CAA FOOTBALL WEEKLY RELEASE - SEPT. 14
CAA Football Players of the Week -- Sept. 15
After an offensive explosion in week three of the 2008 season, CAA Football announced its Player of the Week honorees, Monday, Sept. 15. Four individuals earned honors after helping their squads to wins Saturday, including James Madison’s Rodney Landers, Richmond’s Justin Rogers, Villanova’s Joe Marcoux and William and Mary’s Jonathan Grimes.
Landers, the CAA Football Offensive Player of the Week, helped the seventh-ranked Dukes upend No. 3 Massachusetts, 52-38, in front of a television audience at Bridgeforth Stadium. Landers’ numbers and performance rose to the top on a Saturday that saw UMass’ Liam Coen throw for 339 yards and three touchdowns, New Hampshire’s R.J. Toman rack up five touchdown passes and over 300 yards passing, Massachusetts’ wide receiver Victor Cruz haul in 13 catches for 262 yards and William and Mary’s Terrance Riggins run for 180 yards on just 15 carries.
Landers, a Virginia Beach, Va., native, ran for a Madison-quarterback single-game record 206 yards and a touchdown against the Minutemen. The senior also completed 4-of-6 pass attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown. During the game Landers reached the 2,000-yard mark in both career-rushing and career-passing. The Walter Payton Award candidate now has 2,040 career-rushing yards, 2,054 career-passing yards and 4,094 career yards of total offense. Landers’ award ties him with New Hampshire’s Ricky Santos, as both have now earned three CAA Football weekly honors dating back to 2007.
Rogers grabbed CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping No. 4 Richmond top Towson 45-14 in the Spiders’ home-opener. The Baton Rouge, La., native garnered a career-high two interceptions in the win, running one back 68 yards for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. His 68-yard return marked the seventh-longest in Spider history, passing a 67-yarder by Joe Stromick at Southern Mississippi in 1964. The sophomore was also in on five tackles, made one stop behind the line of scrimmage and forced a Tiger fumble. Rogers finished with 155 all-purpose yards including 72 in kickoff returns, 15 in punt returns and 68 in interception returns. The honor also puts Rogers in Landers’ and Santos’ company with three weekly CAA Football awards during his career.
Marcoux, the CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Week, used his leg in No. 21 Villanova’s 33-14 victory over Lehigh in the Wildcat’s home-opener. The Campbell Hall, N.Y., native outscored Lehigh by himself garnering 15 of the Wildcats’ 33 points on the night. Marcoux logged a career-high four field goals in the win, connecting on a 22-yard attempt, a 23-yard attempt and two 44-yard attempts. The two from 44-yards proved to be career-bests as well, topping his previous mark of 42 yards. The senior also logged three PATs in the win.
Grimes earned CAA Football Rookie of the Week honors after helping William and Mary roll over VMI, 52-17, in the Tribe’s home-opener. Grimes, a Palmyra, N.J., native carried the ball five times and contributed 97 yards to the Tribe’s ground total of 398 rushing yards. The freshman also scored twice on runs of 29 and 12 yards, while hauling in two catches for 15 yards. Grimes’ 97 yards on the ground were the most by a William and Mary freshman since Derek Fitzgerald logged 137 yards against Richmond in 1992.
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 39-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 18 games on the 2008 CAA Football Television package will include two non-conference games on CN8, one on Comcast SportsNet, six 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 third week of the season.
Only the Southern Conference 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 Missouri Valley’s two teams among the Top-10 -- the next most among the Top-10. 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 44-straight weeks. The league can now boast having at least two teams in the Sports Network Top-10 in 70 of the last 74 weeks. The last time CAA Football placed six among the Top-25 in four consecutive weeks was between Weeks 4-8 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 (18 weeks). The league’s total of six in this week’s poll mark the fourth consecutive edition with as many CAA Football squads listed, and the 11th week overall.
CAA Football’s five teams among the poll’s Top-10 mark the second-straight week the league has had more than four squads among the Top-10 -- something never accomplished prior to last week’s poll release. This week’s CAA Football squads in the Top-10 include Richmond (No. 3), James Madison (No. 5), Delaware (No. 6), Massachusetts (No. 9) and New Hampshire (No. 10).
Offensive Explosion
Saturday, Sept. 13, proved to be packed full of offensive heroics across the landscape of CAA Football.
CAA Football televised two league contests which showcased a combined 184 points and 1,892 yards of total offense between the four teams.
League athletes also filled up the stat sheet individually. Below are a few of the offensive highlights from what proved to be a thrilling day of CAA Football if you love “offense”:
-- JMU - Rodney Landers, QB: 26-206 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
-- UMASS - Liam Coen, QB: 26-of-39 passing for 339 yards and three touchdowns.
-- UMASS - Victor Cruz, WR: 13 catches for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
-- UNH - R.J. Toman, QB: 29-of-40 passing for 209 yards and five touchdowns.
-- UNH - Chad Kacker, RB: 11-164 yards rushing and one touchdown.
-- URI - Derek Cassidy, QB: 31-of-46 passing for 436 yards and three touchdowns.
-- WM - Terrance Riggins, RB: 15-180 yards rushing.
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 - 1,266
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 1,064
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 1,042
Pass Completions
1. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 809
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 685
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 585
Passing Yards
1. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 9,145
2. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 9,108
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson - 7,265
Passing Touchdowns
1. Liam Coen, Massachusetts - 75
2. Sean Schaefer, Towson - 58
3. Ryan Alexander, Davidson 55
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.
