By: Luca Gomez
Last week was the kind of week teams just want to bury the tape. A 39-point loss doesn’t leave anyone’s mind quickly, and the Tribe will be extra motivated to bounce back. William & Mary (1–2) hosts Charleston Southern (0–3) this Saturday, with both teams coming off tough losses. The Buccaneers blew a 21–0 lead to Lindenwood, giving up 35 straight points in a 35–28 defeat. Which team will come out on top? Here are three matchups that could decide the game:
Matchup #1: Most Favorable for the Tribe
W&M QB Tyler Hughes vs. CSU Pass Defense
After Week 1, there were questions about starting QB Tyler Hughes, but he’s settled in nicely. Since throwing a pick-six on the season’s first drive, Hughes has totaled 566 all-purpose yards and 5 touchdowns. Against UVA, he connected with Deven Thompson for a highlight-reel 79-yard touchdown down the right sideline.
Charleston Southern’s secondary has struggled, giving up 665 passing yards in just three games, including 240+ to two different quarterbacks. This could be a prime opportunity for Hughes to build on his momentum.
Matchup #2: Area Primed for Improvement
W&M Run Defense vs. CSU Run Game
Last week against UVA, the Tribe defense surrendered 407 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns—a performance that should prove to be an outlier by season’s end. Despite the lopsided result, LB Luke Banbury still stood out with 9 tackles and a pass breakup.
Charleston Southern will test the run defense again, but the Tribe has the talent to bounce back. Execution is the key—and this week feels like the right time to show it.
Matchup #3: Dawg vs. Dawg
W&M CB Trevon Cannon vs. CSU WR Chris Rhone
Freshman CB Trevon Cannon was a bright spot in Charlottesville, recording his first career interception, which set up one of the Tribe’s two touchdowns against a Power Four opponent.
On the other side, WR Chris Rhone—a preseason Second-Team All-Conference pick—has been CSU’s top weapon, tallying 14 catches for 116 yards through three games.
Cannon has earned more snaps, and if he matches up with Rhone on Saturday, it’ll be one of the most intriguing one-on-one battles of the day.
Pack Zable this Saturday—and Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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