The Game: Towson (3-3, 1-1 CAA) vs. Stony Brook (4-2, 1-1 CAA)
When: Sat., Oct. 19 – 1 p.m.
Where: Johnny Unitas® Stadium – Towson, Md.
Broadcast: Monumental Sports Network
Online Broadcast: FloSports
Audio Broadcast: Towsontigers.com
----Broadcasters: Spiro Morekas (PxP), Gordy Combs (Analyst)
Series: Towson leads 6-3
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/150060F39AAD3868
Game presented by: Weis
 
TOWSON, Md. – Returning to CAA play, the Towson University football team is back at Unitas to host Stony Brook for the 2024 Homecoming game on Saturday, October 19 at 1 p.m.
 
Tickets for Towson football home games are available by visiting https://am.ticketmaster.com/towson/. For any questions regarding tickets for Towson events, call the Towson Athletics ticket office at 410-704-4501 or email shettenhouser@towson.edu.
 
The game will air live on the Monumental Sports Network (check your local listings) and online on FloSports, with Spiro Morekas and Gordy Combs on the call.  They will also have the radio call on Towsontigers.com.
 
Both teams are receiving votes in the STATS FCS Poll.  Towson has won its last two games, coming off a 28-23 road victory over Norfolk State on Saturday, to be 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the CAA.  Stony Brook is off its bye week, last playing in a 42-24 defeat vs. #5 Villanova on Oct. 5, entering this game at 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the league.
 
This will be the 10th all-time meeting between Towson and Stony Brook since the Seawolves joined the league in 2013.  Towson has won the last four meetings, including 21-17 on Long Island on Nov. 12, 2022, to lead the series 6-3.  Stony Brook's last win came on Sept. 23, 2017 on a 25-17 victory at home.
 
Towson's next three opponents, Stony Brook, Monmouth and Richmond, are all receiving votes in the national polls.
 
SECOND YEAR IN PETE SHINNICK ERA
Towson enters its second season under head coach Pete Shinnick in 2024.  Towson retained its entire coaching staff from 2023.  Under coach Shinnick, Towson has three victories over then-top-15 teams, including a 34-27 win vs. then-#12/10 William & Mary on Oct. 5.
 
Towson has had five head coaches in program history: Carl Runk (1969-71), Phil Albert (1972-91), Gordy Combs (1992-2008), Rob Ambrose (2009-22) and Pete Shinnick (2023-pres.).
 
RUNYON - PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN
Carter Runyon has been honored as a FCS Preseason All-American by each STATS Perform (First Team) and FCS Football Central (Second Team).  Runyon has also been named to the watch list for the Reese's Senior Bowl and the Shrine Bowl 1000.
 
The first-ever Towson DI tight end to earn All-America honors in 2023, being Second Team by the Associated Press, Runyon led all CAA tight ends in receiving yards with 549 in 2023. He also led Towson with 43 catches and four receiving touchdowns.
 
He is a three-time all-league honoree, including 2023 All-CAA First Team with Towson.  At Shenandoah, he twice was All-ODAC: 2022 Second Team at tight end and 2021 Third Team at offensive line.
 
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNDEFEATED 1974 TIGERS
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Towson State College's (TSC) undefeated 1974 team.  The Tigers went 10-0 that year in DIII under head coach Phil Albert, including two shutouts.
 
TSC allowed just 9.7 points per game and 190.3 yards a contest that year, with opponents averaging 3.3 yards per offensive play led by Joe Kelly (78 tackles), John Carmichael (66 tackles, 3 INT) and Billy Mills (39 tackles, 5 INT).  On offense, Dan Dullea led DIII with a 61% completion rate for 1,861 yards and 18 touchdowns.
 
FOUR TIGERS RECOGNIZED IN 2024 CAA PRESEASON AWARDS
Four Tigers were recognized on the CAA preseason awards. Three players were named to the 2024 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team: Ralph Paige Jr. at offensive line, Carter Runyon at tight end and Keegan Vaughan at kicker.  In addition, Dion Crews-Harris was selected as CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Honorable Mention.  All four earned their first-ever CAA Preseason Honors.
 
BATTLE FOR GREATER BALTIMORE SERIES EXTENDED THROUGH 2027
In July 2021, Towson and Morgan State announced an extension of the Battle for Greater Baltimore series through the 2027 season. The teams are separated by five miles, the closest pair of teams in all of FCS play.
 
