WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Sept. 29, 2018)—Squaring off against its third consecutive nationally ranked opponent, the William & Mary football team fell to No. 24/23 Colgate, 23-0, in its home opener at Zable Stadium on Saturday evening.
 
Although Colgate (4-0, 2-0 Patriot) outgained W&M (1-3, 0-1 CAA) by a narrow margin, 335-322, the Raiders capitalized on three Tribe turnovers and scored on all four of its trips into the red zone.
 
W&M was within striking distance at halftime, as Colgate led 16-0 following an early touchdown run by Alex Mathews and three field goals by Chris Puzzi. However, the Raiders found the end zone with a 1-yard run by James Holland on the opening drive of the third quarter and W&M was unable to cut into the margin.
 
Tribe Standouts
Wide receiver DeVonte Dedmon totaled a career-high 10 catches for 104 yards, while wideout Jack Armstrong recorded four receptions for a career-best 89 yards. Dedmon's performance marked the second time this season that he has eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark.
 
Quarterback Shon Mitchell completed 27 of 39 passes for 251 yards, while running back Albert Funderburke rushed for 53 yards on 16 carries.
 
Defensively, linebacker Nate Atkins totaled a team-high eight tackles with a PBU, while safety Gage Herdman posted seven stops with a forced fumble that he recovered. Defensive tackle Will Kiely added six tackles, a sack and 2.0 TFL.
 
Inside the Numbers
Although Colgate held a significant advantage in time of possession (33:15-26:45), W&M recorded three more first downs than the Raiders (19-16).
 
The Tribe held a 251-277 edge in passing yardage, while Colgate owned a 126-71 advantage on the ground.
 
W&M came up empty on both its trips into the red zone, while Colgate scored on all four of its trips inside the 20.
 
Both teams limited their penalties – CU (2-30), W&M (3-25).
 
The Opposition
Colgate quarterback Grant Breneman completed 16 of 22 passes for 227 yards, while wide receiver Owen Buscaglia totaled seven catches for 142 yards.
 
Holland posted 87 yards on 20 carries to go with his 1-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
 
Linebacker T.J. Holl registered a game-high 12 tackles with a sack, 2.0 TFL and a forced fumble.
 
Notes
The loss was just the second setback in W&M's last 35 games against non-conference foes during the regular season … It was just the second loss in W&M's last 11 home openers … W&M is now 6-4 all-time against Colgate and 4-3 versus the Raiders all-time in Williamsburg … Three of W&M's first four opponents have been nationally ranked this season, including each of the last three … Herdman's forced fumble marked the second straight game in which he has generated a turnover, as he recorded an interception at JMU last week … Mitchell set a career high in completions (27) and passing attempts (39) … With Mitchell's 41-yard completion to Armstrong late in the second quarter, W&M has posted five passing plays of at least 40 yards this season … Tight end Lachlan Pitts, safety Gage Herdman and defensive end Carl Fowler earned their first career starts.
 
Up Next
The Tribe will return to action when it hosts Albany at Zable Stadium next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Ticket information is available here.