Atlantic 10 Basketball tips off in early November, with the first game featuring URI at Pittsburgh on Monday, November 8th. There are several Atlantic 10 teams playing in regular season tournaments starting in November. There are also many high profile games taking place between Atlantic 10 schools and other schools from the Big East, Big 10, Big 12, and the SEC. Here is a look at some of key non-conference matchups.
Monday, November 8
Rhode Island at Pittsburgh..... ESPNU/ 7:00 pm
(Coaches vs Cancer)
Tuesday November 16
La Salle at Baylor..... ESPN/ 2:00 pm
Saint Joseph's at Penn State..... ESPN3.com/ TBD
George Washington vs Boston University..... TBD
(Preseason NIT- Villanova, PA)
Friday, November 19
Xavier vs Iowa..... 8:30pm
(Paradise Jam- Virgin Islands)
Saturday, November 20
UMass vs New Mexico State..... 7:30 pm
(Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament- Springfield, MA)
Dayton at Mississippi..... TBD
Thursday, November 25
Temple vs California..... ESPN2/ 9:00 pm
(Old Spice Classic- Orlando, FL)
Friday, November 26
Rutgers at Saint Josephs..... TBD
Saturday, November 27
Dayton vs Cincinnati..... TBD
(US Bank Arena- Cincinnati, OH)
Atlantic 10 teams in regular season tournaments.
George Washington- Preseason NIT
Charlotte- Charleston Classic- Charleston, SC
URI- Coaches vs Cancer
Xavier- Paradise Jam- Virgin Islands
St. Josephs- Philly Hoop Classic
UMass- Hall of Fame Tipoff Tournament- Springfield, MA
La Salle- Cancun Challenge
Temple- Old Spice Classic- Orlando, FL
Richmond- Chicago Challenge- Chicago, IL
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Richmond Stuns UMass During Homecoming.
#20 Richmond 11, #8 UMass 10
The Richmond vs UMass game was certainly an odd game. With about 10:00 remaining in the first quarter, UMass was backed up to their own 10-yard line on fourth down and were forced to punt. UMass kicker/punter Caleb Violette bobbled the ball in the end zone and the ball went out of bounds, resulting in a safety on UMass. The ensuing free punt looked like it was about to go out of bounds, but a UMass player was able to grab it before it went out of play and UMass recovered the ball. Richmond fourth string freshman quarterback Montel White started the game for the Spiders. They primarily ran the ball and I think I saw Richmond line up in the wildcat as well at times. Montel White did not complete a pass until their final drive late in the fourth quarter. In the middle of the fourth quarter UMass was on the Richmond 2-yard line with a first and goal. If UMass scored, they would have taken the lead 14-5 and would have given themselves a nice two possession lead. But the Richmond defense held strong and prevented UMass from getting into the end zone. UMass went for it on fourth and goal from the Richmond 1-yard line but they failed to score which resulted in a demoralizing turnover on downs. With about 1:40 remaining in the game, Montel White drove the Spiders down the field and eventually scored a touchdown with 0:09 remaining in the game to take the lead 11-10. White went 4/6 for 47 yards and one touchdown. All of his stats game in the final drive of the game, he went 4/5 in their final drive. This game could be the turning point for the Spiders, who will hope to carry this momentum into this Saturday when they will play host to Towson. UMass will have to put this game behind them and just forget about it. They will have their hands full this Saturday as they will travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA to take on a strong UNH team.
Notes:
During the UMass game this weekend, the whole UMass community paid tribute to the late director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, Mr. George N. Parks. More than 900 former UMass band members returned to campus and performed during the halftime show. As a former UMass band member myself, It was an honor and a privilege to perform at halftime and pay tribute to such an inspirational man.
