By: Jackson Shuman
The William and Mary Tribe defeated Albany 37-7 last Saturday at Zable Stadium, protecting their undefeated home record and improving to 5-4 overall.
William & Mary took command early and never let up in a game defined by efficient football and big special teams moments. The Tribe jumped ahead with a first-drive fake field goal touchdown and blocked three punts for safeties, quickly putting the game out of reach. Their offense was sharp both through the air and on the ground, while the defense largely shut down UAlbany’s offensive attack. The win keeps the Tribe in the CAA hunt, moving them to 4–2 in conference play.
Key Takeaways
The Greatest Special Teams Game Ever?
William & Mary blocked three punts that resulted in safeties in Saturday’s contest. While not officially confirmed as a first in FCS history, the three blocked punts for safeties were just one shy of the known FCS record for blocked punts and marked only the fourth time an FCS team has recorded at least three safeties in a game.
Albany’s special teams unit simply did not make any adjustments after any of the blocked punts—a surprise to everyone in the stadium, including Stephon Hicks, who was the second Tribe player to block a punt. When asked if he was surprised UAlbany didn’t adjust its punt formation, Hicks said, “Yes, definitely. I thought they would make a change, but they didn’t.”
While the punt blocks alone were impressive, the Tribe also scored their first touchdown on a fake field goal from holder and third-string quarterback Joey Tommaso. When you add it all up, it begs the question: was this the greatest special teams game ever?
Pass Defense on Another Level
UAlbany quarterback Jack Shields struggled mightily through the air on Saturday, completing just 9 of 30 passes for 133 yards and an interception. The Tribe’s defense consistently pressured Shields, leading to several batted balls. In coverage, the secondary blanketed the Great Dane receivers, eliminating big plays.
On the season, the Tribe now ranks 22nd nationally in passing defense, allowing just 188 yards per game.
Balanced Offensive Attack
Quarterback Tyler Hughes led the offense with 245 passing yards and a touchdown, completing passes to 13 different receivers and showcasing his ability to distribute the ball effectively. Rashad Raymond added 76 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the Tribe offense totaled 442 yards compared to UAlbany’s 232—controlling the flow of the game and dominating time of possession.
Tyler Hughes spread the ball around in Saturday’s win, completing passes to 13 different receivers.
📸 Photo by Jim Agnew
Player of the Game: Jackson Blee
Blee led the Tribe with nine receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown against UAlbany. He was quarterback Tyler Hughes’ safety blanket all game, consistently producing yards after the catch.
The Tribe has been searching for a steady, week-to-week top option in the short passing game. Blee stepping into that role as a dependable target for Hughes would be a major development for the offense moving forward.
Jackson Blee led the team with nine catches for 78 yards against UAlbany.
📸 Photo by Jim Agnew
Moving Forward
With the win over UAlbany, William & Mary finds itself in a strong position entering the final stretch of the season. The Tribe’s dominance on special teams and improved offensive balance provide real momentum heading into the upcoming matchup at Campbell.
Continued consistency from Hughes and Blee in the passing game, paired with Raymond’s reliability on the ground, gives the offense a solid foundation to build on. Defensively, the combination of pressure up front and tight coverage in the secondary has become a difference-maker that must continue in the weeks ahead.
The path to the CAA playoffs is still open, but every game now matters. The Tribe will need to avoid letdowns and maintain focus to secure key late-season road wins—something they haven’t done yet this year. Still, all signs are pointing in the right direction after this week’s dominant performance.
Up Next
Next week, William & Mary travels to Buies Creek, N.C., to take on the Campbell Fighting Camels (2–7) as they look to claim their first road victory of the season.
Go Tribe!
Photos courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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