Towson University football coach Gordy Combs said stopping Liberty?s rushing attack has nothing to do with third-down situations. It?s all about first down.
“We have to put them in passing downs,” Combs said Monday. “First down is going to be very important for us defensively.”
Liberty sophomore Rashad Jennings, averaging 160.5 yards per game so far this season, enters Saturday?s 6 p.m. game at Unitas Stadium second in rushing in NCAA Division I-AA. Like Towson, the Flames enter the game 2-0.
“The previous two teams tried to screen us, draw us and work on our perimeter,” Combs said. Liberty first-year coach Danny Rocco “wants to shorten the clock, keep our defense off the field.”
The Tigers are looking for their 11th straight non-conference win. Their current string of 10 straight is tops in Division I-AA, while they haven?t won three straight to start a season since 2000. One of those trends is bound to stop.
For the Tigers to improve to 3-0, they must minimize mistakes. And contrary to last week, Towson will have to put together four quality quarters of football.
“I thought we played extremely well in the first three quarters, and then with a minute to go in the third quarter, we got a punt blocked,” Combs said. “We think that blocking a punt is one of the most devastating plays in football.”
Special teams are a concern for Towson, but health on offense is another. The Tigers have won their first two games without three regular starters. Junior tailback Nick Williams (hamstring) was expected back this weekend, but Combs said that decision is not concrete.
“We?re not going to push it,” Combs said. “I?d rather wait another week ? than lose him this week. We?ll play it a little cautiously.”
Having Williams healthy for the Atlantic 10 Conference opener at Hofstra on Sept. 23 is crucial. Replacement tailback Rasheed McClaude rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown last week, and the Tigers also welcome redshirt freshman Matt Castor back from a two-game suspension.
“We?ve still got to get better in the running game,” Combs said. “When you count the six guys [the offensive line], there are four [new starters].”
Tigers on the mend
» Tight ends Ryan Collins (mononucleosis) and Ryan Meehan (shoulder) were out against Elon. Redshirt freshman John Godlasky filled in, and Combs was happy with his effort, which included two catches.
» Wide receiver Andrae Brown (broken finger) will be re-evaluated in a week.
» Towson won last year?s game with Liberty, 38-17. Liberty was 1-10 in 2005, the worst record in program history.
