CAA FOOTBALL WEEKLY RELEASE -- SEPT. 7
CAA Football Players of the Week -- Sept. 8
CAA Football announced its Player of the Week honorees, Monday, Sept. 8. Four individuals earned honors after helping their squads to wins Saturday, including New Hampshire’s Hugo Souza and John Clements and Massachusetts’ Liam Coen and Julian Talley.
Coen, the CAA Football Offensive Player of the Week, helped the fourth-ranked Minutemen to a 45-42 win on the road over Holy Cross. Coen threw for 395 yards, going 25-for-36 including three passing touchdowns. The Newport, R.I., native also ran for a one-yard score in the first quarter. The Walter Payton Award candidate tallied his ninth-career 300-yard passing game, as well as his ninth-career 3TD game. Coen’s 25 completions rank 12th most in UMass’ single-game record book, while his 395 yards through the air are the sixth-best single-game total in school history. The weekly honor for Coen is the first under the CAA Football banner.
Souza grabbed CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping New Hampshire knock off it fourth FBS foe in five seasons, 28-10, at Army. The Marshfield, Mass., native led the Wildcats with 10 total tackles, eight of which were solo stops. Souza also made two stops behind the line of scrimmage, including a sack for five yards. With just under a minute remaining in the third quarter, Souza picked up a loose ball and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown extending the New Hampshire lead to a decisive mark of 28-10. The honor marks the first for Souza playing under the CAA Football banner.
Clements, the CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Week, also played a major part in New Hampshire’s 28-10 win on the road over FBS foe Army. Clements helped get the Wildcats on the board with just over two minutes remaining the first quarter. The Hammonton, N.J., native returned a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown, knotting up the score at 7-7 after Army took the early lead. The return was Clements’ first for a touchdown and the longest return of his career. The CAA Football weekly honor is also a first for Clements.
Talley logged CAA Football Rookie of the Week honors after teaming with Coen, his fellow weekly honoree, in the Minutemen’s 45-42 win on the road at Holy Cross. The Winslow, N.J., native ranked third on the team with four catches for 71 yards against the Crusaders. Talley hauled in a career-long reception of 34 yards during the Minutemen’s first drive of the game.
Massachusetts Picked As League Favorite
Massachusetts, which returns 12 starters off last year’s CAA Football Championship team, is picked to capture the overall CAA Football Championship in 2008. Richmond, also a 2007 CAA Football Champion, edged out James Madison for the top spot in the South Division race according to a vote of the league’s 12 head coaches and selected media.
Massachusetts’ senior quarterback Liam Coen and Maine’s senior defensive lineman Jovan Belcher headlined the 2008 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference squad as both were selected as Preseason Players of the Year. Coen, who passed for 3,091 yards and had an effeciency rating of 156.3 in 2007, earned Offensive honors while Belcher, who led the league in sacks with 10 last season, picked up Defensive honors.
OVERALL CHAMPION -- Massachusetts
North Division (First Place votes)
1. Massachusetts (17)
2. New Hampshire (1)
3. Hofstra (1)
4. Maine
5. Northeastern
6. Rhode Island
South Division (First Place votes)
1. Richmond (11)
2. James Madison (7)
3. Delaware (1)
4. Villanova
5. William and Mary
6. Towson
CAA Football Launches Another Landmark TV Package
CAA Football will feature an even larger television package than the league debuted at the beginning of its Inaugural Season.
CAA Football Commissioner Tom Yeager announced a 38-game television schedule as part of the league’s Media Day Celebration at the ESPNZone in Baltimore, Md. The schedule, the largest conference television package among the nation’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), is highlighted by a conference-only package of 21 games on Comcast regional television networks CN8, The Comcast Network and Comcast SportsNet.
The 21-game conference-only package covered by the Comcast networks features the most competitive games airing on regional networks spanning the East Coast. CN8 will air 12 match-ups throughout its Maine to Virginia footprint. Comcast SportsNet networks including Comcast SportsNet New England and Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic will cover an additional nine games throughout the 13-week season, with additional distribution possible on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, CSS and SNY, schedule permitting.
The remaining 17 games on the 2008 CAA Football Television package will include two non-conference games on CN8, one on Comcast SportsNet, five broadcasts on the ESPN family of networks and one on the Big Ten Network. WABI-TV in Maine will provide coverage for five of the Black Bears’ six home games this season. Madison Square Garden Network (MSG) has plans to broadcast one contest, Towson will play a non-conference match-up on CSTV and WMUR-TV in New Hampshire will provide coverage of New Hampshire’s contest at Dartmouth.
Television listings for every game are listed throughout this release.
CAA Football In The Polls
For a complete rundown of both the Sports Network Top-25 and the FCS Coaches Poll visit page 19 of the weekly release. Below are highlights and notes about CAA Football in this week’s rankings.
The Sports Network Top-25
CAA Football’s six ranked squads in the Sports Network’s Top-25 mark the second-straight season the league has had six teams ranked following the second week of the season.
