Towson University Athletics

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The Towson University football team scored on special teams and the defense set up two more touchdowns as the Tigers rallied for a 26-14 victory over William & Mary Saturday afternoon at Zable Stadium.
 
How it Happened

• The Tiger (4-6, 2-5 CAA) defense got things going on the fifth play of the game as Virginia native Kanyia Anderson sacked the quarterback and forced a fumble that was recovered at the Tribe 21.
• Ryan Stover hit Jabari Greenwood for 15 yards to the one and Ellis Knudson powered his way into the endzone two plays later.
• The special teams got into the act a short time later as Coby Tippett returned a punt 62 yards for the touchdown and the 12-0 lead.
• The Tribe (2-8, 0-7 CAA) got their offense going the rest of the first half as they got a pair of touchdowns to take a 14-12 lead into halftime.
• The defenses controlled the third quarter as neither team was able to score.
• After the defense forced a punt late in the quarter, Tippett scooped the ball at midfield and returned it 12 yards into Tribe territory.
• After closing out the quarter with a first down, Shane Leatherbury took the revers and rumbled 15 yards to the three-yard line.
• Kobe Young then powered his way into the endzone to give Towson its first lead since the first quarter.
• The defense came through again on the Tribes next drive as Jamal Watson grabbed the deflected ball out of the air and returned it 47 yards.
• On the next play, Stover ran a bootleg and lowered his shoulder at the goal line to run through the defensive back for the touchdown.

 
Inside the Numbers

• Coby Tippett's punt return in the first quarter was the first punt return for a touchdown since Donnell Lewis took a punt 49 yards against Saint Francis on September 12, 2015.
• It marked the second-straight year the Tigers had a special teams touchdown against the Tribe.  Last season, Keon Paye returned a kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown.
• In his first start at safety, Tippett made a career-high 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops.  He also intercepted a pass in the end zone, but it was negated due to penalty.
• Kanyia Anderson added 2.5 sacks to raise his season total to 7.5.  He also forced a fumble.
• The defense held the Tribe to just 112 yards and four first downs in the second half.
• Offensively, Ryan Stover went 13-for-23 for 140 yards.  He also rushed for 22 yards and a touchdown.
• Kobe Young ran for 52 yards and a score on 11 carries.  He added three receptions for 31 yards.
• Punter Pat Toomey average 43.1 yards on seven punts, including a long of 62 yards.

 
Up Next
The Tigers close out the 2017 season against Rhode Island on Nov. 8.  Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Johnny Unitas® Stadium.  The Tigers will honor their seniors prior to the game.