Report Card: Towson VICTORIOUS against ranked rival #23 Delaware 18-17
It was a very memorable homecoming weekend for the Towson Tigers (1-4, 3-5), as they snatched victory from the 23rd ranked Delaware Blue Hens (3-2, 5-3). Here is how the Tigers graded out.
Offense: B
The Tiger offense was stagnant for the first part of the evening, but turned it on in the second half. Freshmen Quarterback Ryan Stover once again had interception trouble early, throwing two early interceptions, one being a miraculous one-handed catch by the Delaware defender.
OBJ-esque interception by @DelawareFB's Nasir Adderley
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(via @DelawareFB) pic.twitter.com/v8DWS6mpxH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 28, 2017
Stover would bounce back though, hitting John Tsimis on a beautiful 39-yard touchdown, then hitting Ellis Knudson for the two-point conversion to make it a 14-11 ball game.
Stover hits Tsimis for his first career Towson score down the left sideline for a Tiger touchdown! pic.twitter.com/kNehiZ82JW
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 28, 2017
Down 17-11 with three minutes left in the game, the Tigers got the football back, needing a big drive. Stover led them down the field and got the Tigers into the red zone. Faced with a 3rd and 1, Stover threw a back-corner fade to wide receiver Sam Gallahan with 31 seconds left in the game. Gallahan hauled in the pass with one hand to secure the go ahead score.
ROLL THAT BEAUTIFUL TD FOOTAGE! pic.twitter.com/6zZJh352JT
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 28, 2017
Defense: A-
The defense was stellar for the entire game. Despite giving up over 200 yards rushing, the Blue Hen passing attack never got any rhythm. The Tiger secondary held Blue Hen quarterback, J.P. Caruso to under 40 yards passing. Despite being backed up on their own goal line down 14-11, the defense forced a field goal to make the score 17-11 and giving the Tiger offense a chance. The Tigers then had to make another stop with four minutes left. Freshmen Bryce Carter made a huge third down sack to force a Blue Hen punt. The defense overall was the main reason the Tigers had a chance to win late in the game.
Be the Hammer not the Nail. Tigers with a HUGE defensive stand to set up shop near midfield. 3:55 to go in the fourth, Tigers trail 17-11. pic.twitter.com/bVZpxNQV5S
— Towson Football (@Towson_FB) October 28, 2017
Special Teams: B+
The one huge mistake on special teams was a Tigers muffed punt return late in the game, when the Tiger return man dropped the ball when calling a fair catch. Had Towson given up a touchdown on that possession, it would have put the game out of reach. The Tigers punt coverage was very good, pinning Delaware in bad starting field position.
Final Thoughts
This win was really a big confidence boost for this young Tiger team. The offense found late momentum and converted on big scoring opportunities. The defense was a force to be reckoned with, not giving up much in the way of big plays.
Up Next: Towson takes on another ranked opponent as they travel south to battle the #11 ranked Elon Phoenix. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday, November 4.
Video Credit to Fox Sports, Towson Athletics, and Sports Illustrated
