The Towson University football team lost its first home game of the season this past Saturday, 31-20, against seventh ranked Old Dominion. Towson was 3-0 coming into this game at Unitas Stadium. The Monarchs were coming into this game in foul mood. Not only had they lost their preceding game to Villanova at home, 38-14, but they also still had the bad taste of fourth and 29 from last year against the Tigers.

When you looked at the stats coming into this game, you saw the gaudy numbers of sophomore quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke came in averaging 426 yards passing per game. It was obvious what Towson would have to do. Stop the quarterback.

Throughout the game, the Tigers blitzed, ran different fronts, did whatever they could to try and get to the Monarch play caller. Twice they sacked Heinicke. Besides that, the Old Dominion offensive line did a great job against what was the number one pass defense in FCS football.

Heinicke's numbers for the game were not has high as some he has had this season. But you have to look inside the numbers. Yes, he threw for 264 yards and a touchdown. Yes, he rushed for 71 yards and ran for two TDs.  But there were several plays during the game that really made the difference.

On Old Dominion's first possession of the game, the Monarchs faced third and 12 from their own 39. Heinicke completed a pass for 24 yards to keep the drive going. It ended in a field goal to give ODU a 3-0 lead.

Old Dominion led 17-6 at the half, and, after the Tigers were unable to do anything with the second half kickoff, ODU got it back. They found themselves in third and 8 at their own 42 yard line. Heinicke AGAIN came up big with a 20-yard completion. That drive ended in a touchdown to give ODU a 24-6 lead.

Those plays not only extended drives that led to scores, they wore down the Tiger defense by keeping it on the field. Towson tried tomake a valiant comeback, but it was foiled. After cutting the lead to 31-20, the Tigers tried an onside kick. Old Dominion recovered, and with a third and 4 on that drive, Heinicke again completed an eight-yard pass. ODU ran time off the clock and shortened the chances Towson had for coming back.

It was obvious to head  coach Rob Ambrose before and after the game, and it was obvious to Towson Sports Network analyst and Tiger hall of fame quarterback Ron Meehan Heinicke is one special football player. The good news for Tiger fans is with Old Dominion leaving the CAA after this season, unless these two schools meet up in the playoffs this year, Towson will never see him again.

The Tigers take on Villanova this Saturday. If Towson wins, the team can get right back into the playoff picture. We will take a look at that next week.
 
A change this week, Damon Lewis and I will be at Glory Days in Towson for Tiger Talk on Thursday night from 6-7 p.m. Head football coach Rob Ambrose will join us as will other Towson head coaches.  We hope you can make it out to Glory Days.  If not, you can listen right here on TowsonTigers.com, or on your iPhone or Android device.