Flacco has Tigers off to fast start

Behind Redshirt Junior Quarterback Tom Flacco, the Towson Tigers are off to their best start since 2013

By Kyle Hobstetter on October 5, 2018

Towson Quarterback Tom Flacco — Behind quarterback Tom Flacco, the Towson Tigers football team are off to their best start since 2013. Flacco also leads the Colonial Athletic Association in passing yards.

For most quarterbacks, they look to their arms to make plays. But for Towson Tigers redshirt junior signal caller Tom Flacco he’s been trusting both his arm and his legs.

Last week against The Citadel, Flacco scored four touchdowns and had 438 total yards of offense, combining 253 passing yards and 185 yards on the ground — the most for a Tigers’ quarterback in program history.

In fact, Flacco had more total offense than the entire Citadel team, which had 404 yards of total offense. It was this performance that earned Flacco his first FCS National Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The Tigers, now 3-1 with Flacco under center, are off to their best start since 2013. Their success has started with the offense, which has already put up 40 points twice this season, the first time that’s happened since 2013 as well.

“I trust our guys,” Flacco said after the game. “Our offensive line did a great job protecting me, which allowed me the opportunity to run.”

Along with earning FCS National Offensive Player of the Week honors, Flacco has been named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Offensive Player of the Week twice this season, and was named an Honorable Mention CFPA National Performer of the Week.

He is currently the No. 1 quarterback in the CAA in passing yards per game with 290.8, and total offense with 363 yards a contest. And while most players find ways to credit themselves, Flacco was quick to point out it that those are really team numbers.

“Our offense just executes our game plan,” Flacco said. “When things weren’t there, I was able to get down and get out, and that’s a credit to my offensive line.”

After their hot start, the Tigers are currently ranked No. 23 in the STATS FCS Poll and No. 24 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. It is the first time that TU has been nationally ranked in the coaches poll since 2014.

The rankings will set up a showdown with CAA rival Stony Brook this Saturday, Oct. 6 at Unitas Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 p.m., with parking lots opening at noon.

Stony Brook is currently ranked No. 13 in both the STATS and Coaches polls. This is the first time since 2013 that two ranked teams will battle at Unitas Stadium.

Like all Towson University athletic events, TU students, faculty and staff receive one free ticket by presenting their TU OneCard. Students faculty and staff can also purchase a companion ticket for just $10.