Towson coach Gordy Combs acknowledged the poor play of the Tigers’ special teams was a major factor in a 45-14 loss at fourth-ranked Richmond.
“It seemed like everyone was making their error,” he said. “Whether it’s a guy dropping the return kickoff or we catch the ball inside the 4-yard line on a punt. Or they have the right call on against our punt team and we don’t block the right guy and they block our punt.”
The Tigers (1-2) must find a way to correct the problems with their kicking game if they are to defeat the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1-2) on Saturday night at 7 at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C.
Towson suffered from similar special teams miscues in a 21-16 win over Morgan State on Sept. 6, including when long snapper Brendan Ray hiked the ball over punter Bill Shears’ head and through the end zone for a safety.
Towson quarterback Sean Schaefer, the school’s all-time leading passer, struggled in the loss to Richmond, completing 21-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns against four interceptions. Towson trailed just 24-14 entering the fourth quarter, but were ultimately doomed by five turnovers and their special teams’ miscues.
Coastal Carolina is coming off a 26-7 win over Monmouth in West Long Branch, N.J. The Chanticleers were led by quarterback Zach MacDowall, who completed 17-of-26 passes for 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception. MacDowall started as the team’s backup quarterback, but took over the starting job after a season-opening 66-10 loss at Penn State.
The Chanticleers’ defense also was stingy in the win over Monmouth, allowing a meager 267 yards and forcing three turnovers.
“All areas of our team can improve,” Combs said. “The coaches, the players, everyone has to step it up.”
Offensive tackle Jeff Bridges said he has a routine he follows after losses like the one his team suffered against the Spiders.
“Play fast and if anything goes wrong go back to your technique,” he said. “If you make a mistake go back to your basics — you can’t go wrong doing that.”
