Coming off two big wins against Big South Opponents Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina, the Seawolves return to LaValle Stadium on Saturday afternoon to do battle with Gardner Webb (4-4 overall, 1-1 Big South)
The only common opponent between the two teams is Charleston Southern. The Seawolves beat Charleston Southern 20-19 at home on Oct. 18 on a late touchdown pass from Dayne Hoffman to Adrian Sawyer.
Gardner Webb was defeated by Charleston Southern 13-10, on Oct. 4. Although GWU dominated the stat sheet, they lost on a last second field goal. GWU traveled to Atlanta the next weekend and lost by only three, 10-7, to BCS team Georgia Tech.
In GWU’s victory last weekend against conference foe Virigina Military Institute, the Runnin’ Bulldogs captured four Big South Player of the Week awards, including offensive player, defensive player, special teams player, and freshman of the week.
Bulldog quarterback Devin Campbell picked up the offensive honors for his career day on Saturday. He threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns while completing 28 of 38 passes.
Campbell, a fifth year quarterback, is currently filling in for injured starter Stan Doolittle. Doolittle, a junior, took Campbells starting job last season when Campbell went down with an injury.
Stony Brook Defensive Coordinator Joe Tricario said they are preparing for both quarterbacks, but that Campbell is expected to start.
“Campbell’s a great passer,” Tricario said. “They’ve opened up the offense a bit, but they are still pretty balanced,” he said.
Offensively the Seawolves and Runnin’ Bulldogs average nearly the same number of yards rushing per game. GWU averages 147.8 yards, led by Philip Peoples, who has gained 564 yards on 106 carries this season. He’s second on the team with four rushing touchdowns.
The Seawolves ground game continues to be led by junior Conte Cuttino and freshman Edwin Gowins. Cuttino and Gowins each have over 600 yards this season and have combined for five touchdowns.
The key in all of the Seawolves wins this year was taking care of the football.
“We always need to hang onto the ball,” Offensive Coordinator Jeff Behrman said.
Stony Brook recovered four fumbles on Saturday against Coastal Carolina and did not turn the ball over. The Seawolves only lost one fumble in the victory over Charleston Southern, and in the opening weekend win over Colgate, Stony Brook came up with three interceptions and only turned the ball over once.
Jeffery Williams, the Runnin’ Bulldogs star linebacker and reigning Big South defensive player of the week, had a huge day against VMI. Williams made 19 total tackles, had a sack and made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He also leads the team with three interceptions on the season. Containing him will be a big factor in deciding whether Dayne Hoffman has a successful day for the Seawolves.
Behrman also noted safety Daniel Cook and nose tackle Kenny Baker as important players on the GWU defense.
He also attributes the team’s recent success to improved quarterback play.
“Dayne’s been getting more comfortable,” he said. “He’s gaining experience, which comes from playing and managing the game.”
