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.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
CAA vs FBS 2010, Part 2
September 11, James Madison 21, Virginia Tech 16
JMU's victory over Virginia Tech is the CAA's only victory against an FBS opponent this season. Virginia Tech came into this game 0-1 after a heart breaking loss at home against Boise State. Virginia Tech led at halftime 13-7. Virginia Tech extended their lead early in the third quarter with a field goal to go up 16-7. JMU quarterback, Drew Dudzik, ran the ball in from 7-yards out to slim the Virginia Tech lead to 16-14. Early in the fourth quarter Dudzik ran for yet another touchdown to take the lead 21-16. JMU quarterback, Drew Dudzik, had an explosive game for the Dukes. Dudzik had 121 yards through the air and one touchdown and also rushed for 35 yards and two touchdowns. One key factor in this game were turnovers. JMU forced three Virginia Tech turnovers (2 fumbles, 1 INT) and had no turnovers of their own. JMU forced a key Virginia Tech fumble 5:25 remaining in the fourth quarter on their own 10 yard line. JMU was able to maintain possession and run out the clock to seal their upset win over the Hokies.
Their were two other FCS vs FBS upsets on September 11, 2010
South Dakota 41, Minnesota 38
Gardner Webb 38, Akron 37
September 18, UMaine 14, Syracuse 38
Even though it doesn't look like it, this game was actually competitive in the first half. Syracuse only held a slim 17-14 lead going into halftime. Syracuse shut out Maine and held them to under 60-yards of total offense in the second half. Maine was unable to stop stop Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who threw for a Syracuse school-record five passing touchdowns. The Black Bears were simply outmatched by Syracuse in the second half.
September 18, UMass 37, Michigan 42
UMass came into this game with impressive wins over William & Mary and a strong Holy Cross team. Equally as impressive were Michigan's wins and their potential Heisman quarterback, Denard Robinson. In the week prior to this game, Robinson lit up the Notre Dame defense for 227 yards through the air and 258 yards on the ground with four total touchdowns. If UMass was to win this game, they would have to shut down Robinson. UMass was ahead 17-7 with about 1:17 remaining in the first half, this was when the wheels came off for UMass. Michigan scored a quick touchdown and slim the UMass lead to 17-14. On the in-suing drive, UMass running back John Griffin fumbled on the Michigan 45-yard line and Michigan was able to recover it and quickly score yet another touchdown to take the lead 21-14. The second half started in the same way the first half ended, with another Michigan touchdown. Michigan was up 35-17 going into the fourth quarter. UMass outscored Michigan 20-7 in the final quarter. UMass scored its final touchdown with 2:05 left in the fourthquarter to slim the Michigan lead to 42-37. UMass attempted an onside kick, but failed to recover it which sealed the victory for the Wolverines.
The UMass offense was efficient and able to put up 222 yards passing and 217 yards rushing for a total of 439 yards of totals offense. UMass's star running backs, Jonathan Hernandez and John Griffin put up 116 yards and 96 yards respectively. UMass quarterback Kyle Havens played very well. He was 22/29 with 222 yards passing, two touchdowns and one interception. The UMass held Robinson to 104 rushing yards, his lowest of any game thus far. the UMass defense also picked off Robinson in the first quarter, his first and only interception thus far this season. UMass was not able to completely shut down Denard Robinson and that, along with turnovers, cost the Minutemen a victory. All in all this game had its ups and downs. UMass definitely had the potential to be yet another FCS spoiler in Ann Arbor, but they just could not pull it off.
October 30, William & Mary at UNC
This is the CAA's final game against an FBS opponent.
JMU's victory over Virginia Tech is the CAA's only victory against an FBS opponent this season. Virginia Tech came into this game 0-1 after a heart breaking loss at home against Boise State. Virginia Tech led at halftime 13-7. Virginia Tech extended their lead early in the third quarter with a field goal to go up 16-7. JMU quarterback, Drew Dudzik, ran the ball in from 7-yards out to slim the Virginia Tech lead to 16-14. Early in the fourth quarter Dudzik ran for yet another touchdown to take the lead 21-16. JMU quarterback, Drew Dudzik, had an explosive game for the Dukes. Dudzik had 121 yards through the air and one touchdown and also rushed for 35 yards and two touchdowns. One key factor in this game were turnovers. JMU forced three Virginia Tech turnovers (2 fumbles, 1 INT) and had no turnovers of their own. JMU forced a key Virginia Tech fumble 5:25 remaining in the fourth quarter on their own 10 yard line. JMU was able to maintain possession and run out the clock to seal their upset win over the Hokies.