Only the Missouri Valley equals the number of CAA Football teams (6) in the poll, but CAA Football’s five among the Top-10 is three more than the Valley (2) can boast. CAA Football teams among the 2008 Sports Network rankings continue a weekly string of at least three league squads ranked among the Top 25 since the poll’s inception.
CAA Football also extends its string of at least two teams in the Sports Network Top-10 to 43-straight weeks. The league can now boast having at least two teams in the Sports Network Top-10 in 69 of the last 73 weeks. The last time CAA Football placed six among the Top-25 in three consecutive weeks was between Weeks 4-7 of 2007 which included Delaware, Hofstra, James Madison, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Richmond.
FCS Coaches Top-25
Since the FCS Coaches Poll debuted prior to last season, CAA Football has had at least four squads ranked every week (17 weeks). The league’s total of six in this week’s poll mark the third consecutive edition with as many CAA Football squads listed, and the 10th week overall.
CAA Football’s five teams among the poll’s Top-10 marks the first time ever the league has had more than four squads among the Top-10. This week’s CAA Football squads in the Top-10 include Richmond (No. 4), Massachusetts (No. 5), Delaware (No. 6), James Madison (No. 7) and New Hampshire (No. 10).
Matchup Of Walter Payton Hopefuls
This weekend’s Massachusetts/James Madison matchup not only pits two Top-10 ranked squads, but will also showcase two of the nation’s best quarterbacks.
James Madison’s Rodney Landers and Massachusetts’ Liam Coen both were part of The Sports Networks’ Walter Payton Award Watch List.
Coen, who helped his squad to a come-from-behind win last week over Holy Cross, earned National and CAA Football Offensive Player of the Week honors Monday.
Landers, after a tough opening weekend loss at Duke, rebounded last weekend by completing 13-of-17 passes for 164 yards a touchdown. He also ran three times for 31 yards and a TD. The senior accomplished all of that in just one half of JMU’s 56-7 win over North Carolina Central.
For a complete rundown of each athlete’s season statistics check out page 4 of the weekly release.
UMass’ Coen, Towson’s Schaefer Among 2008’s Best Signal Callers
Massachusetts’ Liam Coen and Towson’s Sean Schaefer enter this weekend at the top of the NCAA career records among ACTIVE FCS QUARTERBACKS.
Both make up the Top-2 in four major passing categories. Below is a breakdown of where each ranks in those four statistical groups:
Pass Attempts
1. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 1,234
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 1,024
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 1,010
Pass Completions
1. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 788
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 659
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 570
Passing Yards
1. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 8,931
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 8,769
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 7,047
Passing Touchdowns
1. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 72
2. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 56
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 54
Bring On The BCS/FBS
With New Hampshire’s 28-10 win at Army, Sept. 6, 2008, CAA Football has now won 16 games versus BCS/FBS opponents in the last 11 years (12 different opponents).
The league also boasts at least one win over the BCS/FBS level in six of the last seven seasons, and nine of the last 11 seasons.
CAA Football sports an 11-year record of 16-65 (.198) against BCS/FBS level opponents dating back to 1997.
All 12 CAA Football squads are slated to play an BCS/FBS foe in 2008, while Northeastern will face two this season including Ball State and Syracuse.
For a complete list of CAA Football’s wins over BCS/FBS opponents check out page 18 of the weekly release.
CAA Football Partners With Circuit City
One of the nation’s largest consumer electronic retailers has teamed up with CAA Football to promote the nation’s best FCS Conference.
CAA Football, and some of its member schools, have given Circuit City the right to use past-player images in its weekly advertisements, in-store television ads, online promotions and nationally-aired television commercials over the course of the 2008 season.
Checkout all of the promotions which include CAA Football images online at circuitcity.com.
UMass’ Coen Garners CAA Football’s Second National Honor In As Many Weeks
Massachusetts’ Liam Coen garnered recognition as The Sports Network’s National Offensive Player of the Week, after logging the league’s Offensive Player of the Week honor. The Sports Network and College Sporting News, both publications which devote major coverage to the FCS level of college football, will select National Player of the Week honorees following each week of competition during the 2008 regular season.
After just two weeks of play CAA Football has already garnered recognition twice -- equalling the season-high totals of the Missouri Valley and Big South Conferences.
CAA Football athletes were honored nine of the 12 weeks in 2007, and boasted a total of 15 national winners. CAA Football’s total trailed only the Southern Conference’s 16 National Player of the Week honorees last season.
Check out page 17 of the weekly release for a complete rundown of CAA Football’s National Players of the Week.
Payton/Buchanan Watch
The Sports Network released its 2008 Preseason Watch lists for both the Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan awards. CAA Football had two on the Payton Watch List -- UMass’ Liam Coen and James Madison’s Rodney Landers -- and one on the Buck Buchanan Watch List -- Maine’s Jovan Belcher. The Walter Payton Award is given to the most outstanding offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision, while the Buck Buchanan Award is awarded to the most outstanding defensive player in FCS.
