By: Jack Greven
The Tribe continue their conference slate this weekend with a home matchup against the NC A&T Aggies in their final game before the bye week.
Last weekend, William & Mary put up a valiant fight on the road against No. 20 Villanova but came up just short in a 31–24 defeat. NC A&T also fell in CAA play, losing to Maine 37–30. The two teams last met in 2024, when the Tribe cruised to a 45–7 win behind a dominant rushing attack that racked up 238 yards and four touchdowns. Here’s a closer look at this week’s opponent:
North Carolina A&T Aggies
Conference: CAA
2024 Record: 1–11
The Aggies have a proud football tradition, highlighted by a perfect 12–0 season in 2017. However, since joining the CAA two years ago, they’ve struggled, posting just one win and going winless in conference play in both 2023 and 2024.
This season, under new head coach Shawn Gibbs, the Aggies earned their first-ever CAA win in Week 3 — a 33–30 double-overtime victory over Hampton. That remains their lone win so far, but there are signs of progress. NC A&T has scored 20+ points in four of five games this season (after doing so only three times in all of 2024) and has already played in three one-possession games.
Statistically, though, the Aggies remain at the bottom of the CAA. They’ve allowed opponents to score touchdowns on all 17 red zone trips, given up a league-high 16 sacks, and produced the fewest yards per game (299). Defensively, they allow the most points per game (44.2) and the second-most yards per game (472.2) in the conference.
Offense
Quarterback
Redshirt sophomore Kevin White has reclaimed the starting role after a turbulent start that saw six different players attempt passes. White began 2024 as the starter before a season-ending injury, then suffered another major setback last spring. Back since Week 4, he has been steady, completing over 60% of his passes for 511 yards and three touchdowns.
Running Backs
The Aggies have used a committee approach. Redshirt senior Wesley Graves has been the lead back with 67 carries for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Shimique Blizzard has been the most efficient, averaging 5.4 yards per touch. Redshirt junior JT Smith has also seen significant carries.
Receivers
Big plays have been a rare bright spot. Six different receivers have recorded catches of 40+ yards. The group is led by Amonte Jones (208 yards), Jamison Warren, and Jayvonne Dillard (team-high 17 catches), each with a touchdown to their name.
Offensive Line
Protection remains a major weakness. The Aggies have allowed a CAA-high 16 sacks in five games, though the unit does feature preseason All-CAA lineman Korion Sharpe.
Defense
The Aggie defense has struggled, but several players have stood out individually.
- Jonathan Kimbrough-Campbell (R-Jr. S): Team-high 26 tackles
- Tim Alderman (Grad DE): 4.5 sacks and 7.5 TFLs, both team highs
- Marquis Hood (Jr. DL): 2.5 sacks and 5.5 TFLs, forming a strong duo with Alderman
- Ty Williams Jr. (Grad CB): Leads the team with 4 pass breakups
Still, the unit has been porous against the run, allowing a league-worst 236 rushing yards per game at 6.5 yards per carry. They’ve also been vulnerable to explosives — 12 of the 27 touchdowns allowed have gone for 50+ yards.
Keys for the Tribe
- Run the ball: This is a prime opportunity for the Tribe rushing attack, led by Rashad Raymond, to break out against the CAA’s worst run defense.
- Prevent the deep shots: Five of NC A&T’s touchdowns have come from 30+ yards. Avoiding defensive lapses will be key.
- Generate pressure: With NC A&T’s shaky offensive line, this is a chance for W&M’s defensive line to create havoc.
Outlook
Much like the Charleston Southern game, this matchup presents a strong bounce-back opportunity for William & Mary. If the Tribe can control the trenches, they shouldn’t have too much trouble handling the Aggies in what could be a high-scoring game.
Pack Zable for Family Weekend — and Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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