This weekend’s homecoming game should prove a test for the slumping Hoyas, who welcome the equally disappointing Keydets from VMI (0-5). Last year, VMI rolled over the Hoyas 42-14 behind 204 yards from junior running back Sean “The Field Marshall” Mizzer, who is fresh off a 127-yard performance against Charleston Southern University.
“Mizzer is a great back, and he made us look silly last year,” Head Coach Bob Benson said. “We’ve got to tackle well because he’s very fast and they’re very big. We have got to stop the run to win the game.”
Last week, Bucknell ran for 233 yards on its way to victory at Georgetown, while VMI ran for 232 yards in its loss. Aside from the Bucknell game, the Hoyas had done well against the run, allowing about 130 yards per game.
On the offensive side of the ball, Georgetown has had substantially less success, punctuated by last week’s 162 total yards against the Bison. Benson has decided that senior quarterback Andrew Crawford will start this weekend. Last year, Crawford threw for 268 yards against VMI, however, this year he will be without receiver, Luke McArdle, who has since graduated.
“I think we’ll certainly try to get more balance. We’ve got to get more productivity out of the offense, and that may come through the air,” Benson said. “We’re gonna start Drew and one his strengths is passing the football.”
In its game last week, VMI allowed Charleston Southern’s quarterback to throw for 330 yards, including 15 completions in a row during its fourth quarter comeback. While the Hoyas have shown little punch in their passing game, throwing for a paltry 66.2 yards per game, their ability to move the ball down the field will likely depend on throwing the ball.
“It’s interesting because we’ve been in the fourth quarter in two of these Patriot league games with very little offense,” Benson said. “If we could just get some offense, and get it going in the right direction, I think we’ll be fine.”
Saturday’s game should have a substantially larger crowd than usual as alumni return for homecoming, in addition to VMI fans who will likely make the short drive.
“You’ve got to win your home games, and you have especially got to win homecoming. It should be a big crowd,” Benson said. “The one thing about this place is that the atmosphere for homecoming is a good one. It’s even better if you’re winning.
“We’ve got to put a good product on the field because one of the things about Georgetown students is that they appreciate a good product. We’ve got to come through.”