Several other league players may be added to the watch lists over the course of the season -- below are some of those names (including their to-date stats) along with those already on the lists.
Walter Payton Award
-- Liam Coen, QB (Massachusetts) - 35-56-0-487 pass yds, 62.5%, 6 TD, 243.5 pass yds/game, 11-487-498 total yds, 249.0 total yds/game
-- Rodney Landers, QB (James Madison) - 17-26-1-215 pass yds, 65.4%, 1 TD, 107.5 pass yds/game, 19-127 rush yds, 2 TD, 63.5 rush yds/game, 127-215-342 total yds, 171.0 total yds/game
-- Kevin Grayson, WR (Richmond) - 15-232 rec. yds, 1 TD, 116.0 rec. yds/game, 116.0 all-purpose yds/game
-- Eugene Holloman, RB (James Madison) - 27-143 rush yds, 1 TD, 71.5 rush yds/game
-- Sean Schaefer, QB (Towson) - 47-72-2-573 pass yds, 65.3%, 5 TD, 286.5 pass yds/game, (-22)-573-551 total yds, 275.5 total yds/game
-- Antwon Young, QB (Villanova) - 17-33-2-218 pass yds, 51.5%, 0 TD, 218.0 pass yds/game, 18-66 rush yds, 1 TD, 13.0 rush yds/game, 13-218-231 total yds, 231.0 total yds/game
Buck Buchanan Award
-- Jovan Belcher, DL (Maine) - 2 G, 9 solo, 10 assisted, 19 total, 3.5-10 TFL, 1.0-3 sacks, 1 PBU
-- Tim Kukucka, DL (Villanova) - 1 G, 0 solo, 2 assisted, 2 total
-- Matt Marcorelle, DL (Delaware) - 1 G, 2 solo, 2 assisted, 4 total, 0.5-0 TFL
-- Lawrence Sidbury, DL (Richmond) - 2 G, 4 solo, 4 assisted, 8 total, 2.5-7 TFL, 1.0-4 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF
-- Sean Smalls, DB (Massachusetts) - 2 G, 4 solo, 2 assisted, 6 total, 2 PBU
CAA Football In The NFL
As of Sept. 9 a total of 32 CAA Football alumni and one head coach were listed among NFL franchises player personnel (athletes who exhausted their NCAA eligibility in CAA Football). Below is a list of CAA Football alums, the teams they are part of and each players’ statistics and results from the most recent week of NFL contests. **The list includes head coaches, active rosters, practice squads, suspended players and injured reserve/physically unable to perform.
Player - Alma Mater - NFL Franchise - Roster Status
- Mike Adams - Delaware - Cleveland Browns - Active Roster
-- 8 tackles vs DAL (L 10-28) --
- Stephen Bowen - Hofstra - Dallas Cowboys - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs CLE (W 28-10) --
- Jermon Bushrod - Towson - New Orleans Saints - Active Roster
-- not active vs TB (W 24-20) --
- Willie Colon - Hofstra - Pittsburgh Steelers - Active Roster
-- started on Offensive Line vs HOU (W 38-17) --
- Marques Colston - Hofstra - New Orleans Saints - Active Roster
-- 3-26 receiving yards vs TB (W 24-20) --
- Mike DeVito - Maine - New York Jets - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs MIA (W 20-14) --
- Brian Finneran - Villanova - Atlanta Falcons - Active Roster
-- saw action vs DET (W 34-21) --
- Joe Flacco - Delaware - Baltimore Ravens - Active Roster
-- 15-29-0-129 passing yards, 4-37 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD vs CIN (W 17-10) --
- Corey Graham - New Hampshire - Chicago Bears - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs IND (W 29-13) --
- Tim Hightower - Richmond - Arizona Cardinals - Active Roster
-- 8-13 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 3-21 receiving yards vs SF (W 23-13) --
- Akeem Jordan - James Madison - Philadelphia Eagles - Active Roster
-- 3 tackles vs STL (W 38-3) --
- Dan Kreider - New Hampshire - St. Louis Rams - Active Roster
-- saw action vs PHI (L 3-38) --
- Mike Leach - William and Mary - Denver Broncos - Active Roster
-- saw action vs OAK (W 41-14) --
- Paris Lenon - Richmond - Detroit Lions - Active Roster
-- 3 tackles, 1 pass deflection vs ATL (L 21-34) --
- Brandon London - Massachusetts - Miami Dolphins - Active Roster
-- saw action vs NYJ (L 14-20) --
- Brandon McGowan - Maine - Chicago Bears - Active Roster
-- 3 tackles, 1 pass deflection vs IND (W 29-13) --
- Montell Owens - Maine - Jacksonville Jaguars - Active Roster
-- 2 tackles vs TEN (L 10-17) --
- Ben Patrick - Delaware - Arizona Cardinals - Active Roster
-- started at Tight End vs SF (W 23-13) --
- Darren Sharper - William and Mary - Minnesota Vikings - Active Roster
-- 3 tackles vs GB (L 19-24) --
- Mike Tomlin - William and Mary - Pittsburgh Steelers - Head Coach
-- 38-17 winners over HOU --
- Raymond Ventrone - Villanova - New England Patriots - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs KC (W 17-10) --
- Brian Westbrook - Villanova - Philadelphia Eagles - Active Roster
-- 9-91 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2-1 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD vs STL (W 38-3) --