The Richmond vs UMass game was certainly an odd game. With about 10:00 remaining in the first quarter, UMass was backed up to their own 10-yard line on fourth down and were forced to punt. UMass kicker/punter Caleb Violette bobbled the ball in the end zone and the ball went out of bounds, resulting in a safety on UMass. The ensuing free punt looked like it was about to go out of bounds, but a UMass player was able to grab it before it went out of play and UMass recovered the ball. Richmond fourth string freshman quarterback Montel White started the game for the Spiders. They primarily ran the ball and I think I saw Richmond line up in the wildcat as well at times. Montel White did not complete a pass until their final drive late in the fourth quarter. In the middle of the fourth quarter UMass was on the Richmond 2-yard line with a first and goal. If UMass scored, they would have taken the lead 14-5 and would have given themselves a nice two possession lead. But the Richmond defense held strong and prevented UMass from getting into the end zone. UMass went for it on fourth and goal from the Richmond 1-yard line but they failed to score which resulted in a demoralizing turnover on downs. With about 1:40 remaining in the game, Montel White drove the Spiders down the field and eventually scored a touchdown with 0:09 remaining in the game to take the lead 11-10. White went 4/6 for 47 yards and one touchdown. All of his stats game in the final drive of the game, he went 4/5 in their final drive. This game could be the turning point for the Spiders, who will hope to carry this momentum into this Saturday when they will play host to Towson. UMass will have to put this game behind them and just forget about it. They will have their hands full this Saturday as they will travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA to take on a strong UNH team.
Notes:
During the UMass game this weekend, the whole UMass community paid tribute to the late director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, Mr. George N. Parks. More than 900 former UMass band members returned to campus and performed during the halftime show. As a former UMass band member myself, It was an honor and a privilege to perform at halftime and pay tribute to such an inspirational man.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
CAA Weekend Preview, October 16, Week 7
12:00 pm, #6 Villanova (3-2, 1-1 CAA) at Maine (2-4, 1-2 CAA)
TV: CSN-NE
This will be the Wildcats first game since losing to William & Mary on October 2. Nova will be looking to bounce back against a Maine team that was unable to stop the Pat Devlin and Andrew Pierce last week. Villanova standout wide receiver/ kick returner and CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Matt Szczur, is questionable for Saturday's game. Without Szczur the Wildcats will be much more limited in what they can do on Saturday and this will definitely give Maine a better chance at puling off an upset. I still think that Villanova will pull through and win this one.
3:30 pm, Rhode Island (2-3, 1-1 CAA) at #2 Delaware (6-0, 3-0 CAA)
Rhode Island has definitely improved this season... but not enough to beat the Blue Hens. URI has some stand out players on defense and they have a strong defensive line. It will be interesting to see how Delaware running back Andrew Pierce will fair against the URI's defense. Delaware will win this one easily.
3:30, #20 Richmond (2-3, 0-2 CAA) at #8 UMass (4-1, 2-0 CAA)
Richmond punter Nick Hicks will be starting at quarterback this Saturday against UMass. With the Spiders offense in complete disarray, UMass should be able to completely shut them down. There are rumors that the Spiders could implement the triple option on Saturday, by having their running back under center. The Spiders defense will have their hands full, as the UMass offense has been averaging more than 440 yards of total offense per game. If Hicks can avoid throwing another five interceptions they might be able to stay close,but in the end, this game will belong to UMass.
3:30, #16 New Hampshire (3-3, 1-2 CAA) at #7 James Madison (4-1, 1-1 CAA)
TV: CSN-NE
This should be one of the more competitive games of the week. James Madison won a close game at Towson last weekend and UNH is coming off a big Homecoming win over Richmond. James Madison is looking to avoid losing two straight games at home while UNH will be looking to avoid a demoralizing, 1-3 start in the CAA. Last weekend the UNH defense had six interceptions and linebacker Mike Evans recorded 12 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. I think the UNH defense will carry the momentum into Harrisonburg, Virginia and pull off the upset.
TV: CSN-NE
This will be the Wildcats first game since losing to William & Mary on October 2. Nova will be looking to bounce back against a Maine team that was unable to stop the Pat Devlin and Andrew Pierce last week. Villanova standout wide receiver/ kick returner and CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Matt Szczur, is questionable for Saturday's game. Without Szczur the Wildcats will be much more limited in what they can do on Saturday and this will definitely give Maine a better chance at puling off an upset. I still think that Villanova will pull through and win this one.
3:30 pm, Rhode Island (2-3, 1-1 CAA) at #2 Delaware (6-0, 3-0 CAA)
Rhode Island has definitely improved this season... but not enough to beat the Blue Hens. URI has some stand out players on defense and they have a strong defensive line. It will be interesting to see how Delaware running back Andrew Pierce will fair against the URI's defense. Delaware will win this one easily.
3:30, #20 Richmond (2-3, 0-2 CAA) at #8 UMass (4-1, 2-0 CAA)
Richmond punter Nick Hicks will be starting at quarterback this Saturday against UMass. With the Spiders offense in complete disarray, UMass should be able to completely shut them down. There are rumors that the Spiders could implement the triple option on Saturday, by having their running back under center. The Spiders defense will have their hands full, as the UMass offense has been averaging more than 440 yards of total offense per game. If Hicks can avoid throwing another five interceptions they might be able to stay close,but in the end, this game will belong to UMass.
