH_BLUE]

Fake punt New Hampshire for 15 yards!!!

Love it!

Keep moving the Chains!

[smcwildcat]

fake punt baby

[UNH Fanboi]

Nice. Fake punt for a 15 yd game. Smelled that one coming.

[WrenFGun]

Mason's got to learn how to catch the ball.

[UNHlund]

UPDATE -- SDST has tied Minnesota at 13 with 8:27 to go in the game.

[smcwildcat]

wow.

[smcwildcat]

all tied at half 10-10 looks like team w ball last will win

[WMTribe90]

Despite the INT, fake punt conversion, penalties and UNH winning the field position battle the entire first half, the game is tied. Credit to the WM defense. Special teams need to pick it up and give the offense some short fields to work with.

[art vandelay]

UNH has to stop running the ball on first down. its a waist of a down.

[rcny46]

what is with the running for unh? throw the stupid ball.

The problem with that is if they can't establish any sort of running game,the other guys can concentrate on stopping the passing attack.It would be nice if they could just find some way of mixing it up.If they could manage that,I'd feel better about their chances in this one.

[Will]

The UNH playcalling has been subpar all year.

[rcny46]

The UNH playcalling has been subpar all year.

I can't disagree with that statement.

[UNH_BLUE]

Nice. Grimes turns it over.

He was having slippery fingers all day. Glad we finally got one!

[WrenFGun]

Good lord. UNH can't do anything on offense.

[SOCAL]

The UNH playcalling has been subpar all year.

offensive line= no blocking

[Will]

I just think the playcalling has really lacked any type of creativity this year. Very predictable for the most part.

[UNH_BLUE]

Good lord. UNH can't do anything on offense.

Big D-Line for W&M. Lots of team speed everywhere.

UNH D is coming up big so far.

[UNH_BLUE]

I just think the playcalling has really lacked any type of creativity this year. Very predictable for the most part.

I guess UNH didn't photocopy Chip Kelly's playbook before he left for Oregon.

[UNH72Plus]

UNH has to stop running the ball on first down. its a waist of a down.

It's the same old same old!!! They've run one screen pass that seemed to work well, then they go right back to trying to run the ball on nearly every first down.

[Old Cat Fan]

I just think the playcalling has really lacked any type of creativity this year. Very predictable for the most part.

Started after OC Kelly left, been turning into plain vanilla slowly but surely the last three years

[Will]

UNH misses Chip Kelly a lot. He was a great O-Coordinator, which is why he went bigtime.

[Old Cat Fan]

Cats ball at their own 13, kackert for a gain of 7

[Old Cat Fan]

Toman INTERCEPTION , stupid toman tricks

[smcwildcat]

damn it toman

[benuski]

Interception William and Mary! Sean Lissemore, a defensive lineman, picks it off for the Tribe!

[WrenFGun]

Goodness. Toman turns it over deep in W&M territory. Announcers have no idea what he was looking at.

[UNHFan99]

score still 10-10?

[WrenFGun]

TD W&M.

17-10 midway through the third. UNH Offense can do ABSOLUTELY nothing today.

[benuski]

score still 10-10?

Not anymore... TD WM!

[smcwildcat]

17-10

[WMTribe90]

Lissemore's (DT) second INT on the yr., third for his career. Huge play.

[WrenFGun]

UNH ought to try SOMETHING to generate some offense. New QB, Trick play, try punting it to our WR, I don't care.

[WMTribe90]

Defense holds again, what a performance so far!

[Old Cat Fan]

Cats are starting to

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/OLDCATFAN/funkey_b1.jpg

[WrenFGun]

W&M 4th and 3, they'll go for it.

[UNH_BLUE]

Nothing is going right for NH in the 2nd half.

[benuski]

First down, draw up the middle for RJ Archer

[WrenFGun]

First down Archer, QB draw.

UNH has had pressure but cannot bring Archer down today.

[WrenFGun]

Long FG attempt (47 yds) for W&M. MISSED IT TO THE RIGHT. WHOO.

