PressBox: Undefeated Tigers To Celebrate Homecoming

Undefeated Tigers To Celebrate Homecoming

By Simon Habtemariam

The last time Towson opened a season with three straight wins was also their last winning season.

Coming off an early bye week, the 2-0 Tigers look to reach this mark as they host Colgate University for homecoming on Saturday, with their sights set on its first win against the Raiders after nine previous matchups.

Coming off of three straight road games, Colgate has a 1-2 record. The Raiders began their 2011 campaign on a high note, with a 37-34 win against Albany. Colgate then went on to drop a 37-7 decision to Holy Cross and a 37-20 loss at Dartmouth.

All-American candidate Nate Eachus will miss Saturday’s game because of an undisclosed injury. Eachus, who led the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing last season, did not play during the Raiders' loss to Dartmouth.

The Tigers, currently riding their first win streak in four years, opened the season with back-to-back wins against Morgan State and Villanova.

So far this season, Towson has one of the best defenses statistically in the Colonial Athletic Association. Towson's defense leads the conference in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense, allowing only one touchdown. The Tigers' 6.5 points-per-game average is fourth in FCS. The Tigers also lead the CAA in pass defense (145.5 yards) and total defense (260 yards).

Senior safety Jordan Dangerfield has contributed 12 tackles during the first two games. He has also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.

Unlike recent seasons, the Tigers are second in the CAA with a plus-three turnover ratio.

"It's not magic," coach Rob Ambrose said. "Most of the time, turnover ratio determines the outcome of the game. When you have the ball more than the other team does, you have a much better chance to keep them from scoring."

Sophomore quarterback Grant Enders is the second-most efficient passer in the CAA. The junior college transfer, who was named as the CAA Offensive Player of the Week in early September, leads the CAA with a 168.8 passer rating. Enders ranks seventh in the nation in passer rating.

Completing 34 of 45 passes for 390 yards with two interceptions and four touchdown passes, Enders has also added 109 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The sophomore quarterback leads the top rushing offense in the conference.

Sophomore Sterlin Phifer, a transfer from Boston College, has a team-leading 20 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Terrance West has added 40 rushing yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. West was named CAA Rookie of the Week after scoring two touchdowns in the win against Villanova.

The Tigers and Raiders kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday with an extended tailgate opening at 4 p.m.

Simon Habtemariam will be covering the Tigers for the 2011 Season. Follow Simon on Twitter @Simon_HWT and online at http://simonhabtemariam.com for live score updates, recaps and more from the gridiron.

Posted Sept. 22, 2011