The Tribe picked up their biggest win of the season against Elon last Saturday during Homecoming in a crowded Zable Stadium.
The game was filled with clutch moments and big plays on a fantastic day for the Tribe. William & Mary (4-3) now heads to Durham to take on the University of New Hampshire (4-4), who snapped a skid of four losses in their last five games. With W&M sitting at 3-1 in conference play and UNH at 2-2, this is a major road test for the Tribe.
Today, I’m focusing on three key areas that could make a big difference in the outcome:
Matchup #1: Most Favorable for the Tribe
W&M LB Clayton Dobler vs. UNH Offensive Line
In the closing moments of last Saturday’s game against Elon, with the Phoenix facing a do-or-die 4th-and-7, linebacker Clayton Dobler came off the edge and sealed the Homecoming win for the Tribe. That play marked his second career sack—his first coming earlier in the same game.
After that performance, the redshirt sophomore has clearly earned more snaps, and he’s poised to make the most of them against a vulnerable Wildcat offensive line. UNH has allowed starting quarterback Matt Vezza to be sacked 19 times through just eight games. Expect the Tribe pass rush to have a better-than-average day against the Wildcats.
Matchup #2: Area Primed to Improve for the Tribe
W&M RB Rashad Raymond vs. UNH Run Defense
Graduate running back Rashad Raymond exited the Elon game with an injury, but with Tribe Athletics listing him as a player to watch, it’s safe to assume he’ll be active this week. The Tribe’s run game struggled without him—it was clear he’s the centerpiece of the rushing attack. In his absence, the rest of the Tribe backfield combined for just 44 yards on 14 carries.
UNH’s rushing defense has been only moderately better, allowing an average of 175 yards per game on the ground. If Raymond returns, expect him to reestablish himself as the offensive anchor. If not, look for backup Tariq Sims to have a stronger showing with a game plan tailored around him.
Matchup #3: Dawg vs. Dawg
W&M QB Tyler Hughes vs. UNH QB Matt Vezza
This is a less traditional matchup breakdown—but it’s also a less traditional quarterback duel, and one that could be electric to watch.
Both quarterbacks are dual threats and, in my opinion, two of the best in the CAA. UNH’s Matt Vezza has had some struggles taking sacks and throwing interceptions, but much of that stems from the protection and circumstances around him. Still, his production has been impressive: 1,578 passing yards, 367 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns through eight games.
On the other side, Tyler Hughes has been spectacular for the Tribe, putting together a breakout season with 1,306 passing yards, 368 rushing yards, and 18 total touchdowns in just seven games.
While they won’t be on the field at the same time, this matchup sets the stage for a true quarterback showdown — one you won’t want to miss.
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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