William & Mary was one of the top FCS teams in 2009. The Tribe went 11-3 and 6-2 in the CAA and reached the semi-finals of the FCS tourney.
In the regular season they lost only to pending National Champ Villanova and Richmond. W&M crushed their first two playoff opponents (Weber State 38-0 and Southern Illinois 24-3). They lost 13-14 to Villanova in a playoff rematch. In regular season the Tribe beat Virginia 26-14.
William & Mary has had a lot of continuity in coaching. HC Jimmye Laycock will start his 31st season with the Tribe when they open against UMass.
The main reason for W&M's success in 2009 was their stellar defense:
- #1 in scoring defense (12.1 points/game)
- #1 in total defense (229.8 yards/game --57 yards/game better than #2 James Madison!)
- #1 in rushing defense (61.1 yards/game)
- #2 in pass defense (186.6 yards/game)
- #1 in sacks (49-- UMass last with 13)
Starters returning:
Offense 6
- RB Jonathan Grimes
- WR Chase Hill
- OL Keith Hill, Jr
- OL Derek Toon
- OL Chris Sutton
- FB Terrence Riggins
- DB Ben Cottingham
- LB Evan Francks
- LB Wes Steinman
- LB Jake Trantin
- DL Mike Stover
- DB B.W. Webb (CAA defensive rookie-of-the-year, ECAC rookie-of-the-year)
The Tribe returns 30 letterman: 14 offense, 15 defense, 1 special teams.
The 2010 edition of the Tribe was picked #4 in the nation by both the FCS Coaches Poll and The Sports Network.
William & Mary will be a tough challenge to a young Minutemen team. This is a team that could contend again for the FCS National Championship.