William & Mary just missed the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs each of the last two seasons when a win in the final game against Richmond would have punched a postseason ticket. While the Tribe hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, they are always a well-coached group under long-time coach Jimmy Laycock. Hoo fans undoubtedly remember that Laycock’s group pulled off the upset in 2009, essentially signaling the end for Al Groh. This year’s Tribe has a lot of experience back, including at quarterback and across the offensive line, but the Cavaliers should be heavily favored in the Sept. 19 game.

William & Mary Peek

• Head Coach (record at school): Jimmye Laycock (229-170-2)
• 2014 Record: 7-5
• Offense: Pro style, multiple
• Offense 2014 Total Yards/Game (FCS national ranking): 323.3 (96)
• Offense 2014 Points/Game: 25.3 (74)
• Defense: 4-3
• Defense 2014 Total Yards/Game: 390.1 (67)
• Defense 2014 Points/Game: 22.7 (32)

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense: William & Mary returns many of the key components on this side of the ball, including starting quarterback Steve Cluley. Last season, he threw for 2,048 yards with 11 touchdowns. He started every game last season, the first QB to do that at William & Mary since 2009. Cluley tossed just four interceptions all season long and at one point strung together 138 pass attempts without a pick.

Clulely must find new top targets. Tre McBride has moved on to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. McBride hauled in 64 catches for 809 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. No. 2 receiver Sean Ballard finished with 29 catches and 487 yards so that’s a lot of production to replace. DeVonte Dedmon is the most likely to become the receiving star for the team. He became the first true freshman to start at receiver at W&M since 1991 last season when he caught 24 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown. He also averaged 13.9 yards per carry on 13 attempts. Cluley will still have his top running back in the backfield to offset the receiving losses. Mikal Abdul-Saboor piled up 1,266 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while leading the ACC in rushing yards per game with 115.1 on average.

The biggest key is up front where all five starters return. Plus, the Tribe has quality depth since injuries forced several to play last season and to pick up extra reps in the spring. Senior All-CAA center Andrew Jones anchors the unit as a third-year starter. Other key line pieces include Chris Durant, Jerry Ugokwe, Jared Templeton, and Nick Easter. Durant started seven games last season at left tackle, while Ugokwe has 18 starts at both tackle spots over the past two seasons.

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