- Kyle Arrington - Hofstra - Philadelphia Eagles - Practice Squad
- Stephen Cooper - Maine - San Diego Chargers - Reserve Suspended
- Anthony Cotrone - Maine - Jacksonville Jaguars - Injured Reserve
- Omar Cuff - Delaware - Cleveland Browns - Practice Squad
- Christian Gaddis - Villanova - Cleveland Browns - Practice Squad
- James Ihedigbo - Massachusetts - New York Jets - Practice Squad
- Shemiah LeGrande - Hofstra - Detroit Lions - Injured Reserve
- Kevin McMahan - Maine - Kansas City Chiefs - Practice Squad
- Matt Mulligan - Maine - Miami Dolphins - Practice Squad
- Matt Sherry - Villanova - Cincinnati Bengals - Injured Reserve
- Arman Shields - Richmond - Oakland Raiders - Injured Reserve
#6/6 DELAWARE (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts West Chester (1-1)
Next Week: at #RV/23 Furman (1-1)
-- Anthony Walters earned CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week last week after an impressive day in Delaware’s 14-7 loss at Maryland. The sophomore made a team-high 13 tackles from his cornerback position, which also marked a career-best for the second-year player. The Philadelphia, Pa., native also garnered an interception during the third quarter.
-- The game at Maryland was played before a national ESPN audience and 49,119 fans, the biggest crowd Delaware has every played in front of. The previous highest crowd that Delaware played in front of was vs. Temple in 1974 when the Delaware-Temple game drew 37,265 fans to Veteran’s Stadium in Philadelphia, Pa.
-- Mark Duncan caught three passes against Maryland to reach 101 for his career, becoming just the 13th player in UD history to reach the mark.
-- True freshman Rob McDowell started at left guard against Maryland, becoming the first true freshman lineman to start the opener for Delaware since 1951.
HOFSTRA (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Albany (0-1)
Next Week: hosts Rhode Island (1-1, 0-0)
-- The Pride opened the season on an auspicious note as senior QB and tri-captain Bryan Savage was unable to play due to a lower back injury. That caused the reins to be passed to junior Cory Christopher just 15 minutes before game time.
-- Christopher, who practiced most of the UConn game-week as a wide receiver, was 17-of-28 passing for 130 yards and rushed 21 times for 25 yards to post 155 of Hofstra 170 yards of total offense.
-- The Pride is 64-49 (.569) in regular season play since the start of the 1998 season. Hofstra has posted a 96-59-1 (.623) record since becoming a member of FCS in 1994.
-- Hofstra announced Sept. 4, that starting quarterback Bryan Savage will miss the
2008 season due to a herniated disc in his back. Christopher will now continue as the starting quarterback for the Pride.
#7/7 JAMES MADISON (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts #3/5 Massachusetts (2-0, 0-0)
Next Week: hosts #1/2 Appalachian State (1-1)
-- James Madison’s 56-point output against North Carolina Central mark the most points the Dukes have scored since beating Delaware State 65-7 in 2005.
-- Junior kick/punt returner Scotty McGee returned a punt 38 yards for a touchdown in the win over North Carolina Central -- JMU’s first punt return for a score since L.C. Baker had a 57-yarder vs. Maine in 2005.
-- Senior free safety Marcus Haywood recorded two interceptions in the Dukes’ win over North Carolina Central -- totalling 48 yards. Haywood became the first Duke with two interceptions in a game since 2003 when Rondell Bradley had two against Richmond.
-- JMU led 35-0 at halftime against North Carolina Central -- scoring on each of its five first-half series. The Dukes then scored on their first two series of second half to lead 49-0 with 9:57 left in the third quarter.
MAINE (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Stony Brook (1-1)
Next Week: at #4/4 Richmond (1-1, 0-0)
-- Maine earned its first win of the 2008 season Saturday with a 21-17 come-from-behind victory at Monmouth.
-- Quarterback Adam Farkes completed 17-of-27 passes for 207 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
-- Seven different players caught a pass in the win over Monmouth, including sophomore wideout Jeremy Kelley and redshirt freshman tight end Derek Buttles, who each hauled in their first career touchdowns. Maine has had at least six different players catch a pass in five-straight games dating back to last season.
-- Tailback Jhamal Fluellen rushed for 102 yards, marking the second-straight game he topped the century mark in rushing. He also finished with 113 all-purpose yards, which moved him over the 2,000-yard mark for his career in that category.
