Towson Tigers
Overall Rank: #9
#2 CAA
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Towson has unfinished business in 2013. Following a 64-35 triumph at New Hampshire in the regular-season finale, the Tigers expected to get a berth in the playoffs. Despite a 7-4 overall record, Towson was left out despite the fact that two of those losses came against Kent State and LSU. Towson came away from Baton Rouge on the short end of a respectable 38-22 score. So Towson, which was CAA co-champs last year with Villanova, Richmond and New Hampshire, should have lots of motivation.
2012 Record: (7-4, 6-2)
2012 Postseason: None
Coach: Rob Ambrose (19-26 at Towson, 22-33 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Jared Ambrose
Defensive Coordinator: Matt Hachmann
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Terrance West, RB, 1,051 yards
Passing: None
Receiving: Spencer Wilkins, WR, 352 yards
Tackles: Tye Smith, CB, 75
Sacks: Monte Gaddis, LB, 5
Interceptions: Jordan Love, CB, 2
Other Key Returnees: OT Eric Pike, OG Anthony Davis, C Doug Shaw, OG Charles Johnson, OT Randall Harris, TE James Oboh, FB Emmanuel Holder, QB Connor Frazier, DT Arnold Farmer, LB Brylon Barr, LB Telvion Clark, SS Thomas Bradley, K D.J. Soven.
Key Losses: QB Grant Enders, WR Tom Ryan, DE Frank Beltre, DT Matt Morgan, DE Romale Tucker, DB Jordan Dangerfield, P R.J. Pepper.
Strengths:
Start with running back Terrance West. All he has done is lead the CAA in rushing for the last two seasons. West has rushed for 2,340 yards and 43 TDs in two seasons. And considering that all five starting offensive linemen return, that’s more good news for Towson’s rushing game, which was 13th in the nation last year. The offensive line is anchored by senior tackle Eric Pike (6-5, 298 pounds), who has started every game since his redshirt season. The linebacking corps and secondary should be solid, too, and hope to take pressure off an inexperienced defensive front. Monte Gaddis, the top tackler from last year, returns at one linebacking spot along with Bryton Barr and Telvion Clark.
Weaknesses:
If the Tigers still had Grant Enders at quarterback, this would be a team that might have serious national title hopes so finding his replacement might be the biggest concern of all. Sophomore Connor Frazier is a possibility along with Peter Athens, who was the starter for the first six games in 2009 before suffering an ACL tear, and Joe Brennan. The other questions can be found at wide receiver and defensive end. There is talent there, but Towson will miss wide receiver Tom Ryan and defensive end Frank Beltre.
The Bottom Line:
Towson was picked to finish second in the CAA preseason poll, and the Tigers should be a title contender. Only one FBS team is on the schedule this year (UConn) and that should help, although the game against the Huskies will be a tough opener because of the Tigers’ inexperience at quarterback. The key stretch for Towson will come at the end of September and early October when it visits Stony Brook, then hosts New Hampshire and Villanova on consecutive weekends. Expect West to get the ball a lot behind that massive offensive line until the new quarterback gains some experience.
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2012 Team Stats
Rushing Offense: 229.00 (13th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 212.00 (59, 5)
Total Offense: 441.00 (15, 3)
Scoring Offense: 31.91 (26, 4)
Rushing Defense: 138.91 (39, 3)
Pass Defense: 174.27 (18, 1)
Total Defense: 313.18 (13, 1)
Scoring Defense: 25.73 (55, 7)
Turnover Margin: -.36 (85, 9)
Sacks: 2.73 (20, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 1.27 (21, 2)
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