Tribe football jumps to No. 7 in national polls

Tribe Victory Redshirt freshman cornerback B.W. Webb intercepted three passes, including a 50-yard pick-six late in the fourth quarter, as the 14th-ranked William and Mary football team earned a 26-14 victory at Virginia in both teams' season opener on Saturday evening. Photo by Bob Keroack
Tribe Pride W&M President Taylor Reveley, left, Head Coach Jimmye Laycock, center, and Athletic Director Terry Driscoll, right, celebrate the Tribe's big win in Charlottesville. Photo by Bob Keroack
Tribe Fans Hundreds of W&M fans and the College's pep band cheered the Tribe on to victory over UVA. Photo by Bob Keroack

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by Tribe Athletics | September 8, 2009

After earning a 26-14 victory at Virginia last Saturday, the William and Mary football team jumped seven spots to No. 7 in polls released by the FCS Coaches and the Sports Network this week. The Tribe was one of just three teams to receive a first-place vote in the Coaches Poll, while it was one of six to do so in the Sports Network Poll.

This week's ranking is the highest the College has been in the polls since Sept. 12, 2005 when it was also slotted No. 7.

W&M's defensive unit came up big in the win against the Cavaliers, as it caused seven turnovers and held UVA scoreless in the second half. Additionally, the Tribe limited Virginia to just 269 yards of total offense and 12 first downs, with just 79 yards and four first downs coming in the second half.

Highlighting the long list of individuals with impressive efforts was redshirt freshman cornerback B.W. Webb, who totaled three interceptions in his collegiate debut and earned CAA Defensive Player of the Week honors. Among his big plays was an electric 50-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the victory.

The Tribe will return to action again next weekend when it hosts Central Connecticut State in its home opener at Zable Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m.