FCS notes

Tribe thriving on defense

William and Mary traditionally has been known for its offensive prowess. While that hasn't changed, the Tribe's defense is earning a solid reputation this season.

William and Mary (3-0), ranked fifth by The Sports Network, goes into its Colonial Athletic Association opener against visiting Delaware (2-1) Saturday allowing just 14.3 points per game. That ranks 19th in the Football Championship Subdivision.

"We've played very well at times defensively, there's no question about that," Tribe coach Jimmye Laycock said. "But there have been some times where we haven't been as good as we'd like to be, not as consistently good as we'd like to be."

Laycock pointed to the 15 points William and Mary surrendered in the fourth quarter to Norfolk State in last week's 27-15 victory. On the other hand, those are the only second-half points allowed by the Tribe this season.

"We just need to put it all together for four quarters," he said.

• Laycock, on what the Tribe has accomplished in the first three weeks: "I think we have developed an ability to play very well at times. I still don't think we've gotten the consistency that we're going to need as we get into league play, but I think our seniors have stepped up and shown some of the younger guys what's necessary."

  Caussin: a big target

James Madison coach Mickey Matthews said 6-5, 245-pound senior tight end Mike Caussin is "so big [that even] when he's covered, he's open."

Caussin has been open a lot for the Dukes thus far. Of his six catches, four have gone for TDs: two each against Maryland and Virginia Military Institute. He's averaging 98.5 yards for seventh-ranked JMU, which plays at No.25 Liberty this week.

"Michael played really good as a sophomore," Matthews said. "For whatever reason, he did not play well last year.

"After two games you have to give his performances a high grade."

• Matthews said he will continue to use two quarterbacks, junior Drew Dudzik and redshirt freshman Justin Thorpe from Varina.

  Foes keying on Maypray

VMI has moved the ball on the ground at times during its first two games. Still, the Keydets haven't gotten their accustomed production.

VMI led the FCS in rushing last year with 357.5 yards per game. The Keydets are averaging 237.5 this year, with dangerous option quarterback Tim Maypray so far under confinement.

The preseason offensive player of the year in the Big South Conference is averaging 54.5 yards rushing. James Madison held him to 36 yards on 17 carries in a 44-16 loss.

"I'm sure they're aware of Tim," VMI coach Sparky Woods said. "If you're playing against our offense, the quarterback is a vital runner. I think people will honor that."

Woods thought Maypray and the Keydets were hurt Saturday by Madison's speed. Several times VMI runners were caught from the backside before the play really developed. "Their pursuit was not allowing us to get down the field," he said.

Maypray (4,579) needs 43 yards to become the career leader in all-purpose yards in the Big South. He's fourth on VMI's list, well behind Thomas Haskins (7,405). -- Tim Pearrell