Still 17-10 with :39 left in the third.

[WMTribe90]

47 yard attempt is......no good

[UNH_BLUE]

W&M to try a 47 yard FG.

It's.............................................. .................................................. ................................


No good!

Finally a glitter of something.

[WrenFGun]

As we enter the fourth, UNH has the ball on the UNH 42, first down.

Toman's turnover is the difference in the game. UNH hasn't capitalized, W&M has.

[ccd494]

Hang on, W&M! I want Maine to win the North!

[WrenFGun]

4th and 2 for UNH at the W&M 32, and I believe they're going for it.

[WMTribe90]

UNH is up 2-1 in the TO department. Difference has been WM's defense.

[UNH_BLUE]

Big 4th down for UNH.

Another Toman pick.

C'mon Toman!

[WMTribe90]

...and the defense does it again!

Come on offense, put it away!

[WrenFGun]

I've had enough of Toman. ANOTHER INT throwing it 27 yards down field on 4th and 2. The incompetence is frustrating.

[Old Cat Fan]

Hang on, W&M! I want Maine to win the North!

get lost punk, see you clowns next week

[UNHFan]

TOMAN MUST GO!!!!! Been saying it all year!!

[WrenFGun]

UNH D will hold, and they'll get the ball back. Both defenses have been outstanding today, but W&M has made the difference converting on turnovers.

[WMTribe90]

Laycock being very conservative on offense. Wish he'd open it up some and take a few more shots down field.

[UNH_BLUE]

UNH defense has played really well keeping this game close.

Need a big play.

[SOCAL]

I've had enough of Toman. ANOTHER INT throwing it 27 yards down field on 4th and 2. The incompetence is frustrating.

Hey stupid--that was the play call--why don't you tell the o- line to block

[rcny46]

I've had enough of Toman. ANOTHER INT throwing it 27 yards down field on 4th and 2. The incompetence is frustrating.

Amazing,isn't it? Slightly frustrating too.Not quite ready for prime time I guess.xnonono2x

[WrenFGun]

Hard to know what's the worst: UNH QB, UNH OL or UNH playcalling. W&M D is certainly great, though.

[mcveyrl]

Hey stupid--that was the play call--why don't you tell the o- line to block

R.J.????

[WrenFGun]

Hey stupid--that was the play call--why don't you tell the o- line to block

Always appreciate the friendly Toman supporters. xconfusedx

So that's the ONLY route on the play, huh?

Holding on W&M on third down will give UNH the first.

[rcny46]

Hey stupid--that was the play call--why don't you tell the o- line to block

He's stupid? For stating the obvious? What should be obvious is that their O line just isn't competent enough to handle a front like they're up against today.

[WrenFGun]

R.J.????

There's really no winning. I don't want to throw RJ under the bus but I want to be reasonable about it. Eitherway you get jumped on.

[WrenFGun]

Mason drops it AGAIN.

[WrenFGun]

Nice play by Toman for a first on another third down, as JT Wright converts.

[WMTribe90]

WM announcers say the holding was a bogus call. Originally called interference on an uncatchable ball, so they changed it to holding to save face.

[UNH_BLUE]

Mason!!!!!!!

At least Wright bailed you out.

[WMTribe90]

UNH = 25 yds rushing

[UNH_BLUE]

WM announcers say the holding was a bogus call. Originally called interference on an uncatchable ball, so they changed it to holding to save face.

Homers.

[WrenFGun]

ORLANDO TOUCHDOWN!!! FOURTH DOWN CONVERSION OMG!

[WrenFGun]

Manning's PAT is good. 15 yard excessive celebration on penalty could loom large. About 8 to go, tied at 17.

[UNH_BLUE]

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200901/r330613_1490173.jpg

Smiles Everyone!!

[OxSoxUNH05]

Excellent Kick off coverage

[WrenFGun]

UNH will keep W&M at the 28 even in light of the 15 yard penalty. COME ON D.

[WrenFGun]

First down W&M to the W&M 41, about 7 minutes or so to go. COME ON D.

