From the Tribe Athletics Press Room
After improving to 2-0 with a 33-14 victory against Central Connecticut State in its home opener on Saturday, the William and Mary football team moved up two spots to No. 5 in the polls released by the FCS Coaches and the Sports Network this week. The Tribe received two first-place votes in the Sports Network Poll. Richmond remains on top.
This week’s ranking is the highest the College has been in the polls since it finished the 2004 season No. 3.
The Colonial Athletic Association was well-represented in both polls as five teams were ranked among the top seven, while seven schools were among the top 20.
Redshirt freshman B.W. Webb, a Warwick High standout, made it two weeks in a row for extra accolades. Webb was named the Colonial Athletic Association Special Teams Player of the Week.
Webb returned three punts for 89 yards, an average of 29.7 yards per return, in the victory against the Blue Devils. Highlighting his impressive effort was a 42-yard return early in the fourth quarter. The Newport News native also registered a 32-yard return late in the third quarter. Defensively, Webb totaled four tackles to help the Tribe limit CCSU to just 237 yards of total offense and just 78 yards on the ground.
Webb currently leads the conference and ranks fourth nationally with an average of 14.5 yards per punt return.
The special teams honor marks the second consecutive week in which Webb has been recognized by the conference, as he was selected as the defensive player of the week following his three-interception performance in the season-opening win at Virginia. Webb also garnered numerous national defensive player of the week honors following the win.
Webb isn’t the only star on the field. W&M’s defensive unit has played a big role in the team’s success thus far, allowing just 14 points per game and 252 yards of total offense per game. The squad has proven to be especially tough in the second half, as it has held both of its opponents scoreless following halftime.
Senior quarterback R.J. Archer has efficiently led the Tribe’s offensive attack that is averaging nearly 30 points per game. The Earlysville, Va., native accounted for three touchdowns (two passing/one rushing) in last Saturday’s win against CCSU.
The Tribe will return to action again this Saturday when it plays at Norfolk State at 6 p.m. W&M will be looking to earn its first 3-0 start since 1998.
Filed under: William and Mary Football