Towson defeated Morgan State 20-10 in Baltimore on Sept. 16.  Towson leads the all-time series 23-6, winning the last seven.  Towson defeated Morgan State 14-9 on Sept. 7.
 
12 GRADUATES SUITING UP FOR TOWSON
12 Tigers are suiting up as college graduates, including seven who earned a Towson degree.
Towson graduates (7) -
Anthony Delle Donne              Ernie Smith
Malik Jackson                         Brockman Wallace
Brady McElhaney                    Chris Watkins
Nathan Kent
                       
Graduates of other schools (5) -
Carlos Davis (UMass)
John Gioia (Wagner)
Justin Ritter (James Madison)
Kam Snell (Gannon)
Justin Toler (Norfolk State)
 
RECEIVER DEPTH
Towson has a lot of depth in those catching the football, returning three players who have at least 500 career receiving yards.

Player	2024 Stats	Career Stats
#80 Carter Runyon	24 rec., 239 yds, 2 TD	83 rec., 943 yds, 7 TD
#19 Zay Perkins	10 rec., 100 yds	66 rec., 767 yds, 9 TD
#14 Lukkas Londono	5 rec., 55 yds	45 rec., 585 yds, 1 TD
#0 John Dunmore	22 rec., 282 yds, 4 TD	32 rec., 381 yds, 4 TD
#11 Jaceon Doss	13 rec., 237 yds, 2 TD	13 rec., 237 yds, 2 TD
#82 Brady McElhaney	--	19 rec., 151 yds

 
TOWSON PICKED NINTH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
The Tigers were predicted to finish ninth in the league in the preseason coaches poll for the second straight year.  Towson received 114 points in the poll.  2023 CAA co-champions Villanova, Richmond and UAlbany ranked 1-3 in the preseason poll respectively.
2024 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish (first-place votes)
1. Villanova (9), 217
2. Richmond (1), 189
3. UAlbany (3), 179
4. William & Mary, 175
5. Delaware (3), 163
6. Elon, 157
7. New Hampshire, 150
8. Rhode Island, 142
9. Towson, 114
10. Monmouth, 95
11. Campbell, 83
12. Hampton, 62
13. Maine, 57
14. North Carolina A&T, 49
15. Bryant, 46
16. Stony Brook, 42
 
TIGERS IN THE PROS
Several Tigers have been competing in the professional ranks after their time with the Black & Gold.
 
Robert Javier was an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans into the NFL, appearing in the team's three preseason games.
 
In the first year of the United Football League, four Tigers made inaugural rosters.  Darius Victor headlined the crew as the league's 2024 Sportsman of the Year, which honors service off the field and excellence on the field.  Jesus GIbbs was signed mid-year by the Michigan Panthers, helping the team reach the playoffs in his first professional year.
 
Tigers in the Pros – 2024
National Football League
--Robert Javier, DB: Tennessee Titans (preseason)
 
Canadian Football League
--Tibo Debaillie, DL: BC Lions
 
United Football League
--Tom Flacco, QB: San Antonio Brahmas
--Jesus Gibbs, DL: Michigan Panthers
--Elorm Lumor, DL: St. Louis Battlehawks
--Darius Victor, RB: Memphis Showboats
 
Arena Football League
--Caleb Smith, WR: Albany Firebirds
 
Indoor Football League
--Shane Simpson, RB: Bay Area Panthers
 
VAUGHAN NAMED TO FRED MITCHELL AWARD WATCH LIST
Keegan Vaughan has been placed on the 2024 Fred Mitchell Award Preseason Watch List.  The Fred Mitchell Award is given annually to the top place-kicker in FCS, DII, DII, NAIA and NJCAA for excellence on the football field and in the community.
 
The 2023 All-CAA Second Team selection has been Towson's primary place-kicker for the Tigers all four years.  On Oct. 5, Vaughan surpassed the career 200-point mark, having 205 off 38 career field goals and 91 career extra points.
 
HOMEGROWN QUARTERBACKS
Of Towson's six quarterbacks on the roster, five reside in the home state of Maryland.
 