3:30, #16 New Hampshire (3-3, 1-2 CAA) at #7 James Madison (4-1, 1-1 CAA)
TV: CSN-NE
This should be one of the more competitive games of the week. James Madison won a close game at Towson last weekend and UNH is coming off a big Homecoming win over Richmond. James Madison is looking to avoid losing two straight games at home while UNH will be looking to avoid a demoralizing, 1-3 start in the CAA. Last weekend the UNH defense had six interceptions and linebacker Mike Evans recorded 12 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. I think the UNH defense will carry the momentum into Harrisonburg, Virginia and pull off the upset.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
CAA Game of the Week, October 9
Six interceptions in one game? The top two quarterbacks on your depth chart injured? I guess it is official, the Richmond Spiders train has officially derailed. The Spiders got a good old fashioned "whoopin'" at the hands of the UNH Wildcats on Saturday. UNH shut out Richmond 17-0 in-front of a Homecoming crowd of more than 12,000 at Cowell Stadium in Durham, NH.
Richmond's first possession set the tone for the rest of the game. With 12:45 remaining in the first quarter, UNH safety John Greer picked off Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp and returned it for a touchdown. With 12:40 to play in the first quarter, UNH was up 7-0, and Aaron Corp was injured and out for the rest of the game. Nick Hicks would come in to replace the injured Corp and end up throwing five interceptions of his own (one in the second, and two in the third and fourth quarters). The UNH defense had a strong game, led by senior safety John Greer and sophomore linebacker Mike Evans. Greer had two interceptions, the first of which was returned for a touchdown. Evans finished with 12 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. Evans is now the CAA leader in tackles.
Richmond will not have it any easier when they travel to #8 UMass this Saturday. UNH does not have it any easier as they are heading down to Virginia to take on the #7 JMU.
Next weeks games, October 16
#6 Villanova at Maine, 12:00 pm TV: CSN-NE
URI at #2 Delaware, 3:30 pm
#20 Richmond at #8 UMass, 3:30 pm
#16 UNH at #7 JMU, 3:30 TV: CSN-NE
Notes:
Richmond's first possession set the tone for the rest of the game. With 12:45 remaining in the first quarter, UNH safety John Greer picked off Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp and returned it for a touchdown. With 12:40 to play in the first quarter, UNH was up 7-0, and Aaron Corp was injured and out for the rest of the game. Nick Hicks would come in to replace the injured Corp and end up throwing five interceptions of his own (one in the second, and two in the third and fourth quarters). The UNH defense had a strong game, led by senior safety John Greer and sophomore linebacker Mike Evans. Greer had two interceptions, the first of which was returned for a touchdown. Evans finished with 12 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. Evans is now the CAA leader in tackles.
Richmond will not have it any easier when they travel to #8 UMass this Saturday. UNH does not have it any easier as they are heading down to Virginia to take on the #7 JMU.
Next weeks games, October 16
#6 Villanova at Maine, 12:00 pm TV: CSN-NE
URI at #2 Delaware, 3:30 pm
#20 Richmond at #8 UMass, 3:30 pm
#16 UNH at #7 JMU, 3:30 TV: CSN-NE
Notes:
- New Hampshire's attendance on Saturday was 12,095, their largest crowd yet this season. They only averaged 7,782 in their first two games of the season.
- UNH senior safety John Greer was names the ECAC football Defensive Player of the Week at the DI-FCS level, he was also names the CAA Defensive Player of the Week.
- Richmond sophomore punter Nick Hicks will be the starting quarterback against UMass on Saturday, hopefully he won't throw another five interceptions.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
CAA Players of the Week, October 9
CAA Offensive Player of the Week- QB, Pat Delvin, Delaware
Delvin went 20/36 for 283 yards and 1 touchdown in Delawares 26-7 win against Maine on Saturday.
CAA Defensive Player of the Week- DB, John Greer, UNH
Greer had two of UNH's six interceptions on Saturday against a struggling Richmond team. He returned one of his two interceptions for touchdown.
CAA Special Teams Player of the Week, P, Ed Wagner, Delaware
Wagner had three punts against Maine on Saturday for an average of 41.7 yards. He landed all three of his punts inside the Maine 10-yardline
CAA Rookie of the Week- RB, Andrew Pierce, Delaware
Pierce had a strong game against Maine this past Saturday. He had 26 carries for 96 yards and 1 touchdown. This is his fourth rookie of the week award this season.
