The Game: Towson (4-4, 2-2 CAA) @ No. 16/12 Richmond (6-2, 4-0 CAA)
When: Sat., Nov. 2 – 2 p.m.
Where: E. Claiborne Robins Stadium – Richmond, Va.
TV Broadcast: MASN
Online Broadcast: FloSports
----Broadcasters: Bob Black (PxP), Chris Anderson (Analyst), Lane Casadonte (sideline)
Audio Broadcast: Towsontigers.com
----Broadcasters: Spiro Morekas (PxP), Gordy Combs (Analyst)
Series: Richmond leads 8-4
 
RICHMOND, Va. – The Towson University football team hits the road again to play its fourth game of the year against a ranked opponent, taking on #16/12 Richmond on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
 
The game will air live on MASN; check your local listings for channel information.  The game will also air online on FloSports, with Bob Black, Chris Anderson and Lane Casadonte on the call live from E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond.  Towson Athletics Hall of Fame members Spiro Morekas and Gordy Combs will have the radio call on Towsontigers.com.
 
Towson took down Monmouth 26-14 last Saturday in New Jersey to stand 4-4 overall and 2-2 in CAA play.  Richmond, which stands ranked #16 in the STATS FCS poll and #12 in the AFCA Coaches poll, won at Bryant 41-14 on Saturday for its sixth straight win to be 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the CAA.  Richmond was one of three 2023 CAA Champions, being 7-1 in the league last year.
 
This will be the final meeting between Towson and Richmond as CAA foes with the Spiders headed to the Patriot League next year.  Richmond leads the all-time series 8-4, having won the last three meetings, including 28-17 on Nov. 6, 2021.  Towson's last win against Richmond came on Oct. 26, 2013 in a 48-32 victory in Virginia.
 
This is Towson's fourth game against a ranked FCS opponent this year.  Last time, Towson defeated then-#12/10 William & Mary 34-27 at home on Oct. 5.
 
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.
 
DYNAMIC RUNNING DUO
Two Tigers stand in the top-20 in FCS in rush yards per carry, the only CAA team with two in the top-20.
 
Tyrell Greene Jr. is 16th in FCS with 6.59 yards per rush, totaling 567 yards and four touchdowns on 86 carries.  Devin Matthews earns 6.58 yards per carry for 17th in FCS, having 92 carries for 605 yards and two touchdowns.  Each Greene and Matthews have combined for three carries of at least 70 yards and are second and third in the CAA in yards per rush.
 
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	32 rec., 304 yds, 4 TD	91 rec., 1008 yds, 9 TD
#19 Zay Perkins	11 rec., 116 yds	67 rec., 783 yds, 9 TD
#14 Lukkas Londono	6 rec., 66 yds	46 rec., 596 yds, 1 TD
#0 John Dunmore	29 rec., 393 yds, 4 TD	39 rec., 492 yds, 4 TD
#11 Jaceon Doss	24 rec., 345 yds, 2 TD	24 rec., 345 yds, 2 TD
#12 Sam Reynolds	12 rec., 186 yds, 1 TD	23 rec., 237 yds, 1 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 219 off 41 career field goals and 97 career extra points.
 
NEWCOMERS HAVING BIG IMPACT ON DEFENSE
Towson brought in several players this past year who were all-conference at previous schools and are having a strong impact on defense this season.
Will Middleton (Sr. LB - Montgomery, Ala.)
--2023 All-NEC Second Team at Saint Francis Univ.
--Team's leader in tackles with 54, adds 2.5 sacks
 
Kam Snell (Gr. DB - Owings Mills, Md.)
--2023 All-PSAC West Second Team at Gannon Univ.
--Third on the team with 43 tackles, adds 2 pass breakups
 
John Gioia (Gr. LB - LaGrangeville, N.Y.)
--2023 All-NEC First Team at Wagner College
--Averaging 7.8 tackles per game in five contests
 
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 25 career rushing touchdowns.  He also is one of seven Towson players to have over 2,000 career rushing yards.
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 - 25 (2021-pres.)
 
