[Graphic via @WMTribeFootball on X]
By: Jackson Shuman
In a home opener that featured two weather delays, William & Mary battled their way to a 28–27 victory over Maine. The Tribe fell behind 14–0 early before storming back to take a 21–17 lead. Maine responded with a field goal and a fourth-quarter touchdown to go ahead 27–21. With 3:11 left, Rashod Raymond powered in for a one-yard touchdown run that put the Tribe up 28–27. On the ensuing drive, All-American cornerback Jalen Jones intercepted Maine quarterback Carter Peevy to seal the win.
Here’s what we learned from the Tribe’s home opener:
William & Mary’s Linebackers Are a Force
Linebackers Luke Banbury and Harrison Johnson set the tone defensively, combining for 27 tackles in Saturday’s win. Johnson lived in the Black Bears’ backfield, recording 1.5 tackles for loss, while Banbury was a constant problem for quarterback Carter Peevy. Banbury broke up three passes, including the game-clinching deflection that led to Jalen Jones’ interception on Maine’s final drive.
Quarterback Tyler Hughes Is a Problem on the Ground
Quarterback Tyler Hughes leaned on his legs in key situations, rushing 10 times for 73 yards and keeping constant pressure on Maine’s defense. His biggest play came on 3rd-and-6 with the Tribe trailing 27–21. Hughes escaped the rush and scrambled 20 yards down to the one-yard line, setting up Raymond’s game-winning touchdown.
It’s not the first time Hughes has hurt defenses with his feet — he also ran for 37 yards against Furman in Week 1. As the season unfolds, his ability to make plays on the ground will be a critical part of the Tribe’s offense.
Tribe quarterback Tyler Hughes totaled 73 rushing yards. [Photo by Bob Keroack]
Special Teams Comes Up Big
One of the game’s turning points came early in the third quarter when Maine went three-and-out on its opening possession. Tribe sophomore Stephon Hicks came flying off the edge and blocked punter Anthony Pecorella’s kick, setting up the offense in the red zone. Two plays later, Hughes rolled right and found Sean McElwain in the end zone to cut the Maine lead to three.
The blocked punt was a massive momentum swing coming right out of halftime and an encouraging sign for a special-teams unit that has struggled early in the season.
Defense Found a Way Despite Struggles Against the Run
Maine quarterback Carter Peevy completed just 13 of 27 passes for 97 yards and threw a game-ending interception on the Black Bears’ final drive. Banbury was disruptive in the middle, while the secondary limited big plays through the air.
The Tribe, however, struggled to stop the run. Peevy gashed them with a 45-yard touchdown scramble, and running back Sincere Baines added 87 yards at 5.1 yards per carry. Still, William & Mary’s defense delivered when it mattered. Maine converted just 1 of 5 third downs with fewer than five yards to go — a key factor in the Tribe’s victory.
Player of the Game: Luke Banbury
Banbury was everywhere, impacting both the run and pass game. He finished with 16 tackles — five more than any teammate — and accounted for three of the Tribe’s four pass breakups. His biggest play came late in the fourth quarter when he tipped a Peevy pass into the air, setting up Jalen Jones’ game-sealing interception with two minutes remaining.
Luke Banbury totaled 16 tackles and 3 pass breakups. [Photo by Bob Keroack]
Key Takeaways
Almost the opposite of last week’s game vs. Furman, William & Mary was outgained by 70 yards but still found a way to win. Special teams delivered with a blocked punt, the offense capitalized, and the defense came through on third downs. Unlike Week 1, the Tribe also won the turnover battle.
As we’ve seen, this team wins by avoiding costly mistakes on offense and letting the defense deliver in big moments. That formula worked again on Saturday night.
Looking Ahead
Next week, William & Mary travels to Charlottesville for its toughest test of the season against Virginia (1–1). Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. Saturday on the ACC Network.
Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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