#3/5 MASSACHUSETTS (2-0, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at #7/7 James Madison (1-1, 0-0)
Next Week: at Texas Tech (2-0)
-- Liam Coen threw for 395 yards (25-for-36, 3 TDs) in the win over Holy Cross to earn CAA Football and National Offensive Player of the Week honors. The Newport, R.I., native also ran for a one-yard score in the first quarter. Coen tallied his ninth-career 300-yard passing game, as well as his ninth-career three touchdown game. Coen’s 25 completions rank 12th most in UMass’ single-game record book, while his 395 yards through the air are the sixth-best single-game total in school history.
-- Jeremy Horne had career highs in catches with 10, receiving yards with 172 and touchdowns with two against Holy Cross. It was his first career 100-yard receiving game.
-- Armando Cuko’s game-winning 42-yard field goal against Holy Cross was a career-high and the second game-winner of his career. The first came on Oct. 15, 2005 vs. James Madison when he struck a 41-yarder to defeat the Dukes. Saturday’s kick was his first field goal of the season and first since Nov. 19, 2005 at Hofstra.
#10/10 NEW HAMPSHIRE (1-0, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at Rhode Island (1-1, 0-0)
Next Week: hosts Albany (0-1)
-- Hugo Souza, the CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week, led the Wildcats with 10 total tackles, eight of which were solo stops against Army. Souza also made two stops behind the line of scrimmage, including a sack for five yards. With just under a minute remaining in the third quarter, Souza picked up a loose ball and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown extending the New Hampshire lead to 28-10.
-- John Clements, CAA Football’s Special Teams Player of the Week, helped get the Wildcats on the board with just over two minutes remaining the first quarter by returning a kickoff 87 yards for a game-tying touchdown. The return was Clements’ first for a touchdown and the longest return of his career.
-- New Hampshire knocked off its fourth-straight FBS opponent in five years with the 28-10 victory over Army. UNH also defeated Rutgers in 2004, Northwestern in 2006 and Marshall in 2007 -- the Wildcats did not face an FBS foe in 2005. Head Coach Sean McDonnell was the head coach for all four victories over FBS foes.
NORTHEASTERN (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at #17/15 Georgia Southern (1-1)
Next Week: at Syracuse (0-2)
-- The Huskies had 324 yards of total offense in their game against Ball State, the most by Northeastern in a game against an FBS team since putting up 455 yards against Connecticut in 2000.
-- Two Huskies picked up their first career touchdowns -- sophomore Greg Abelli had a 20-yard rushing TD while sophomore Conor Gilmartin-Donohue caught a 10-yard TD pass from senior John Sperrazza.
-- Senior quarterback Anthony Orio moved into fifth place all-time in NU history in passing yards, surpassing Chris Aylward (1972-74), who had 3,516 yards. Orio now stands at 3,631 yards.
-- Northeastern will be on the road again next week when it takes on its second FBS foe of 2008. The Huskies will travel to Syracuse, having already fell at Ball State in the season-opener, 48-14, Aug. 28.
RHODE ISLAND (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts #10/10 New Hampshire (1-0, 0-0)
Next Week: at Hofstra (0-1, 0-0)
-- Tim Edger placed five punts inside the 20-yard line against Fordham, including a pair inside the five. Edger punted 10 times on the day for an average of 42.8 yards.
-- The Rams have only been shutout three times in their last 70 games after falling to Fordham Sunday afternoon.
-- Derek Cassidy completed 25-of-41 passes for 200 yards against Fordham, marking the second-consecutive game he has thrown for 200 yards or more.
-- Junior Joe Bellini caught a career-high four passes for a team-high 62 yards receiving.
-- The Rams’ game against Fordham was postponed one day due to Tropical Storm Hanna. The two teams went through all pre-game warmups prior Saturday’s originally scheduled kickoff time of 6 p.m., then officials postponed the game.
#4/4 RICHMOND (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Towson (1-1, 0-0)
Next Week: hosts Maine (1-1, 0-0)
-- The loss at Virginia snapped the Spiders’ eight-game winning streak in the regular season, dating back to Oct. 6, 2007 when Towson scored a game-winning TD as time expired. Towson is Richmond’s opponent this weekend at UR Stadium.
-- The Spiders were limited to just 19 yards rushing on 27 attempts. It represented the least production from Richmond’s ground game since 12 yards (20 carries) at Villanova in 2006.
-- Kevin Grayson reeled in eight catches for 111 yards against Virginia to mark his third-consecutive 100-yard receiving game (dating back to last season). The reigning CAA Football Offensive Rookie of the Year now has six for his career.
-- Jordan Shoop recorded the first interception of his career Saturday and his 63-yard return figures as the 11th-longest in Spider history. It stands as the longest return by a Spider since Jeff Nixon’s 64-yarder vs. Cincinnati in 1978.
TOWSON (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at #4/4 Richmond (1-1, 0-0)
Next Week: at Coastal Carolina (0-1)
-- After trailing 16-7 at halftime, the Tigers rallied for a 21-16 win over local rival Morgan State in their home opener at Johnny Unitas ® Stadium ... The victory was Towson’s 16th win in 21 games against Morgan and the Tigers’ fourth-straight win over the Bears ... The win also ended a six-game losing streak dating back to last season.