Their were two other FCS vs FBS upsets on September 11, 2010
South Dakota 41, Minnesota 38
Gardner Webb 38, Akron 37
September 18, UMaine 14, Syracuse 38
Even though it doesn't look like it, this game was actually competitive in the first half. Syracuse only held a slim 17-14 lead going into halftime. Syracuse shut out Maine and held them to under 60-yards of total offense in the second half. Maine was unable to stop stop Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who threw for a Syracuse school-record five passing touchdowns. The Black Bears were simply outmatched by Syracuse in the second half.
September 18, UMass 37, Michigan 42
UMass came into this game with impressive wins over William & Mary and a strong Holy Cross team. Equally as impressive were Michigan's wins and their potential Heisman quarterback, Denard Robinson. In the week prior to this game, Robinson lit up the Notre Dame defense for 227 yards through the air and 258 yards on the ground with four total touchdowns. If UMass was to win this game, they would have to shut down Robinson. UMass was ahead 17-7 with about 1:17 remaining in the first half, this was when the wheels came off for UMass. Michigan scored a quick touchdown and slim the UMass lead to 17-14. On the in-suing drive, UMass running back John Griffin fumbled on the Michigan 45-yard line and Michigan was able to recover it and quickly score yet another touchdown to take the lead 21-14. The second half started in the same way the first half ended, with another Michigan touchdown. Michigan was up 35-17 going into the fourth quarter. UMass outscored Michigan 20-7 in the final quarter. UMass scored its final touchdown with 2:05 left in the fourthquarter to slim the Michigan lead to 42-37. UMass attempted an onside kick, but failed to recover it which sealed the victory for the Wolverines.
The UMass offense was efficient and able to put up 222 yards passing and 217 yards rushing for a total of 439 yards of totals offense. UMass's star running backs, Jonathan Hernandez and John Griffin put up 116 yards and 96 yards respectively. UMass quarterback Kyle Havens played very well. He was 22/29 with 222 yards passing, two touchdowns and one interception. The UMass held Robinson to 104 rushing yards, his lowest of any game thus far. the UMass defense also picked off Robinson in the first quarter, his first and only interception thus far this season. UMass was not able to completely shut down Denard Robinson and that, along with turnovers, cost the Minutemen a victory. All in all this game had its ups and downs. UMass definitely had the potential to be yet another FCS spoiler in Ann Arbor, but they just could not pull it off.
October 30, William & Mary at UNC
This is the CAA's final game against an FBS opponent.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
CAA vs FBS 2010, Part 1
So far this season the CAA is 1-7 against FBS opponents with one game remaining, William & Mary at UNC on Saturday, October 30th. While 1-7 may seem pretty disappointing, there were some bright spots. Of course, there were some blow outs at the hands of the FBS, and that is expected. But there were some games the CAA schools were competitive and only one or two plays away from winning. I wanted to take a closer look at just how the CAA fared against its FBS opponents in 2010.
September 2, Rhode Island 0, Buffalo 31
31-0 blowout win is what every FBS school is thinking of when they schedule an FCS opponent. Buffalo led at halftime 24-0. URI could not do anything against the Buffalo defense and were held to under 100 yards in the first half. This was certainly a game the Rhody Rams would like to forget!
September 2, Towson 17, Indiana 51
This game can be categorized as a definite blow out. There were some positives for Towson in this game though. Towson was able to rack up 227 rushing yards and 165 passing yards for an impressive total of 392 yards of offense, but unfortunately they were only able to put up a total of 17 points. Towson is one of the weaker teams in the CAA but they were able to prove that they could efficiently rush the ball against a Big Ten opponent. Of course, the Towson defense was a completely different story.