#7 Carlos Davis, Gr. - Baltimore, Md.
UMass grad transfer, went to Mergenthaler Vocational-Tech
#15 Nathan Kent, Gr. - Eldersburg, Md.
Towson graduate and 2023 starter, went to Liberty H.S.
#18 Jack Pellicciotti, R-Fr. - Eldersburg, Md.
Redshirted in 2023, went to Liberty H.S.
#16 Scott Smith III, R-So. - Bel Air, Md.
Played in games in 2021 and 2022, went to St. Paul's
#6 Winston Watkins, Fr. - Pasadena, Md.
True freshman from Mount Saint Joseph's High
 
MATTHEWS IN TOWSON TOP-10 IN RUSHING TDS
Devin Matthews has moved into the top-10 all-time in Towson history in career rushing touchdowns, standing seventh.  Now in his fourth year with Towson, he has 24 career rushing touchdowns.
Career Rushing Touchdowns - Towson History
1. Terrance West - 84 (2011-13)
2. Darius Victor - 41 (2013-16)
3. Jason Corle - 33 (1996-99)
4. Brian McCarty - 32 (1991-94)
5. Tony Vinson - 29 (1992-93)
6. Dan Ricker - 26 (1983-87)
7. Devin Matthews - 24 (2021-pres.)
8. David Meggett - 23 (1987-88)
 
CREWS-IN TO THE QUARTERBACK
A graduate of Dunbar High in Baltimore, Dion Crews-Harris was named CAA Preseason Honorable Mention All-Conference this year at defensive line.
 
In his first year at defensive line in 2023 after moving to the position from fullback, Crews-Harris was Towson's leader in sacks until the final game of the year, finishing with five.  He also was second on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss.
 
TOWSON FOOTBALL PHRASES
The Towson football team is spurred on by a couple of phrases unique to the Black & Gold.
 
ARETE! (prononuced r-ah-TAY)
--Arete is the Greek word for "excellence of any kind," to live up to your fullest potential.  Shinnick brought Arete to Towson football from West Florida, which he built as the culture around West Florida's mascot, the Argonauts.
 
Goh Tigers
--The official slogan of the Towson University Athletics department, Goh Tigers references the Baltimore dialect and connects to Towson's strong history to the Greater Baltimore area.
 
Special Forces
--The Towson special teams unit is referred to as special forces by the team.  The unit has several different plays and formations, which are confirmed in pregame walkthroughs.
 
LAST GAME (TOWSON 28, NORFOLK STATE 23)
(10/12/2024 - NORFOLK, VA.):
Down two going into the final quarter, Towson scored two TDs in a span of five minutes to defeat Norfolk State 28-23.
Important Stat:
Towson - Went 12-for-18 on third down conversions
Norfolk St. - Finished with a +3 turnover margin
Top Passer:
Towson - Sean Brown: 25-43, 306 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Norfolk St. - Vinson Berry: 16-31, 221 yards, 1 TD
Top Rusher:
Towson - Tyrell Greene Jr.: 17 rush, 63 yards
Norfolk St. - Kevon King: 15 rush, 96 yards, 2 TD
Top Receiver:
Towson - John Dunmore: 6 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD
Norfolk St. - Elyjah Mitchell: 6 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - Will Middleton (LB): 6 tackles, 2 BrUp
Norfolk St. - AJ Richardson (LB): 18 tackles, 2 sacks, 5.5 TFL, 1 INT
 
INTERNATIONAL TIGERS
Towson's influence is growing across the world. Three Towson players hail from outside the United States.
            --Sahil Bhullar, OL: Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
            --Mazio Randall, DL: Nassau, The Bahamas
            --Prabdeep Singh-Mann, LB: Hamilton, Ontario
            --Florian Staehler, OL: Köln, Germany
 
In the last 15 years, Towson has also had former players from Australia, Belgium, Finland and Norway.
 
REPPING THE HOME STATE
The Towson roster represents the Old Line State well, sporting 42 players from the home state of Maryland.  This includes eight players from Baltimore City/County: Dion Crews-Harris (Baltimore), Carlos Davis (Baltimore), Anthony Delle Donne (Baltimore), Nick Gamble (Windsor Mill), Tyrell Greene Jr. (Baltimore), Rishon Holmes (Baltimore), Scott Smith III (Brooklandville), Kam Snell (Owings Mills) and Isaiah Yates (Baltimore).
 