Career Rushing Yards - Towson History
1. Terrance West - 4,849 (2011-13)
2. Jason Corle - 3,601 (1996-99)
3. Darius Victor - 3,309 (2013-16)
4. Tony Vinson - 3,058 (1992-93)
5. Brian McCarty - 2,594 (1991-94)
6. Noah Read - 2,577 (1998-2001)
7. Devin Matthews - 2,010 (2021-pres.)
 
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 26, MONMOUTH 14)
(10/26/2024 - WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.):
Towson held the top scoring offense in FCS to 14 points in a 26-14 road victory at Monmouth.
Important Stat:
Towson - Forced two Monmouth turnovers and two turnovers on downs
Monmouth - Sixth game with 300+ passing yards
Top Passer:
Towson - Sean Brown: 27-36, 243 yards, 2 TD
Monmouth - Derek Robertson: 28-47, 305 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top Rusher:
Towson - Devin Matthews: 15 rush, 75 yards
Monmouth - Rodney Nelson: 9 rush, 37 yards
Top Receiver:
Towson - Jaceon Doss: 8 receptions, 65 yards
Monmouth - Gavin Nelson: 9 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - Myles Brodie (DB): 7 tackles, 1 FF, 3 BrUp
Monmouth - Justin Bennin (DB): 14 tackles
 
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
 
SCOUTING RICHMOND:
Richmond has the top scoring defense among CAA teams, allowing just 17.6 points per game this year.
 
Redshirt sophomore Carter Glassmyer is the team leader in tackles with 49, including six for loss.  Redshirt senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Grant has 8.5 sacks, one shy of the lead in the CAA, having 29 total tackles.  Reigning CAA Offensive Player of the Week Camden Coleman, a sophomore quarterback, throws 65% for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns and three picks.  Junior Zach Palmer-Smith is second in the league in rushing with 829 yards on the ground, also having nine touchdowns.
 
LAST GAME (RICHMOND 28, TOWSON 17)
(10/31/2021 - RICHMOND, VA.):
Towson's 10-0 first quarter start did not hold up on the road as the Tigers fell to Richmond 28-17.
Important Stat:
Towson - Had two QBs each throw a touchdown
Richmond - Two defensive touchdowns and seven sacks
Top Passer:
Towson - Chris Ferguson: 14-27, 147 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Richmond - Joe Mancuso: 16-28, 155 yards, 1 INT
Top Rusher:
Towson - Jerry Howard Jr.: 13 rush, 85 yards
Richmond - Jerry Garcia Jr.: 5 rush, 60 yards, 1 TD
Top Receiver:
Towson - Caleb Smith: 5 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
Richmond - Leroy Henley: 6 catches, 62 yards
Standout Defensive Player:
Towson - S.J. Brown II (DB): 7 tackles, 1 FR, 1 INT
Richmond - Darius Reynolds (LB): 8 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 FF
 
IMPORTANT DATES: TOWSON VS. RICHMOND:
--Oct. 6, 2007 (Towson, Md. - Towson 23-21):
After #14 Richmond scored a touchdown with 29 seconds left, Sean Schaefer led the Tigers 67 yards in four plays, finding Demetrius Harrison on a 14-yard reception on the last play of the game to send Towson to a 23-21 victory.  Schaefer would be named the National Player of the Week, throwing 29-for-33 (87.9%) for 287 yards and two touchdowns.
 
--Oct. 8, 2011 (Towson, Md. - Towson 31-28):
A wild fourth quarter with a combined 32 points came down to a key final play, with D.J. Soven converting the 27-yard field goal to send #25 Towson to a 31-28 victory vs. #14 Richmond.  The Tigers earned their first 2-0 CAA start in program history.  Terrance West finished with 128 yards on 21 carries, scoring all four of Towson's touchdowns.
 
--Oct. 1, 2016 (Richmond, Va. - Richmond 31-28)
Towson gave a battle to #6 Richmond and led after three quarters, but a David Broadus touchdown with 10:16 left led to a Spiders 31-28 victory.  Shane Simpson broke for 106 yards on 12 carries while Darius Victor had 99 yards on 19 rushes, scoring four touchdowns.
 
POIST, MOREKAS 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 were 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.