By: Jackson Shuman
William & Mary opened the 2025 football season with a heartbreaker, falling 23–21 to Furman on Saturday night after a late field goal spoiled the Tribe’s season opener. The Tribe led 21-14 midway through the 3rd quarter, but Furman went on to kick three field goals while holding the Tribe scoreless for the last 20 minutes of regulation. Below, we break down, “The Good, Bad, and Ugly” from this past Saturday’s game in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Good:
William & Mary Defense: The Tribe defense held Furman’s offensive attack largely in check allowing just 237 total yards. On the ground, the Paladins only accumulated 58 yards on 34 attempts for a meager 1.7 yards per carry. William & Mary also held Furman to a rushing success rate of just 32%, well below average. In the air, the Tribe mitigated explosive plays from Furman’s returning starter Trey Hedden allowing one completion of over 15 yards. Mike London and his defensive staff seemed content giving up short completions which explains Hedden’s 71% completion percentage. Furman’s one touchdown drive was a product of Devin Hester Jr.’s (unrelated to THAT Devin Hester) 75-yard kickoff return early in the 2nd quarter that led to the Paladins lone offensive touchdown.
William & Mary Outgained Furman on Offense: Despite the loss, the Tribe outgained Furman by over 100 yards, 352 to 237. Strange, right? William & Mary particularly excelled on the ground, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and totaling 144 rushing yards. Graduate transfers Rashad Raymond and Tariq Sims led the backfield, with Raymond carrying 12 times for 55 yards and Sims adding 38 yards on 5 attempts. Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Hughes also sparked the run game, tacking on 37 yards in just his second career start.
All in all, the offense looked solid for a season opener. With limited continuity from last year’s roster, some early growing pains were expected, and Saturday’s game brought a few. Still, the Tribe offense showed flashes of what it’s capable of.
So how did William & Mary lose despite outgaining Furman by more than 100 yards? The answer: a pick-six on the first drive of the game and a 75-yard kickoff return allowed in the second quarter. The Tribe also converted just 33% of their third downs, stalling drives and limiting scoring chances. And a botched snap on a short field-goal attempt before halftime proved costly in a two-point game.
Junior quarterback Tyler Hughes threw for 208 yards and ran for another 37 yards in his second career start. [Photo by Bob Keroack}
The Bad:
William & Mary’s Costly Mistakes:
When we laid out our keys to the game in our preview article earlier this week our main key was for the Tribe to avoid self-inflicted mistakes. The reason William & Mary fell to Furman this Saturday was because they failed to do just that. On the first drive of the game Tyler Hughes threw an interception pick six to Taylen Black on 3rd and 5. Safe to say, not the best way to start the game and season. In the second quarter, Devin Hester Jr. returned a kickoff 75 yards deep in William & Mary territory leading to a Furman touchdown. Before halftime the special teams botched a snap on a 27-yard field goal attempt. Ultimately, those three points were the difference in the game.
The Ugly:
William & Mary’s Third Down Offense:
Despite piling up 352 yards of offense, William & Mary managed just three scoring drives. The problem wasn’t moving the ball it was finishing drives, and much of that came down to third downs. Too often the Tribe faced third-and-long, averaging 8.8 yards to go compared to Furman’s 6.4. The result: just a 33% conversion rate. On those plays, the offense averaged only 2.3 yards, with quarterback Tyler Hughes completing just 2 of 8 passes for 24 yards. While the explosive plays are great, the Tribe needs to focus on consistent drive to drive execution to put more points on the board.
Player of the Game:
Justin Kruger
With under a minute left in the first half and Furman threatening in the red zone, defensive end Justin Kruger blew past his blocker and strip-sacked quarterback Trey Hedden. Linebacker Luke Banburry pounced on the loose ball, denying the Paladins a chance to extend their 14–7 lead before halftime. The turnover kept the Tribe within one score heading into the break, a crucial stop with Furman set to receive the second half kickoff.
Luke Banburry recovered a fumble forced by Justin Kruger before half [Photo via @WMTribeFootball on X]
Key Takeaways:
Despite the loss, the Tribe showed why they can be a competitive team week in and week out in the CAA. The defense already looks like the strength of the 2025 William & Mary squad and should keep them in games throughout the season. On Saturday, the offense had its share of growing pains but still racked up 352 yards from scrimmage and consistently ran the ball on the Paladins both encouraging signs moving forward.
The formula for success is clear: control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, avoid self-inflicted mistakes, and keep the offense operating from a positive game script. If they can do that, the Tribe’s versatile rushing attack will be difficult for opponents to contain.
Looking Ahead:
Next week, the Tribe host Maine (0-1) on September 6th 6:00 PM at Zable Stadium. It’s the first home game of the year and we hope to see you there!
Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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