-- Sean Schaefer completed 18-of-25 passes for 243 yards and three TD’s in the victory ... With his 243 passing yards, he became Towson’s career leader with 8,931 passing yards, breaking the record set by Dan Crowley ... He also moved past Shane Stafford and Mike Buck into sixth place on the CAA career passing yardage list.
-- When the Tigers open their CAA schedule at Richmond Saturday, they will be seeking their third-straight win over the Spiders ... Last season, Towson pulled out a 23-21 win over Richmond when Sean Schaefer drove the Tigers 67 yards in 22 seconds and threw a game-winning TD pass to Demetrius Harrison on the final play of the game.
#21/21 VILLANOVA (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Lehigh (1-0)
Next Week: at Penn (0-0)
-- The sellout crowd of 60,566 at West Virginia was the largest road crowd that Villanova has ever played in front of. The previous record was 50,409 at Air Force on Sept. 4, 1999.
-- Despite having more total yards than the Mountaineers (211 to 193) and dominating the time of possession in the first half (20:32 to 9:28) Villanova trailed 24-7 at intermission.
-- Junior guard Brian Brannigan started his 23rd consecutive game on the offensive line for the Wildcats.
-- The loss to West Virginia drops the Wildcats to 13-11 in season openers under head coach Andy Talley. Of the 11 losses, eight have come against FBS opponents.
-- Wide receiver Brandyn Harvey tied a career-high with five receptions at WVU.
WILLIAM AND MARY (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts VMI (1-0)
Next Week: hosts Norfolk State (1-1)
-- Derek Cox’s interception return for a touchdown against NC State in the first quarter was the team’s first since a pair of Tribe players accomplished the feat against Villanova on Oct. 29, 2005.
-- Eight Tribe players made their first career start on Saturday evening against the Wolfpack (junior TE Rob Varno, sophomores Chase Hill, WR; Terrence Riggins, TB; Ben Cottingham, CB; and Michael Alvarado, S; and redshirt freshmen Jake Marcey, OT; Harold Robertson, NT; and linebacker Jake Trantin).
-- Senior placekicker Brian Pate got his season off to a strong start by nailing a 43-yard field goal, converting all three extra point attempts and booting his first kickoff of the year through the end zone for a touchback.
-- The Tribe played one true freshman on the evening, tailback Jonathan Grimes ... Grimes rushed five times for 30 yards and also contributed four catches.
#10/10 NEW HAMPSHIRE AT RHODE ISLAND
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 12:00 pm
Meade Stadium (6,555), Kingston, R.I.
Television: CN8, CSS - Jeff Rickard (pbp), Bob Norton (analyst), John Carchedi (sideline), Bob Johnson (producer), Bob Allen (director)
Series: New Hampshire leads 49-28-5
Last Meeting: Oct. 27, 2007, New Hampshire 49-36 in Durham, N.H.
New Hampshire (1-0, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Sean McDonnell (New Hampshire, 1978)
Career: 61-47 (10 years)
School: 61-47 (10 years)
Offense
Rushing: Sean Jellison (1 G, 10-84 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: R.J. Toman (1 G, 12-17-1-138 yards, 0 TD)
Receiving: Mike Boyle (1 G, 4-57 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Hugo Souza (1 G, 8 solo, 2 assisted, 10 total)
Sacks: Devon Jackson (1 G, 1.0-8 yards)
Interceptions: None
Rhode Island (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Darren Rizzi (Rhode Island, 1992)
Career: 16-15 (3 years)
School: 1-1 (First year)
Offense
Rushing: Jimmy Hughes (2 G, 24-69 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Derek Cassidy (2 G, 43-72-0-457 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Tyquan Bynum (2 G, 8-51 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Matt Hansen (2 G, 11 solo, 5 assisted, 16 total)
Sacks: Steven Weedon (2 G, 1.0-8 yards)
Interceptions: Matt Hansen (2 G, 1-20 yards)
TOWSON AT #4/4 RICHMOND
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 3:00 pm
UR Stadium (21,319), Richmond, Va.
Series: Series Tied 2-2
Last Meeting: Oct. 6, 2007, Towson 23-21 in Towson, Md.
Towson (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Gordy Combs (Towson, 1972)
Career: 90-82 (17 years)
School: 90-82 (17 years)
Offense
Rushing: Matt Castor (2 G, 24-96 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Sean Schaefer (2 G, 47-72-2-573 yards, 5 TD)
Receiving: David Newsom (2 G, 12-106 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Jordan Manning (2 G, 12 solo, 10 assisted, 22 total)
Sacks: None
Interceptions: None
Richmond (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Mike London (Richmond, 1983)
Career: 1-1 (First year)
School: 1-1 (First year)
Offense
Rushing: Josh Vaughan (2 G, 30-171 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Eric Ward (2 G, 33-55-2-411 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Kevin Grayson (2 G, 15-232 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Collin McConaghy (2 G, 8 solo, 6 assisted, 14 total)
Sacks: Pierre Turner (2 G, 2.0-22 yards)
Interceptions: Jordan Shoop (2 G, 1-63 yards)
#3/5 MASSACHUSETTS AT #7/7 JAMES MADISON
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 3:30 pm
Bridgeforth Stadium (15,500), Harrisonburg, Va.
