William & Mary sets school records in FCS playoff rout over Gardner-Webb, reaches quarterfinals
Despite never sharing the field, William & Mary’s offense and defense synced perfectly.
The defense forced four first-half turnovers and the offense scored after each as the Tribe raced to a 34-point halftime lead and pulled away for a 54-14 victory in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs Saturday at Zable Stadium.
Fifth-seeded William & Mary (11-1) advanced to the FCS quarterfinals next week, likely at fourth-seeded Montana State.
“It changes the complexion of the game,” coach Mike London said of the turnovers. “It’s the culmination of the turnovers, when they happened and the offense’s ability to do something with the ball. I think that was key for us today.”
Gardner-Webb (7-6), of Boiling Springs, North Carolina, enjoyed front-row seats to William & Mary’s vaunted offense, led by sophomore quarterback Darius Wilson and running back Bronson Yoder.
Yoder capped a 66-yard drive, which included a fourth-and-1 conversion, on the game’s opening possession to start perfectly the Tribe’s return to the postseason.
After recording the best regular season in the program’s 129-year history, William & Mary ended its seven-year playoff drought thanks to a prolific rushing attack and veteran defense. The team set program playoff records for points (54) and total yards (608).
“We didn’t feel like we’d lose a step,” junior defensive lineman Nate Lynn said, referring to the bye week. “The time is always good after a full season, but we appreciated that and we took full advantage of that and everybody came back ready to go.”
The party continued as Wilson threw the first of two consecutive touchdowns to JT Mayo, each coming after a turnover.
The passing attack, which ranked just 88th in the nation at 183.3 yards per game, caught the Runnin’ Bulldogs flat-footed. Wilson completed 14 of 24 passes for 240 yards and tied a career high with three touchdowns.
“We know coming into every game, every team knows we’re a big run-heavy team,” Wilson said, “and so something the coaches stress is when we get a chance to go downfield, we have to connect on those shots to keep the other team honest.”
Twenty-four of the 34 first-half points came after a turnover. Ryan Poole and Tye Freeland had interceptions, with Freeland picking off a second pass in the fourth quarter. The defense finished with six takeaways.
“The goal is to limit the possessions,” London said, “and if you can turn the ball over, your odds of winning the game go up plus-two categories. These guys have done a good job of being in the place they’re supposed to be and creating those turnovers.”
William & Mary made 10 previous postseason appearances and reached as far as the semifinals in 2004 and 2009, losing to Colonial Athletic Association foes James Madison and Villanova, respectively.
“To see the opportunity to watch the program succeed with players like this,” London said, “and know the school — it’s an academic school. We’re not ashamed to say anything about that. Embrace it and go play competitive football against the teams that are out there right now.”
Combining an offense that can rack up 300 rushing and passing yards in the same game beside a ball-hawking defense makes the Tribe a formidable threat.
“It was just fun to watch,” London said.
Ray Nimmo, ray.nimmo@pilotonline.com
