New OC seeks more signature moments
That could happen today as Tribe hosts No. 1 JMU
As a reserve quarterback on William & Mary’s 2004 Football Championship Subdivision semifinalist team, and quarterbacks coach when the Tribe returned to the national semifinals in 2009, Christian Taylor has played a role in two of the program’s signature moments.
Taylor, in his first season as W&M’s offensive coordinator, has a chance to be part of another today. The Tribe (1-1) will host James Madison (3-0), the No. 1-ranked FCS team in the country, in a Colonial Athletic Association game at Zable Stadium.
JMU’s visit is the Dukes’ first game since the program went on pause because of COVID-19 protocols. Games against W&M and Richmond were postponed March 13 and March 20, respectively, and JMU practiced earlier this week for the first time since pausing.
The game is the Tribe’s first against a No. 1 since a 46-14 loss to JMU four years ago. Taylor wasn’t around then, but he was on the staff in 2009 when the Tribe beat No. 1 Southern Illinois — one of three times in six tries W&M has beaten the top-ranked team.
One of the most successful offensive coordinators the past two seasons — when his University of San Diego offense ranked first in touchdown passes in 2018 and fifth in scoring in 2019 — Taylor returned to William & Mary because he thinks it can win such big games consistently.
“This is a program and a school that attracts elite student-athletes, and has the potential to be at a national level every year,” said Taylor, a Grafton High product. “I want to be hands-on and help the program win a CAA title every year and compete for a national title every year.”
Taylor’s offense rides into the JMU game on a wave of momentum from a 31-10 win over Elon on Saturday. The Tribe improved in virtually every offensive category from the 21-14 loss at Richmond two weeks earlier, netting 417 yards compared to 276.
Despite the absence of its top two running backs, the Tribe netted 242 yards on the ground on 29 attempts.
Sophomore quarterback Hollis Mathis led a balanced attack, rushing for 69 yards and passing for 175 yards and a touchdown. True freshman Malachi Imoh ran for 137 yards, including touchdowns of 65 and 38 yards.
“Malachi has been preparing to play since he stepped on campus, and he took the opportunity and ran with it,” Taylor said. “But you don’t have those long runs without the big boys up front or without receivers blocking, and (Mathis) did a good job with his (fakes).
“If (Mathis) keeps on this pace, it’s going to be really exciting to see what he accomplishes. The sky is the limit for him.”
Taylor acknowledges Mathis and the offense face a huge challenge against JMU. The Dukes rank in the top six nationally in points (11 per game) and yards (163.7 per game) allowed, and in preseason All-American Mike Greene they have one of the best defensive linemen in the country.
“James Madison’s defense is very good, very athletic and runs to the ball well,” Taylor said.
Tribe coach Mike London is confident his offensive coordinator is up for the challenge.
“He came in here with no ego, but a work-ethic second to none,” London said. “When you look
at the style of offenses he’s been around, we can utilize motion, shifts and multiple personnel groups, all with the concept of attacking defenses on the perimeter or between the tackles.”
Taylor is happy to be on London’s staff and back at his
alma mater, where he wants to produce more signature moments.
“He’s an awesome, genuine person who loves what he does and cares about everyone who touches this program,” Taylor said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and really enjoying it so far.”