[UNH_BLUE]

Big drop by W&M.

Nice.

[WrenFGun]

W&M at the UNH 25 with about 5 to go, first and 10. Tie game.

[WrenFGun]

W&M will have a 37 yard FG to take a 3 point lead with about 3 to go.

[UNH_BLUE]

UNH forces a 4th and five at the 20!

[WrenFGun]

W&M 20-UNH 17, 254 to go, UNH will get the ball back.

Asking the offense to win it doesn't leave me very confident, but we'll see.

[UNH_BLUE]

http://www.gao.gov/about/history/articles/images/wecan.jpg

[NHwildEcat]

They need to want it more...need to want it.

[UNH_BLUE]

Broken play at this time of the game??

[WMTribe90]

Huge 3rd and 10....WM holds...4th and 8.

[WrenFGun]

No idea why UNH isn't punting here and saving those TO's here.

[WrenFGun]

W&M tips it, turnover on downs. So many tipped passes. Great job by W&M DL. A first down will seal it.

[benuski]

WM D-line tips the pass at the line! Turnover on downs!

[WMTribe90]

Pass is deflected at the LOS, DL has done a great job of getting the hands up today!

[WrenFGun]

And...1st Down W&M. The TO that McDonell called there on third down was terrible.

[UNH_BLUE]

Disapointing.

[UNHFan99]

tough one.

[rcny46]

Disapointing.

Very disapointing.

[WMTribe90]

Grimes 123 yds on 20 carries.

One more first down will seal it. Don't want to give UNH another shot.

[MacThor]

Boy I have never heard more homer announcers than these.

[WMTribe90]

Game! Whew.

Nice game UNH, gave us all we could handle as you would expect from a top ten matchup. Good luck in the playoffs!

[Monarch History]

Great win for W&M to lock-up a playoff spot.

[WrenFGun]

Good effort for UNH, and W&M is obviously a great defense, but this UNH offense just isn't good enough. They'll be in it with anyone they play, but they just don't have enough offense to win it.

Don't really blame this one on Toman, though his INT midway through the third was unacceptable. The Offensive Line got dominated today by what I've heard is a great DL. Wish I could've seen the video.

Congrats to W&M, and here's to hoping you get a seed.

I'll quit my complaining now about UNH and their resume. Had to win this one to have a beef.

[UNH Fanboi]

Once again, the UNH defense kept them in the game, but the offense just couldn't do anything. I don't think it's fair to put all the blame on Toman because it sounds like he was getting pressured every play and by the 2nd half it was clear that the UNH running game was useless.

[MacThor]

UNH out of the running for the auto-bid now.

UR vs W&M could be for a seed, and possibly for the CAA title (if UD can pull off the upset next week).

[WMTribe90]

Good effort for UNH, and W&M is obviously a great defense, but this UNH offense just isn't good enough. They'll be in it with anyone they play, but they just don't have enough offense to win it.

Don't really blame this one on Toman, though his INT midway through the third was unacceptable. The Offensive Line got dominated today by what I've heard is a great DL. Wish I could've seen the video.

Congrats to W&M, and here's to hoping you get a seed.

I'll quit my complaining now about UNH and their resume. Had to win this one to have a beef.

No offense Wren, but your offense was good enough to beat VU and was leading the league in scoring. WM's defense has held every opponent to well below their offensive averages. Tough to move the ball when you can't run the ball and slow the pass rush.

[WrenFGun]

No offense Wren, but your offense was good enough to beat VU and was leading the league in scoring. WM's defense has held every opponent to well below their offensive averages. Tough to move the ball when you can't run the ball and slow the pass rush.

No offense taken. WM, I believe our offensive numbers were hugely inflated [55 points against URI, 47 points against Towson, 40+ against Dartmouth]. If you look at the games that matter, UNH scored 17 against W&M, 17 against UMass, 28 against 'Nova, 24 against Ball State and 18 against Hofstra. It's a pretty middling offense against even average teams. Toman's got 2 more TD's than INT's on the season, and the offensive line is very young.

