By Brian Bohl
Consider it a quarterback role reversal. William and Mary’s Jake Phillips entered Saturday’s contest with the high passer rating and low turnover numbers. Hofstra’s Bryan Savage owned a ledger that contained more turnovers than touchdowns.
But it was Savage who was the offensive catalyst for his school this weekend, rushing for three touchdowns and passing for two more without turning the ball over. The Pride defense matched that effort, harassing Phillips into throwing a pick and fumbling twice before backup Mike Potts replaced him with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Behind linebacker Gian Villante’s team-leading nine tackles, Phillips finished 12-22 for just 92 yards and no touchdowns after entering with a 146.1 rating. The junior previously had thrown 15 touchdowns compared to five picks, though constant pressure led to two forced fumbles and an interception in a 38-14 Pride victory.
Hofstra entered with the CAA’s top-ranked defense. The unit was also hungry for the chance to make plays one week after Villanova scored 21 points without having to run an offense play. The In that contest, Pride allowed touchdowns off an interception, fumble recovery and a kickoff return to extend a two-game losing streak.
A bad snap on a punt led to an early 7-0 W&M lead and the disconcerting notion that history was about to be repeated. But the defense clamped down, led by Deron Mayo’s interception in the first half and two forced fumbles to support an offensive outburst to improve Hofstra to 7-2.
“It was great to have a win that decisive,” coach Dave Cohen said. “Going forward with the turnover battle; to win that 3-0 was huge. We continue to play very good defense.”
As the defensive line brought a consistent pass rush, Phillips was forced to scramble. Cornerback Kyle Arrington took advantage of that pressure, knocking the ball free with a jarring hit on the quarterback late in the third quarter. Villante recovered it, marking the first of two consecutive fumble recoveries for the Pride.
“They were real quick,” Phillips said. “They were bringing a lot of pressure. It was tough getting down early and trying to play catch-up.”
On the Tribe’s next possession, Thomas Massey knocked the ball free from Phillips, setting-up Nick Altomare’s recovery. William and Mary backup Mike Potts came on the next possession after Hofstra registered two sacks.
“When we play our best defense, it’s not one guy doing well,” Villante said. “It’s us flying to the ball and you don’t even know whose making the tackles- it’s just a big pile. If we’re going to be a good defense, we have to continue to do that.”
Hofstra’s stifling defense managed to smother virtually every offensive play by William & Mary, preventing the Tribe from ever coming close on the scoreboard. (Sean M. Gates)