The Blue Hens strong win over Maine is evident in the CAA's Players of the Week awards, with Delaware winning three of the four awards.
(Courtesy of caasports.com)
Friday, October 8, 2010
CAA Attendance
It is almost halfway through the season so I figured I would take a look at the CAA's attendance figures through the first half of the season. I have the schools in order by their average attendance ranking. I also included the schools attendance ranking in the whole FCS and their percent capacity. (As of October 3, 2010)
Delaware
CAA Rank- 1
FCS Rank- 6
Avg Attendance- 19,399
Percent Capacity- 88%
James Madison
CAA Rank- 2
FCS Rank- 11
Avg Attendance- 16, 401
Percent Capacity- 104%
UMass
CAA Rank- 3
FCS Rank- 23
Avg Attendance- 13,000
Percent Capacity- 77%
William & Mary
CAA Rank- 4
FCS Rank- 29
Avg Attendance- 11, 867
Percent Capacity- 96%
Villanova
CAA Rank- 5
FCS Rank- 39
Avg Attendance- 10,114
Percent Capacity- 84%
Richmond
CAA Rank- 6
FCS Rank- 48
Avg Attendance- 8,621
Percent Capacity- 99%
UNH
CAA Rank- 7
FCS Rank- 56
Avg Attendance- 7,782
Percent Capacity- 120%
Towson
CAA Rank- 8
FCS Rank- 63
Avg Attendance-7,275
Percent Capacity- 65%
Maine
CAA Rank- 9
FCS Rank- 71
Avg Attendance- 6,710
Percent Capacity- 67%
URI
CAA Rank- 10
FCS Rank- 75
Avg Attendance- 6,072
Percent Capacity- 92%
Here are the top five schools in the FCS in average attendance.
Appalachian State
Avg Attendance- 28,963
Percent Capacity- 143%
Montana
Avg Attendance- 25, 814
Percent Capacity- 102%
Harvard
Avg Attendance- 21,704
Percent Capacity- 70%
North Carolina A&T
Avg Attendance- 21,500
Percent Capacity- 100%
Old Dominion
Avg Attendance- 19,782
Percent Capacity- 100%
Notes
Appalachian State has a higher average attendance than 39 schools in the FBS. If App State were in the FBS, they would rank 82nd.
Both Harvard and North Carolina A&T have only played one home game so far this season.
Old Dominion has sold out all three of their home games so far this season. They will be joining the CAA in 2011.
(Data collected from the NCAA ACCUMULATED ATTENDANCE REPORT, October 3, 2010)
Delaware
CAA Rank- 1
FCS Rank- 6
Avg Attendance- 19,399
Percent Capacity- 88%
James Madison
CAA Rank- 2
FCS Rank- 11
Avg Attendance- 16, 401
Percent Capacity- 104%
UMass
CAA Rank- 3
FCS Rank- 23
Avg Attendance- 13,000
Percent Capacity- 77%
William & Mary
CAA Rank- 4
FCS Rank- 29
Avg Attendance- 11, 867
Percent Capacity- 96%
Villanova
CAA Rank- 5
FCS Rank- 39
Avg Attendance- 10,114
Percent Capacity- 84%
Richmond
CAA Rank- 6
FCS Rank- 48
Avg Attendance- 8,621
Percent Capacity- 99%
UNH
CAA Rank- 7
FCS Rank- 56
Avg Attendance- 7,782
Percent Capacity- 120%
Towson
CAA Rank- 8
FCS Rank- 63
Avg Attendance-7,275
Percent Capacity- 65%
Maine
CAA Rank- 9
FCS Rank- 71
Avg Attendance- 6,710
Percent Capacity- 67%
URI
CAA Rank- 10
FCS Rank- 75
Avg Attendance- 6,072
Percent Capacity- 92%
Here are the top five schools in the FCS in average attendance.
Appalachian State
Avg Attendance- 28,963
Percent Capacity- 143%
Montana
Avg Attendance- 25, 814
Percent Capacity- 102%
Harvard
Avg Attendance- 21,704
Percent Capacity- 70%
North Carolina A&T
Avg Attendance- 21,500
Percent Capacity- 100%
Old Dominion
Avg Attendance- 19,782
Percent Capacity- 100%
Notes
Appalachian State has a higher average attendance than 39 schools in the FBS. If App State were in the FBS, they would rank 82nd.