I don't mean to insult the W&M defense. UNH's terrible announcers couldn't go a play without talking about passrush. I'm just saying, UNH cannot rely on their offense to win a game. The two they had to win, they lost. The defense won games at Hofstra and at home against 'Nova. I expect much of the same in the playoffs.

[WMTribe90]

UNH out of the running for the auto-bid now.

UR vs W&M could be for a seed, and possibly for the CAA title (if UD can pull off the upset next week).

UR vs WM IS for a seed as far as I'm concerned. The winner should be seeded. Elon is losing. ASU has two losses. And either WM or UR would have a better resume than Montana. I think the winner should be the 3 seed behind VU and SIU, assuming both of them win.

[WrenFGun]

UNH's last and only hope for a home game is that Colgate or Lafayette get in as a second PL team and get sent to 'Nova, leaving HC to get sent to UNH (or UNH to HC).

[rcny46]

No offense Wren, but your offense was good enough to beat VU and was leading the league in scoring. WM's defense has held every opponent to well below their offensive averages. Tough to move the ball when you can't run the ball and slow the pass rush.

I think Toman,in spite of the ponits they've been able to put up,has been under pressure for most of the season.That's been part of his problem.The running game,with the exception of the last two games against Northeastern and URI hasn't been anything to write home about either.

[seattlespider]

UR vs WM IS for a seed as far as I'm concerned. The winner should be seeded. Elon is losing. ASU has two losses. And either WM or UR would have a better resume than Montana. I think the winner should be the 3 seed behind VU and SIU, assuming both of them win.

Totally agreed. It's #5 at #4. Both are 9-1. Winner will be 10-1 with no bad losses and an FBS road win.

[MacThor]

UR vs WM IS for a seed as far as I'm concerned. The winner should be seeded. Elon is losing. ASU has two losses. And either WM or UR would have a better resume than Montana. I think the winner should be the 3 seed behind VU and SIU, assuming both of them win.

If they seed them, I have a feeling they will put the W&M/UR winner in the same bracket as Villanova to meet in the semis.

It might be better to lose that game and take 3rd in the CAA south (UR in '08, UD in '07). ;)

[molly]

UR vs WM IS for a seed as far as I'm concerned. The winner should be seeded. Elon is losing. ASU has two losses. And either WM or UR would have a better resume than Montana. I think the winner should be the 3 seed behind VU and SIU, assuming both of them win.

I agree with this, assuming that App. St. continues to roll against Elon. Nova, SIU, and Montana -- assuming they all win out -- and the UR/W&M winner should be the seeds. I know some people have suggested that if this happens the NCAA will try to pair regional teams in the semis. I don't think they will necessarily do this because they didn't seem to care last year when JMU was #1 and Montana was #4 and App. State was #2 and UNI was #3. If they wanted a regional semifinal they would've seeded them so JMU and App. State were in the same bracket and Montana and UNI were in the same bracket.

[Wildcat80]

UNH proved they can play with anyone in the FCS. Went on the road with a chance to win at the end. Key play though was the INT that led to a cheap wm score. We needed to get another one in the 1st half too. Oh well...Maine....then playoffs. Hope Long is back & ready to go.

[tribe_pride]

Nova is playing well but so is Delaware right now (beating Navy 9-7 at half). If Delaware beats Nova, seeds will be in no particular order Montana, SIU, W&M and App. St. (assuming they hold on to their lead)

[UNH Fanboi]

UNH's last and only hope for a home game is that Colgate or Lafayette get in as a second PL team and get sent to 'Nova, leaving HC to get sent to UNH (or UNH to HC).

Not very likely. The following conferences are near locks for the following number of at larges:
3 CAA
2 MVFC
1 Southern
1 Big Sky

Even if the Southland doesn't get one, Liberty is in line over Laffayette because of their h2h win, and I don't see a team with two PL losses (Colgate) getting an at large.

UNI or SIU here we come.

[WrenFGun]

I think McNeese/SFA will get an at-large bid.