September 3, Villanova 24, Temple 31
This was certainly a game that Villanova could have and should have won. The first half was competitive with each team trading off points, but Villanova was able to take a slim 14-10 lead into halftime. Temple scored kicked field goal with two minutes remaining in the third quarter to trim the Villanova lead to one, 14-13. Villanova scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to go up 21-13. Temple countered with a field goal and a touchdown to take the lead 22-21(Temple failed on their 2-point conversion attempt). Villanova kicker Nick Yako nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter to regain the lead 24-22. With three seconds remaining in the game, Temple kicker Brandon McManus hit a 43-yard field goal to go up 25-24. Temple returned a Villanova fumble on the in-suing kick off to go up 31- 24. This was definitely a heart breaker for Villanova. It was a very close game stats wise as well. Both teams racked up more than 300 yards of offense and ball possession was split almost evenly. This was a very evenly matched game and unfortunately, Villanova just could not finish the job.
September 4, Richmond 13, Virginia 34
Richmond trailed Virginia 14-10 going into the second half. Virginia opened the game up in the second half by scoring twenty points, thirteen of which came in the fourth quarter. Richmond could not stop Virginia running back, Keith Payne, who racked up 114 yards on the ground and four touchdowns, three of which came in the second half.
September 11, UNH 16, Pittsburgh 38
UNH has one of the most impressive resumes when it comes to beating FBS teams. Here is a little rundown of there last five games against FBS opponents prior to this season:
2009, UNH 23, Ball State 16
2008, UNH 28, Army 10
2007 UNH 48, Marshall 35
2006 UNH 34, Northwestern 17
2004 UNH 35, Rutgers 24
UNH has beaten teams out of the MAC, Conference USA, Big East and Big Ten, many of them were not even close. Unfortunately their winning streak against FBS teams came to a close on September 11, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh led at halftime 17-3 and added another 21 points in the second half. The Pitt defense held UNH to only 73 rushing yards.
Part 2 coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!
September 2, Rhode Island 0, Buffalo 31
31-0 blowout win is what every FBS school is thinking of when they schedule an FCS opponent. Buffalo led at halftime 24-0. URI could not do anything against the Buffalo defense and were held to under 100 yards in the first half. This was certainly a game the Rhody Rams would like to forget!
September 2, Towson 17, Indiana 51
This game can be categorized as a definite blow out. There were some positives for Towson in this game though. Towson was able to rack up 227 rushing yards and 165 passing yards for an impressive total of 392 yards of offense, but unfortunately they were only able to put up a total of 17 points. Towson is one of the weaker teams in the CAA but they were able to prove that they could efficiently rush the ball against a Big Ten opponent. Of course, the Towson defense was a completely different story.
September 3, Villanova 24, Temple 31
This was certainly a game that Villanova could have and should have won. The first half was competitive with each team trading off points, but Villanova was able to take a slim 14-10 lead into halftime. Temple scored kicked field goal with two minutes remaining in the third quarter to trim the Villanova lead to one, 14-13. Villanova scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to go up 21-13. Temple countered with a field goal and a touchdown to take the lead 22-21(Temple failed on their 2-point conversion attempt). Villanova kicker Nick Yako nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter to regain the lead 24-22. With three seconds remaining in the game, Temple kicker Brandon McManus hit a 43-yard field goal to go up 25-24. Temple returned a Villanova fumble on the in-suing kick off to go up 31- 24. This was definitely a heart breaker for Villanova. It was a very close game stats wise as well. Both teams racked up more than 300 yards of offense and ball possession was split almost evenly. This was a very evenly matched game and unfortunately, Villanova just could not finish the job.
September 4, Richmond 13, Virginia 34
Richmond trailed Virginia 14-10 going into the second half. Virginia opened the game up in the second half by scoring twenty points, thirteen of which came in the fourth quarter. Richmond could not stop Virginia running back, Keith Payne, who racked up 114 yards on the ground and four touchdowns, three of which came in the second half.
