Delaware’s defense once again stepped up in the second half, shutting out JMU and providing time for the Hens’ offense to drive the ball down the field and convert two field goals in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Dante Cook provided the hammer on his way to a CAA co-Defensive Player of the Week performance, recording eight tackles and a game-changing 84-yard touchdown return after an interception in the second quarter. Delaware has let up only one total touchdown in the second half of games this season.
Up until the start of the second quarter, the game remained scoreless before a rushing touchdown by quarterback Trevor Sasek gave Delaware the lead. The Blue Hens did not see much of injured senior Pat Devlin, who only had two offensive snaps all game. Sasek, winner of this week’s CAA Rookie of the Week honor, led the Blue Hens’ offense on a 14-play, nearly seven minute fourth quarter-drive that put Perry in position for a late field goal.
JMU responded on the pursuing drive when senior Jamal Sullivan ran for 67 yards on the ground, leading to a one-yard touchdown run by redshirt junior Scott Noble. It was the only touchdown on the day for the Dukes as the offense converted only three first downs for the entire second half.
Tribe survives scare
William & Mary nearly blew an 18-point lead after Villanova scored with just over two minutes left in the game on quarterback Chris Whitney’s 47-yard touchdown pass to Norman White.
The Wildcats were unsuccessful on an onside kick attempt after the score and the game went to the Tribe, who survived a two-touchdown, second half performance by Villanova’s offense. Whitney came into the contest ranked second in the nation in passing efficiency at 170.6, and threw for 235 yards on the day with a touchdown with two rushing scores.
Quarterback Michael Paulus was 20-for-28 passing with 211 yards, completing a pass to seven different W&M receivers. Tailback Jonathan Grimes ran for 86 yards on 21 carries, scoring three times on the day for the Tribe. Villanova came into the game as a top five nationally ranked defense, giving up an average of only 12 points per game and allowing less than 70 yards on the ground.
Probst, Rogers earn honors
In a battle for the Rhode Island Governor’s Cup, quarterback Steve Probst scored three touchdowns to lead the Rams to a 27-24 overtime win against Brown Saturday. Probst picked up his first career CAA Offensive Player of the Week honor along the way, completing 22-of-38 passes as well as rushing for 59 yards and scoring all three touchdowns on the ground.
Richmond defensive back Justin Rogers’ performance in a 41-19 clubbing of Coastal Carolina on Saturday earned the senior a Co-Defensive Player of the Week honor. Rogers intercepted a pass and had a 34-yard return for a touchdown with just over a minute left in the game. The senior made plays all over the field, racking five tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
Scott Cournoyer can be reached at [email protected].