I do NOT think that the BSC is a lock for the autobid, though I agree, Liberty should be in ahead of Colgate/Laf. Definitely looks like we'll be on the road.

I can't imagine the committee sticking SIU or Montana with a first round matchup with us, as I like EIU and probably McNeese/SFA to play those games. I think UNH would probably be looking at McNeese/SFA, SDSU and UNI as possible first round destinations, though it's possible someone like EWU could get a home game, as well. Assuming the committee is interested in keeping an outwest bracket, I'd have to wonder if Montana, SDSU, McNeese and SFA would all play each other in some type of bracket. If EWU or Montana State make it, perhaps you bump SDSU in with SIU and each get a home game, with UNH going to SDSU.

Just thinking out loud..

[WrenFGun]

UNH proved they can play with anyone in the FCS. Went on the road with a chance to win at the end. Key play though was the INT that led to a cheap wm score. We needed to get another one in the 1st half too. Oh well...Maine....then playoffs. Hope Long is back & ready to go.

UNH needs to find an offense badly. The defense is playoff caliber (though certainly a notch below W&M's) but the offense has to be one of the worst in the playoffs, regardless of numbers. Every year before, if I had to choose, I'd pick the offense to have the final possession to win the game. This year, the defense, absolutely.

[tandemlax]

Great game this afternoon- a solid atmosphere inside Zable despite the chilly, misty conditions. Wasn't sure what to expect from the UNH defense after last week's game, but they played a disciplined game and gave the Cats a chance to win in the final minutes. The Tribe defense played up to their potential, carrying W&M through a rough first 20 minutes and then making several key stops in the 4th quarter.

Key play imo- After UNH tied the game up on a clutch toss and catch on 4th down, Archer was flushed from the pocket on 3rd and 8. He was hit by 2 players 4 yards short of the first down but carried the defenders beyond the marker, prolonging what would be the game winning drive.

Looking forward to UR next saturday!

[UNH Fanboi]

I think McNeese/SFA will get an at-large bid.

I do NOT think that the BSC is a lock for the autobid, though I agree, Liberty should be in ahead of Colgate/Laf. Definitely looks like we'll be on the road.

I can't imagine the committee sticking SIU or Montana with a first round matchup with us, as I like EIU and probably McNeese/SFA to play those games. I think UNH would probably be looking at McNeese/SFA, SDSU and UNI as possible first round destinations, though it's possible someone like EWU could get a home game, as well. Assuming the committee is interested in keeping an outwest bracket, I'd have to wonder if Montana, SDSU, McNeese and SFA would all play each other in some type of bracket. If EWU or Montana State make it, perhaps you bump SDSU in with SIU and each get a home game, with UNH going to SDSU.

Just thinking out loud..

SIU v. EIU seems like the only obvious matchup geographically. Everything else involves flying, and once you put a team on a plane, I don't think the distance matters that much cost wise, but I could be wrong. Hard to predict who we'll play. The only team I really don't want to play in the first round is Montana at Wa. Griz.

[WMTribe90]

Post game write-up and stats from tribeathletics...


Senior placekicker Brian Pate kicked a go-ahead 37-yard field goal from the left hash with 2:54 remaining to help lift the No. 4/5 William and Mary football team to a 20-17 victory against No. 7/8 New Hampshire on Senior Day at Zable Stadium. With the victory, W&M improves to 9-1 and now owns the program’s best record through 10 games since the 1947 season.

The win also moves the Tribe’s conference record to 6-1, as W&M will have a chance to earn at least a share of the league title when it plays at No. 4 Richmond next Saturday at noon.

The College’s defensive unit posted another outstanding performance and limited the Wildcats to just 226 yards of total offense, 147 fewer than its average entering the contest. It marked the fifth time this season that W&M has held the opposition to 100 fewer yards than its average entering the game. W&M also limited UNH to just 27 rushing yards on 24 carries (1.1 yards per rush), 141 fewer yards than UNH’s average entering the contest.

http://www.tribeathletics.com/story.php/9552/

[SpidersSportsEditor]

If they seed them, I have a feeling they will put the W&M/UR winner in the same bracket as Villanova to meet in the semis.