September 11, UNH 16, Pittsburgh 38
UNH has one of the most impressive resumes when it comes to beating FBS teams. Here is a little rundown of there last five games against FBS opponents prior to this season:
2009, UNH 23, Ball State 16
2008, UNH 28, Army 10
2007 UNH 48, Marshall 35
2006 UNH 34, Northwestern 17
2004 UNH 35, Rutgers 24
UNH has beaten teams out of the MAC, Conference USA, Big East and Big Ten, many of them were not even close. Unfortunately their winning streak against FBS teams came to a close on September 11, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh led at halftime 17-3 and added another 21 points in the second half. The Pitt defense held UNH to only 73 rushing yards.
Part 2 coming tomorrow! Stay tuned!
Monday, October 4, 2010
CAA Players of the Week, October 2
CAA Football Offensive Player of the Week - Steve Probst, QB, URI
CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week - Dante Cook, LB, William & Mary
CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week - Justin Rogers, DB, Richmond
CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Week - Brian Harvey, PK, Maine
CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Week - Mike Perry, PK, Delaware
CAA Football Rookie of the Week - Trevor Sasek, QB, Delaware
Courtesy of caasports.com
Sunday, October 3, 2010
CAA Game of the Week, October 2
It has certainly been an exciting week of action in the CAA. With five CAA teams ranked in the top eight in the FCS, it certainly has made for some exceptional match-ups.
#5 Delaware 13, #3 James Madison 10
This was probably the biggest game in the FCS on Saturday. This game was dominated by the defense, with a majority of the scoring coming in the first half. Delaware opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from Quarterback Trevor Sasek. James Madison countered with 1-yard touchdown run from Scott Noble. James Madison finished off the first half with a 20-yard field goal to take the lead at halftime by the score of 10-7. Delaware defense stepped it up and held James Madison scoreless in the second half and forced 3 punts and 1 Interception. Delaware kicker Mike Perry hit a game tying 47-yard field game with 14:56 left in the 4th quarter. Mike Perry was called upon again with 6 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter to hit a game winning 28-yard field goal.
With the loss, James Madison will most likely drop out of the top 5 and with the win, Delaware will move into the top 3. With #1 Villanova losing at #7 William & Mary, Delaware will be the highest ranked CAA team in the country.
Next Weeks Games, October 9
Richmond at UNH, 12:00 pm
Maine at Delaware, 1:00 pm
James Madison at Towson, 7:00 pm
*Rhode Island at William & Mary, 7:00 pm
UPSET OF THE WEEK
Rhode Island over William & Mary. URI has won two games in a row, this may sound like an unimpressive stat, but for URI, who went 1-10 last year, a two game win streak is impressive. URI is coming off narrow wins over CAA rival UNH and instate rival Brown in overtime. We'll see what happens!
#5 Delaware 13, #3 James Madison 10
This was probably the biggest game in the FCS on Saturday. This game was dominated by the defense, with a majority of the scoring coming in the first half. Delaware opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from Quarterback Trevor Sasek. James Madison countered with 1-yard touchdown run from Scott Noble. James Madison finished off the first half with a 20-yard field goal to take the lead at halftime by the score of 10-7. Delaware defense stepped it up and held James Madison scoreless in the second half and forced 3 punts and 1 Interception. Delaware kicker Mike Perry hit a game tying 47-yard field game with 14:56 left in the 4th quarter. Mike Perry was called upon again with 6 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter to hit a game winning 28-yard field goal.
With the loss, James Madison will most likely drop out of the top 5 and with the win, Delaware will move into the top 3. With #1 Villanova losing at #7 William & Mary, Delaware will be the highest ranked CAA team in the country.
Next Weeks Games, October 9
Richmond at UNH, 12:00 pm
Maine at Delaware, 1:00 pm
James Madison at Towson, 7:00 pm
*Rhode Island at William & Mary, 7:00 pm
UPSET OF THE WEEK
Rhode Island over William & Mary. URI has won two games in a row, this may sound like an unimpressive stat, but for URI, who went 1-10 last year, a two game win streak is impressive. URI is coming off narrow wins over CAA rival UNH and instate rival Brown in overtime. We'll see what happens!
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