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As we’ve concluded the first quarter of the season, the in-game momentum and the in-season momentum has swung rampantly from side to side. There have been dramatic come-from-behind victories from the teams least expected, and some teams have come from nowhere to stake a claim to the CAA race while others find themselves in free fall after coming into the season with high expectations. The CAA is a regular roller-coaster ride, and you’d better hang on because the finish promises to be something exciting for all.

No need to worry about this game. The Tribe's starting QB is out due to a shoulder injury. UNC Xfer, Mike Paulus will be starting in his place. The Tribe only had 37 net yds rushing at halftime last week against Maine, and finished the game with 75 net yds rushing. Grimes carried the ball 5 times for 14 yds. According to the W&M coach he was banged up, and will be a game time decision for this Sat. The Tribe's also had injuries to their OL which probably explains the injuries to their starting QB & RB. The Maine head coach stated that they were able to get into the face of the Tribe starting QB last week making him ineffective.

The Tribe defense hasn't been very good to date either. Maine pretty much handled them for 3 qtrs, and had a 14 - 3 halftime lead and a 21 - 17 lead late. Maine shot themselves in the foot with penalties and turnovers, 1 of them a pick 6.

Last year's Tribe team would have worried me. This one is just trying to survive and move on. CATS win going away.

No. 1/No. 2 Villanova (1 – 0, 3 – 1) @ No. 7/No. 7 William & Mary (1 – 1, 3 – 1) @ 3:30 p.m.
TV: CSN-MA, CSN-P, CSN-NE, CSS(JIP-4:30)
Series: William & Mary leads 14-13-1
Both teams are riding three-game win streaks. Both teams had to come from behind late in last week’s games. Both teams are far different from the national semifinal teams that faced off last December. Both teams have been hit hard by the injury bug. In Williamsburg, the Tribe has a 10-3-1 advantage. Nova’s riding a six-game win streak over the Tribe. The Tribe last won in 2004, 37 – 29, in Williamsburg. The Tribe has won seven consecutive games at Zable Stadium. Coach Andy Talley has a slim 11-9-1 advantage in head-to-head matchups with Laycock all at Villanova and William & Mary.
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Nova’s averaging 31 ppg (1st in the CAA). The Tribe is averaging 28.2 ppg (4th in the CAA). Nova’s averaging 380.8 total net ypg (4th in the CAA). The Tribe is averaging 356.5 ypg (5th in the CAA). Nova’s allowing 12 ppg (3rd in the CAA). The Tribe’s allowing 16.2 ppg (4th in the CAA). Nova’s allowing 246.8 total net ypg (2nd in the CAA). The Tribe’s allowing 339.2 ypg (6th in the CAA).
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It would have been fun to watch both of these teams at full strength. It’s Family Weekend in Williamsburg, which will make for a sold-out house and a game day atmosphere worthy of a national television audience. Both coaches will try to exploit the other’s weaknesses. Does Talley have another gadget play up his sleeve? Can Laycock pull another miracle out of his hat? One thing is certain, if recent history has taught us anything it’s that the Tribe cannot afford to let Nova get out to an early big lead.
Upset Meter [----5---] Wildcats 31, Tribe 21.

93henfan wrote:

A classic case of playing to your audience.

Tribe4SF wrote:Sure do miss Bruce Dowd.

State Line Liquors wrote:Let's just leave the poor guy alone and worry about our own analysis. It'll all be over after Nova's graduation this year.