It might be better to lose that game and take 3rd in the CAA south (UR in '08, UD in '07). ;)

I was thinking this earlier today. With the App win, I would guess they will probably be in the 5 spot, even though its not an official seed, and play the 4 in the quarters. I'd rather face Montana or SIU in the quarters than App, so a loss really wouldn't be a terrible thing for either team.

[smcwildcat]

if unh loses next week are they in still? and again where would they be if they win?

[rcny46]

[QUOTE=UNH Fanboi;1464429]SIU v. EIU seems like the only obvious matchup geographically. Everything else involves flying, and once you put a team on a plane, I don't think the distance matters that much cost wise, but I could be wrong. Hard to predict who we'll play. The only team I really don't want to play in the first round is Montana at Wa. Griz.[/QU

I think UNH had a tougher test today than they would @ Montana.

[rcny46]

SIU v. EIU seems like the only obvious matchup geographically. Everything else involves flying, and once you put a team on a plane, I don't think the distance matters that much cost wise, but I could be wrong. Hard to predict who we'll play. The only team I really don't want to play in the first round is Montana at Wa. Griz.


I think UNH had a tougher game today than they would @ Montana.

[MacThor]

I think UNH had a tougher game today than they would @ Montana.

Yes.

[TheTribeHasSpoken]

If they seed them, I have a feeling they will put the W&M/UR winner in the same bracket as Villanova to meet in the semis.

It might be better to lose that game and take 3rd in the CAA south (UR in '08, UD in '07). ;)I may be wrong, but I thought they re-seeded when you got to the semis?

[UNHWildCats]

I may be wrong, but I thought they re-seeded when you got to the semis?
nope. all 16 teams are placed in a bracket and the bracket remains intact without reseeding.

[WrenFGun]

UNH wouldn't be comfortable with a loss to Maine, but I don't see enough teams with good resumes to have them out at 8-3.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Great game this afternoon- a solid atmosphere inside Zable despite the chilly, misty conditions. Wasn't sure what to expect from the UNH defense after last week's game, but they played a disciplined game and gave the Cats a chance to win in the final minutes. The Tribe defense played up to their potential, carrying W&M through a rough first 20 minutes and then making several key stops in the 4th quarter.

Key play imo- After UNH tied the game up on a clutch toss and catch on 4th down, Archer was flushed from the pocket on 3rd and 8. He was hit by 2 players 4 yards short of the first down but carried the defenders beyond the marker, prolonging what would be the game winning drive.

Looking forward to UR next saturday!

Got to agree with you on your key play. UNH was poised to stop W&M and force a punt until that great play by Archer. I was watching our Dino Vasso the entire play, staying disciplined and in position, but Archer had more size and forward momentum and managed to get the first down. UNH had "big Mo" after scoring and who knows what happens if W&M was forced to punt at that point. Not sure UNH scores, but it might have at least meant OT.

JMHO, but W&M was the best defense I've seen this year and I saw Ball State, Villanova, UMass and W&M in person. Big, strong, quick DL that was all over Toman way too often in the game especially when it was third and long. The difference to me between Nova and W&M is that I felt we could pass the ball well against Nova IF we could give Toman time. I didn't feel as confident yesterday in that department, felt the Tribe DB's were better than Nova. xtwocentsx

Pretty nice sized UNH crowd on hand considering the distance and the bad weather for travel. Lots of canceled flights due to power outages and all the rain and flooding in the Tidewater.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

UNH proved they can play with anyone in the FCS. Went on the road with a chance to win at the end. Key play though was the INT that led to a cheap wm score. We needed to get another one in the 1st half too. Oh well...Maine....then playoffs. Hope Long is back & ready to go.