TOWSON TO APPEAR ON MONUMENTAL SPORTS NETWORK
Four Towson football home games will be appearing on Monumental Sports Network this season.
 
The home of the Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards, Monumental Sports Network is based out of Bethesda and is aired across the DMV, spanning from Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina.
 
In addition, all Towson home games and road games at CAA opponents will be aired on FloFootball, the exclusive streaming home of the CAA.  Spiro Morekas and Gordy Combs return as the Towson football radio team.
 
SCOUTING STONY BROOK:
Stony Brook, which was predicted to finish last in the CAA, is fifth in the league in scoring defense with 23 points allowed per game under first-year head coach Billy Cosh.
 
Redshirt senior running back Roland Dempster is second in the CAA in touchdowns with 12, running 133 times for 700 yards.  The Seawolves have played two quarterbacks, combining to throw 54.9% for 1,092 yards.  Stony Brook is second in the league with 17 sacks, with five players having multiple sacks.  Redshirt senior defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence is the team leader in sacks with 3.5, having 24 tackles.
 
LAST TIME VS. SBU (TOWSON 21, STONY BROOK 17)
(11/12/2022 - STONY BROOK, N.Y.):
Towson came back with a touchdown in its final drive to win 21-17 at Stony Brook for its third straight victory.
Important Stat:
Towson - First fourth quarter comeback victory since Aug. 2019
Stony Brook - Averaged 15.2 yards per pass completion
Top Passer:
Towson - Tyrrell Pigrome: 22-40, 255 yards, 2 TD
Stony Brook - Daron Bryden: 18-35, 273 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top Rusher:
Towson - D'Ago Hunter: 10 rush, 63 yards
Stony Brook - Ross Tallarico: 21 rush, 76 yards
Top Receiver:
Towson - Da'Kendall James: 7 catches, 87 yards
Stony Brook - Shawn Harris Jr.: 6 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - Robert Javier (DB): 8 tackles, 2 BrUp
Stony Brook - Aidan Kaler (LB): 12 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack
 
IMPORTANT DATES: TOWSON VS. STONY BROOK:
--Oct. 17, 2015 (Stony Brook, N.Y. - Towson 21-14):
Following SBU missing a 24-yard field goal, Towson drove down 80 yards in nine plays, capped with Darius Victor's second rushing touchdown with 50 seconds left, to take its first lead of the game and win 21-14 after being down 14-0 in the first quarter. Victor finished with 73 yards and two touchdowns.
 
--Oct. 8, 2016 (Towson, Md. - Stony Brook 27-20):
Towson's 17-0 first half run did not hold up as Stony Brook outscored the Tigers 20-3 in the second half to win 27-20. Ellis Knudson completed 20-of-33 passes for 250 yards and two scores while Stony Brook's Stacey Bedell ran for 125 yards and two scores.
 
--Oct. 6, 2018 (Towson, Md. - Towson 52-28)
In the first matchup between ranked opponents at Unitas since 2013, #23 Towson scored five first half touchdowns en route to a 52-28 defeat of #13 Stony Brook, Towson's second win over a top-15 opponent in its last three games. Tom Flacco was 23-for-33 in the air for 319 yards and four touchdowns, finding Shane Leatherbury nine times for 129 yards.
 
POIST, MOREKAS TO BE INDUCTED INTO TOWSON ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Among the inductees into the Towson Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 include former linebacker Bobby Poist and current broadcaster Spiro Morekas.  They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Oct. 18.
 
Poist played at Towson from 1980-83, earning a then Towson-record 31 sacks (now 2nd all-time) and being third with 252 tackles.  He anchored a 1983 Towson State team which allowed just 7.3 points per game, leading the team with a program single season record 17 sacks, adding 65 tackles.
 
Morekas, a 1983 Towson graduate, has been the play-by-play voice of Tiger football, men's basketball and men's lacrosse since 1991.  He also is the coaches show host for all three sports and was formerly Towson's golf coach from 1989-94.
 
CAA FOOTBALL SHAKEUP
CAA Football has undergone changes for the 2024 season, including bringing in a new member.  Bryant, which formerly played in the Big South, begins CAA play this season.
 
Two CAA Football members will play their final year in the conference in 2024.  Full CAA member Delaware is headed to Conference USA while associate member Richmond, which Towson will play on Nov. 2, is going to the Patriot League.