The Tribe Has Spoken

When VMI has the ball

VMI OL vs. W&M DL

After losing 2 starters(Matt Dowler, Jeremy Ward), VMI has an extremely young offensive line. 2 Sophomores, 1 Junior, 2 Freshman. The Tribe(past Josh Wright) has had issues putting pressure on and wrapping up QB’s this year(especially last week), but expect them to have a huge week. This match-up definitely goes in the favor of the Tribe. 

VMI running game vs. W&M LB’s

Before running into the defensive buzz-saw known as University of Richmond, where he ran the ball 12 times for 34 yards, RB Sean Mizzer was lighting up opposing D’s. Against Norfolk State he ran the ball only 14 times but gained 109 yards and ripped off 173 yards and 2 TD’s in 22 carries vs. Davidson. This is the third week in a row where the Tribe will face an exceptional running back. Luckily for the Tribe, Mizzer will be facing their defensive strong point. Josh Rutter leads the linebackers, and similar to last year he is leading the team in tackles. He is followed by Michael Pigram, 4th on the team in tackles, Trevor McLaurin, a RB convert who has flew up the depth chart and earned himself a starting position, and Travis McLaurin and Chris Ndubueze, both solid players with lots of experience who missed last season due to injury. Like the last 2 weeks, this match-up will be key to the game.

VMI passing game vs. W&M DB’s

Jonathon Wilson returns as the Keydet’s starting QB after throwing for a 62% completion percentage last year. This year, however, he has been less than average(and that is putting it nicely). Last week vs. Richmond he was 1/8 for -1 yard(s) and a 12.5 completion percentage. Ouch. Over the season he has passed for a 38.5% completion percentage and gained 302 yards and 3 TD’s in 3 games. The Tribe DB’s should have no problem locking down the VMI passing game. Richard Riley(INT vs. Maine), Kevin Allen(2nd on team in tackles), and Derek Cox(2 fumble recoveries) have been great for the Tribe defensive backfield this year, and Alan Wheeling has provided a veteran presence for the young DB group. Again, the Tribe should dominate this match-up.

When W&M has the ball

W&M OL vs. VMI DL

The Tribe offensive line has been the weak point of the team this season. Though they have only given up 4 sacks, Tribe QB Jake Phillips has been under pressure constantly and been forced to leave the pocket and make off balance throws all year. Luckily, VMI’s D-Line hasn’t been much better. In 3 games, 2 vs. week opponents, VMI has only gotten 3 sacks and 2 were by the same player. It will be interesting to see which unit steps up next weekend.

W&M running game vs. VMI LB’s

William and Mary’s running game this year has been flat out awful. Starting running back Elijah Brooks has run for only 91 yards in 29 carries and no TD’s. Though in a smaller sample size, DeBrian Holmes has 1 touchdown and 35 yards in 7 carries. It would be a good idea to give him some more runs next week. VMI’s defense, 4-4, is geared to stop the run and has a good blend of experience and youth(one player in each class). The top 3 tacklers on the team are all linebackers, and if Elijah and the OL doesn’t step up VMI could win this match-up.

W&M passing game vs. VMI DB’s

Opponent’s have passed for at a 64% completion rate, and that may be just the thing Jake Phillips needs to gain some confidence. Phillips was below average last week vs. Maine, but has a solid group of receivers around him in SR TE Matt Trinkle and WR’s Joe Nicholas, Elliot Mack, and DJ McAulay. Couple that with the fact that VMI runs a 4-4 defense, and this could be a huge week for Jake.

Special Teams

Special teams has been a big problem for W&M this year. A missed field goal, fumbled punt snap, and blocked punt. VMI’s kicker, Barrett Way, was 11-13 in field goals last year and holds the Big South record for longest made field goals(51, 53). The edge on paper is in favor of VMI.

Final Prediction

VMI continues it struggles throwing the ball, W&M puts 8 in the box, and the Keydet’s struggle to score offensively. The Tribe finally wake up from their offensive slump and put up 35+. The special teams edge will be the only thing going VMI’s way.

Final score:W&M 42, VMI 6

Resources/links

VMI game notes(not yet released)

W&M game notes

VMI stats

W&M stats

VMI media guide

W&M media guide