That's what we were talking about at dinner after the game. I'm not sure anybody in Wildcat Nation could have said that confidently in August.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

No offense taken. WM, I believe our offensive numbers were hugely inflated [55 points against URI, 47 points against Towson, 40+ against Dartmouth]. If you look at the games that matter, UNH scored 17 against W&M, 17 against UMass, 28 against 'Nova, 24 against Ball State and 18 against Hofstra. It's a pretty middling offense against even average teams. Toman's got 2 more TD's than INT's on the season, and the offensive line is very young.

I don't mean to insult the W&M defense. UNH's terrible announcers couldn't go a play without talking about passrush. I'm just saying, UNH cannot rely on their offense to win a game. The two they had to win, they lost. The defense won games at Hofstra and at home against 'Nova. I expect much of the same in the playoffs.

Maybe the UNH announcers were always talking about the Tribe pass rush because it was that good and that significant a factor. xtwocentsx

All I know is that without establishing any kind of rushing game, W&M was really able to "tee off" in any situation that hinted at pass. Every third and long was brutal, very little time to throw the ball.

[UNHWildCats]

UNH wouldn't be comfortable with a loss to Maine, but I don't see enough teams with good resumes to have them out at 8-3.
UNH is in. To be left out at 8-3 would require being bumped by Liberty or one of the possible 8-3 Big Sky teams. Just aint going to happen. UNH is in, just a matter of where they are playing the opening round.

[crusader11]

When is Mac going to pull the plug on Toman?

[WrenFGun]

When is Mac going to pull the plug on Toman?

At this point, your guess is as good as mine, Crusader. Congrats to HC for the PL title. Watched a bit of the game and it was the first time I'd seen Randolph.

[crusader11]

At this point, your guess is as good as mine, Crusader. Congrats to HC for the PL title. Watched a bit of the game and it was the first time I'd seen Randolph.

Thanks Wren. He wasn't at his very best, but got the job done. He's truly done wonders for the program.

I think it's too late to bench RJ in favor of Decker at this point in the season. Really surprised we never saw Decker against Northeastern or URI.

[Old Cat Fan]

Thanks Wren. He wasn't at his very best, but got the job done. He's truly done wonders for the program.

I think it's too late to bench RJ in favor of Decker at this point in the season. Really surprised we never saw Decker against Northeastern or URI.

Decker saw a little action in the Northeastern game, had a nice 44 yd TD pass to Mangieri xnodx

NEW HAMPSHIRE-TD, M Mangieri 44 YD PASS FROM K Decker (T
Manning KICK) 6:05 4th Qtr

On a side note when Toman was limping around earlier in the Northeastern game after UNH had a nice lead, I said to my wife that Toman shouldnt be in the game and she asked me why the back up wasn't in. I told her that some people think that Decker should be the starter and if the coach gave him playing time and Decker did good then Coach Mac would have a QB controversy and no coach ever wants to have that hanging over his head. It was than that I realized I answered my own question that Mac doesn't want a starting QB decision controversy so Decker get no chances.

[crusader11]

Ah yes, you're right Old Cat. Good point about how Mac wants to avoid a QB controversy. But, controversies aside, shouldn't it ultimately be about winning games? Put the best guy on the field.

[NHwildEcat]

Ah yes, you're right Old Cat. Good point about how Mac wants to avoid a QB controversy. But, controversies aside, shouldn't it ultimately be about winning games? Put the best guy on the field.

He probably has a fear that it might upset the whole offensive unit. The last thing he wants to do going into the final game is to have a split locker room...IMO.

[WrenFGun]

...it's not exactly as if we have much offensive cohesion as is, though I too can see the point. This is the best reasoning I've heard yet.

[UNHWILDCATS05]

UNH's last and only hope for a home game is that Colgate or Lafayette get in as a second PL team and get sent to 'Nova, leaving HC to get sent to UNH (or UNH to HC).

I disagree. If Nova does not get a seed (read: They lose to Delaware), then they would be in the same non-seeded boat as UNH. The committee would not have to give Nova the closest school to them and it would be hard for the committee not to match up such close (geographically) schools as UNH and HC...

Rooting hard for DE this week...