Television: CN8, CSS - Scott Graham (pbp), Jon Ritchie (analyst), Gregg Murphy (sideline), Bob Anderson (producer), John Anderson (director)
Series: Massachusetts leads 7-4-1
Last Meeting: Oct. 15, 2005, Massachusetts 10-7 in Amherst, Mass.
Massachusetts (2-0, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Don Brown (Norwich, 1977)
Career: 90-40 (12 years)
School: 38-14 (5 years)
Offense
Rushing: Tony Nelson (2 G, 42-253 yards, 3 TD)
Passing: Liam Coen (2 G, 35-56-0-487 yards, 6 TD)
Receiving: Jeremy Horne (2 G, 14-209 yards, 3 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Josh Jennings (2 G, 7 solo, 12 assisted, 19 total)
Sacks: Josh Jennings (2 G, 1.0-12 yards)
Interceptions: Josh Jennings (2 G, 1-3 yards)
James Madison (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Mickey Matthews (West Texas State, 1976)
Career: 65-45 (10 years)
School: 65-45 (10 years)
Offense
Rushing: Eugene Holloman (2 G, 27-143 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Rodney Landers (2 G, 17-26-1-215 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Mike Caussin (2 G, 4-56 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Marcus Haywood (2 G, 10 solo, 9 assisted, 19 total)
Sacks: J.D. Skolnitsky (2 G, 1.0-9 yards)
Interceptions: Marcus Haywood (2 G, 2-48 yards)
LEHIGH AT #21/21 VILLANOVA
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 1:00 pm
Villanova Stadium (12,000), Villanova, Pa.
Series: Lehigh leads 5-4
Last Meeting: Sept. 8, 2007, Villanova 30-20 in Bethlehem, Pa.
Lehigh (1-0)
Coach: Andy Coen (Gettysburg, 1986)
Career: 12-11 (3 years)
School: 12-11 (3 years)
Offense
Rushing: Matt McGowan (1 G, 39-172 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: J.B. Clark (1 G, 9-12-0-146 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Mike Fitzgerald (1 G, 3-39 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Brian Jackson (1 G, 4 solo, 3 assisted, 7 total)
Sacks: Tim Diamond (1 G, 0.5-3 yards)
Interceptions: Matt Cohen (1 G, 1-0 yards)
Villanova (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Andy Talley (Southern Connecticut, 1967)
Career: 183-117-2 (29 years)
School: 155-99-1 (24 years)
Offense
Rushing: Aaron Ball (1 G, 15-55 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Antwon Young (1 G, 17-33-2-218 yards, 0 TD)
Receiving: Brandyn Harvey (1 G, 5-85 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Darrel Young (1 G, 3 solo, 6 assisted, 9 total)
Sacks: None
Interceptions: Frederick Maldonado (1 G, 1-0 yards)
WEST CHESTER AT #6/6 DELAWARE
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 6:00 pm
Delaware Stadium (22,000), Newark, Del.
Series: Delaware leads 42-6-1
Last Meeting: Sept. 8, 2007, Delaware 41-14 in Newark, Del.
West Chester (1-1)
Coach: Bill Zwaan (Delaware, 1979)
Career: 100-33 (12 years)
School: 46-19 (6 years)
Offense
Rushing: D’Andre Webb (2 G, 24-116 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Joe Wright (2 G, 34-54-4-601 yards, 6 TD)
Receiving: Mike Washington (2 G, 10-220 yards, 3 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Greg Smith (2 G, 7 solo, 9 assisted, 16 total)
Sacks: Mike Walter (2 G, 1.0-5 yards)
Interceptions: Jeff Broyan (2 G, 1-5 yards)
Delaware (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: K.C. Keeler (Delaware, 1981)
Career: 140-48-1 (15 years)
School: 52-27 (7 years)
Offense
Rushing: Johnathon Smith (1 G, 18-57 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Robby Shoenhoft (1 G, 14-22-1-128 yards, 0 TD)
Receiving: Aaron Love (1 G, 4-49 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Anthony Walters (1 G, 9 solo, 4 assisted, 13 total)
Sacks: John Higginson (1 G, 1.0-6 yards)
Interceptions: Erik Johnson (1 G, 1-13 yards)
STONY BROOK AT MAINE
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 6:00 pm
Alfond Stadium (10,000), Orono, Maine
Television: WABI-TV Channel 5 (Maine)
Series: Stony Brook leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Oct. 20, 2007, Stony Brook 30-23 (ot) in Stony Brook, N.Y.