Both Harvard and North Carolina A&T have only played one home game so far this season.
Old Dominion has sold out all three of their home games so far this season. They will be joining the CAA in 2011.
(Data collected from the NCAA ACCUMULATED ATTENDANCE REPORT, October 3, 2010)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
CAA Weekend Preview, Week 6
12:00 pm, Richmond (2-2, 0-1 CAA) at #22 New Hampshire (2-3, 0-2 CAA)
TV: CSN-NE
On paper, this looks to be the most evenly matched game of the weekend. Both teams are winless in CAA play this season. UNH already has two league losses and they cannot afford another, especially a home game. Richmond travels to #8 UMass in week 7 and they cannot afford to go into that game 0-2 in the CAA. This should be an exciting game as both teams battle for their fist conference win.
1:00 pm, Maine (2-3, 1-1 CAA) at #2 Delaware (5-0, 2-0 CAA)
This game looks to be clearly one sided. Maine is 2-3 but has lost two of those three games by only three points, one of those being a 24-21 loss to William & Mary. The Black Bears defense will have its hands full with Delaware rookie running back Andrew Pierce, who is averaging more than six yards per carry and 130 yards per game. The Blue Hends defense has only allowed 32 points through its first five games this season. With an OT win against UNH last weekend and a three point loss to W&M earlier in the season, Maine has proven that it can compete with the top teams in the CAA, but Delaware might be to much to handle.
7:00 pm, #7 James Madison (3-1, 0-1 CAA) at Towson (1-4, 0-2 CAA)
James Madison is coming off a crushing defeat to Delaware at home this past weekend. The Dukes will be looking to take out their frustration on the Tigers on Saturday. Both James Madison and Towson will be looking for their first conference victory of the season. This is James Madison's game to lose.
7:00 pm, Rhode Island (2-2, 1-0 CAA) at #4 William & Mary (4-1, 2-1 CAA)
I picked this game to be my upset of the week (Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous). URI two wins this season, twice as many as they had last year, and it looks like they put their 12 game losing streak behind them. William & Mary is coming off a strong home win against Villanova this past Saturday. They have looked very strong since their opening day loss at UMass. Nevertheless, URI ranks 21st nationally in run defense, allowing an average of 111 yards per game. URI has also been averaging 2.3 sacks per game and 7.5 TFLs, both of which rank #1 in the CAA. URI clearly has the potential, but potential alone will not win the game for them.
TV: CSN-NE
On paper, this looks to be the most evenly matched game of the weekend. Both teams are winless in CAA play this season. UNH already has two league losses and they cannot afford another, especially a home game. Richmond travels to #8 UMass in week 7 and they cannot afford to go into that game 0-2 in the CAA. This should be an exciting game as both teams battle for their fist conference win.
1:00 pm, Maine (2-3, 1-1 CAA) at #2 Delaware (5-0, 2-0 CAA)
This game looks to be clearly one sided. Maine is 2-3 but has lost two of those three games by only three points, one of those being a 24-21 loss to William & Mary. The Black Bears defense will have its hands full with Delaware rookie running back Andrew Pierce, who is averaging more than six yards per carry and 130 yards per game. The Blue Hends defense has only allowed 32 points through its first five games this season. With an OT win against UNH last weekend and a three point loss to W&M earlier in the season, Maine has proven that it can compete with the top teams in the CAA, but Delaware might be to much to handle.
7:00 pm, #7 James Madison (3-1, 0-1 CAA) at Towson (1-4, 0-2 CAA)
James Madison is coming off a crushing defeat to Delaware at home this past weekend. The Dukes will be looking to take out their frustration on the Tigers on Saturday. Both James Madison and Towson will be looking for their first conference victory of the season. This is James Madison's game to lose.
7:00 pm, Rhode Island (2-2, 1-0 CAA) at #4 William & Mary (4-1, 2-1 CAA)
I picked this game to be my upset of the week (Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous). URI two wins this season, twice as many as they had last year, and it looks like they put their 12 game losing streak behind them. William & Mary is coming off a strong home win against Villanova this past Saturday. They have looked very strong since their opening day loss at UMass. Nevertheless, URI ranks 21st nationally in run defense, allowing an average of 111 yards per game. URI has also been averaging 2.3 sacks per game and 7.5 TFLs, both of which rank #1 in the CAA. URI clearly has the potential, but potential alone will not win the game for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)