Maine @ W&M Preview
Posted by TTHS on September 13th, 2006
When Maine has the ball
Maine OL vs. Tribe DL
Last week both units struggled in the sack department, Maine giving up 4 and W&M getting 0. The Tribe did get 6 TFL, but only 2 came from the D-Line. The stats look bad, but Josh Wright’s 2 recovered 2 fumbles and is primed for a big game(and season) vs. the young black bears O-Line. Expect the D-Line to shine Saturday night.
Maine running game vs. Tribe LB’s
Maine RB, Arel Gordon, is one of Maine’s big play threats. Last week vs. top 10 team Youngstown State he busted a 75-yd. TD run and ended the day with 145 yards and an average of 9.3 yards per carry. Gordon will be facing off against the Josh Rutter and co., the Tribe’s defensive strong point. Rutter racked up 7 tackles to start his Sophomore season and has a good shot at leading the team in tackles this year. This will be one of the key match-up’s of the game.
Maine passing game vs. Tribe DB’s
Maine QB Ron Whitcomb had a less than spectacular game vs. Youngstown(which probably had a lot to do with it), going 11-17 for 114 yards, a TD, and a pick. Maine is starting Freshman at both WR spots, and that is probably why no WR caught more than 2 passes or gained more than 20 yards last week. Half of the yards were to(guess who?) RB Arel Gordon, with 4 catches and 63 yards. The Tribe DB’s were solid vs. UMD, holding them to 153, no TD’s, and getting a pick. The defensive backs got smoked a few times deep, but were solid otherwise. Injury and depth have been an issue at this position, but the bye week should have everyone healthy for Saturday night. I give the advantage to W&M in this match-up.
When W&M has the ball
W&M OL vs. Maine DL
Constant pressure was on Jake Phillips(which was expected), but UMD only picked up 2 sacks and 4 TFL in College Park 2 weeks ago(suprisingly low number’s for a young offensive line). Maine’s D-Line only got 1 sack vs. Youngstown(though they got 6 tackles for loss). Experience may be a factor in this match-up, as 7 or Maine’s top 8 lineman are upper classmen and the Tribe only has 1 senior in the 2-deep.
Running game vs. Maine’s LB’s
Elijah had a less than stellar performance for his homecoming at Byrd Stadium(he’s an MD native). 17 rushes for 62 yards and 4 catches for 29 yards. I wouldn’t be suprised if he ran wild for this game. Back-up DeBrian Holmes got little playing time, getting 3 rushes for 10 yards. Both had disappointing games, and hopefully that was mainly because of MD’s skill level. Maine has a young corp of linebackers, headlined by Jovan Belcher who got 9 tackles last week. I think W&M dominates this match-up.
W&M passing game vs. Maine DB’s
Jake Phillips had a good game vs. MD, going for 127 and a TD vs. the starters. Mike Potts went 9/10 for 99 yards and a TD, but the numbers are inflated due to the competition(second string). DJ McAulay was easily the best receiver, getting 5 catches, 82 yards, and a TD. Nicholas and Mack also had solid games, and are really forming a potent unit. Maine’s DB’s were also impressive last week, picking off the Youngstown QB twice. This will be a fun match-up.
Special Teams
I can sum up the Tribe’s ST positives in 2 words: DeBrian Holmes. And his 90 returning yards on 4 returns. The kicking game was sub-par, highlighted(or lowlighted?) by a blocked Blair Pritchard punt. Maine got a blocked kick last week, but it was the only real positive as the returning was bad and kicking only solid(PK 2-2 on PAT). Either Pritchard or Miller stepping up is key to our success.
Final prediction
Both teams score a bunch early, I’m thinking along the lines of 24-21 at the half. In the second half the Tribe D steps up and shuts down Maine. W&M wins, 38-24.
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