Stony Brook (1-1)
Coach: Chuck Priore (Albany, 1982)
Career: 51-21 (9 years)
School: 12-12 (3 years)
Offense
Rushing: Edwin Gowins (2 G, 23-269 yards, 3 TD)
Passing: Dayne Hoffman (2 G, 19-49-2-331 yards, 3 TD)
Receiving: Lynell Suggs (2 G, 6-102 yards, 2 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Tyler Santucci (2 G, 8 solo, 12 assisted, 20 total)
Sacks: James Harris (2 G, 2.0-17 yards)
Interceptions: Chris Richards (2 G, 2-0 yards)
Maine (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Jack Cosgrove (Maine, 1978)
Career: 81-91 (16 years)
School: 81-91 (16 years)
Offense
Rushing: Jhamal Fluellen (2 G, 47-206 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Adam Farkes (2 G, 26-49-2-290 yards, 3 TD)
Receiving: Landis Williams (2 G, 7-73 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Jovan Belcher (2 G, 9 solo, 10 assisted, 19 total)
Sacks: Jovan Belcher (2 G, 1.0-3 yards)
Interceptions: Brandon McLaughlin (2 G, 1-0 yards)
NORTHEASTERN AT #17/15 GEORGIA SOUTHERN
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 6:00 pm
Paulson Stadium (18,000), Statesboro, Ga.
Series: Georgia Southern leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Sept 3, 2005, Georgia Southern 41-38 (ot) in Brookline, Mass.
Northeastern (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Rocky Hager (Minot State, 1974)
Career: 106-55-1 (15 years)
School: 15-30 (5 years)
Offense
Rushing: Alex Broomfield (1 G, 18-62 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Anthony Orio (1 G, 14-30-0-149 yards, 0 TD)
Receiving: Chris Plum (1 G, 6-89 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Phil Higgins (1 G, 5 solo, 4 assisted, 9 total)
Sacks: None
Interceptions: None
Georgia Southern (1-1)
Coach: Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State, 1995)
Career: 84-17 (9 years)
School: 8-5 (2 years)
Offense
Rushing: Antonio Henton (2 G, 18-110 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Antonio Henton (2 G, 20-34-2-170 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Tim Camp (2 G, 5-62 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Chris Covington (2 G, 7 solo, 7 assisted, 14 total)
Sacks: Dakota Walker (2 G, 1.0-7 yards)
Interceptions: None
ALBANY AT HOFSTRA
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 6:00 pm
Shuart Stadium (13,000), Hempstead, N.Y.
Series: Hofstra leads 11-2
Last Meeting: Sept. 15, 2007, Hofstra 28-13 in Albany, N.Y.
Albany (0-1)
Coach: Bob Ford (Springfield, 1959)
Career: 225-163-1 (40 years)
School: 216-141 (36 years)
Offense
Rushing: David McCarty (1 G, 24-125 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Vinny Esposito (1 G, 16-30-2-172 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Tim Bush (1 G, 5-21 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Justin Brancaccio (1 G, 1 solo, 7 assisted, 8 total)
Sacks: None
Interceptions: None
Hofstra (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Dave Cohen (C.W. Post, 1988)
Career: 9-14 (3 years)
School: 9-14 (3 years)
Offense
Rushing: Cory Christopher (1 G, 21-25 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Bryan Savage (1 G, 17-28-2-130 yards, 0 TD)
Receiving: Aaron Weaver (1 G, 4-25 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Chris Edmond (1 G, 5 solo, 4 assisted, 9 total)
Sacks: None
Interceptions: Ray McDonough (1 G, 1-54 yards)
VMI AT WILLIAM AND MARY
Saturday, Sept. 13 - 7:00 pm
Zable Stadium (12,259), Williamsburg, Va.
Series: William and Mary leads 50-33
Last Meeting: Sept. 8, 2007, William and Mary 63-16 in Lexington, Va.
VMI (1-0)
Coach: Sparky Woods (Carson-Newman, 1976)
Career: 63-47-5 (11 years)
School: 1-0 (First year)
Offense
Rushing: Tim Maypray (1 G, 10-116 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Kyle Hughes (1 G, 2-6-1-19 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Mario Scott (1 G, 2-18 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: A.J. Gross (1 G, 2 solo, 4 assisted, 6 total)
Sacks: Jacob Rochester (1 G, 2.0-17 yards)
Interceptions: Greg Walker (1 G, 1-34 yards)
William and Mary (0-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Jimmye Laycock (William and Mary, 1970)
Career: 182-135-2 (29 years)
School: 182-135-2 (29 years)
Offense
Rushing: Terrance Riggins (1 G, 12-51 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Jake Phillips (1 G, 15-30-2-139 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: D.J. McAulay (1 G, 6-99 yards, 2 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Josh Rutter (1 G, 5 solo, 3 assisted, 8 total)
Sacks: Adrian Tracy (1 G, 1.0-10 yards)
Interceptions: Derek Cox (1 G, 1-45 yards)