JMU’s Landers Garners CAA Football’s Fourth & Fifth National Honor In Three Weeks
James Madison’s Rodney Landers garnered recognition as The Sports Network’s National Offensive Player of the Week and College Sporting News National All-Star, 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 three weeks of play CAA Football has already garnered recognition five times (at least one honor in each of the three weeks) -- a total that is three more than any other FCS conference can boast.
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) - 61-95-1-826 pass yds, 64.2%, 9 TD, 275.3 pass yds/game, 4-826-830 total yds, 276.7 total yds/game
-- Rodney Landers, QB (James Madison) - 21-32-1-300 pass yds, 65.6%, 2 TD, 100.0 pass yds/game, 45-333 rush yds, 4 TD, 111.0 rush yds/game, 333-300-633 total yds, 211.0 total yds/game
-- Kevin Grayson, WR (Richmond) - 18-308 rec. yds, 1 TD, 102.7 rec. yds/game, 102.7 all-purpose yds/game
-- Eugene Holloman, RB (James Madison) - 27-143 rush yds, 1 TD, 71.5 rush yds/game
-- Sean Schaefer, QB (Towson) - 68-104-6-787 pass yds, 65.4%, 7 TD, 262.3 pass yds/game, 11-787-798 total yds, 266.0 total yds/game
-- Antwon Young, QB (Villanova) - 39-68-3-449 pass yds, 57.4%, 1 TD, 224.5 pass yds/game, 0-449-449 total yds, 224.5 total yds/game
Buck Buchanan Award
-- Jovan Belcher, DL (Maine) - 3 G, 11 solo, 16 assisted, 27 total, 4.5-14 TFL, 2.0-7 sacks, 1 FR, 1 PBU
-- Tim Kukucka, DL (Villanova) - 2 G, 2 solo, 4 assisted, 6 total, 1.0-1 TFL, 1 FF, 1 PBU
-- Matt Marcorelle, DL (Delaware) - 2 G, 2 solo, 2 assisted, 4 total, 0.5-0 TFL, 1 BLK
-- Lawrence Sidbury, DL (Richmond) - 3 G, 6 solo, 7 assisted, 13 total, 3.5-9 TFL, 1.0-4 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 PBU
-- Sean Smalls, DB (Massachusetts) - 3 G, 6 solo, 4 assisted, 10 total, 2 PBU
CAA Football In The NFL
As of Sept. 16 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
-- 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hurry vs PIT (L 6-10) --
- Stephen Bowen - Hofstra - Dallas Cowboys - Active Roster
-- not active vs PHI (W 41-37) --
- Jermon Bushrod - Towson - New Orleans Saints - Active Roster
-- not active vs WAS (L 24-29) --
- Willie Colon - Hofstra - Pittsburgh Steelers - Active Roster
-- started on Offensive Line vs CLE (W 10-6) --
- Marques Colston - Hofstra - New Orleans Saints - Active Roster
-- not active vs WAS (L 24-29) --
- Mike DeVito - Maine - New York Jets - Active Roster
-- saw action vs NE (L 10-19) --
- Brian Finneran - Villanova - Atlanta Falcons - Active Roster
-- saw action vs TB (L 9-24) --
- Joe Flacco - Delaware - Baltimore Ravens - Active Roster
-- bye week --
- Corey Graham - New Hampshire - Chicago Bears - Active Roster
-- saw action vs CAR (L 17-20) --
- Tim Hightower - Richmond - Arizona Cardinals - Active Roster
-- 10-24 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1-20 receiving yards vs MIA (W 31-10) --
- Akeem Jordan - James Madison - Philadelphia Eagles - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs DAL (L 37-41) --
- Dan Kreider - New Hampshire - St. Louis Rams - Active Roster
-- saw action vs NYG (L 13-41) --
- Mike Leach - William and Mary - Denver Broncos - Active Roster
-- saw action vs SD (W 39-38) --
- Paris Lenon - Richmond - Detroit Lions - Active Roster
-- 7 tackles, 1 pass deflection vs GB (L 25-48) --
- Brandon London - Massachusetts - Miami Dolphins - Active Roster
-- not active vs ARI (L 10-31) --
- Brandon McGowan - Maine - Chicago Bears - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs CAR (L 17-20) --
- Montell Owens - Maine - Jacksonville Jaguars - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs BUF (L 16-20) --
- Ben Patrick - Delaware - Arizona Cardinals - Active Roster
-- 4-30 receiving yards vs MIA (W 31-10) --
- Darren Sharper - William and Mary - Minnesota Vikings - Active Roster
-- 4 tackles, 1 pass deflection vs IND (L 15-18) --
- Mike Tomlin - William and Mary - Pittsburgh Steelers - Head Coach
-- 10-6 winners over CLE --
- Raymond Ventrone - Villanova - New England Patriots - Active Roster
-- 1 tackle vs NYJ (W 19-10) --
- Brian Westbrook - Villanova - Philadelphia Eagles - Active Roster
-- 18-58 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD, 6-45 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD vs DAL (L 37-41) --
- Drew Atchison - William and Mary - Miami Dolphins - Practice Squad
- Stephen Cooper - Maine - San Diego Chargers - Reserve Suspended
- Anthony Cotrone - Maine - Jacksonville Jaguars - Injured Reserve
- Christian Gaddis - Villanova - Cleveland Browns - Practice Squad
- Ryan Gibbons - Northeastern - Dallas Cowboys - 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 (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at #24/23 Furman (2-1)
Next Week: hosts Albany (1-1)
-- Senior Johnathon Smith enjoyed a career-game against West Chester as he ran 13 times for a team and career-high 101 yards and three touchdowns. Smith scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half, scoring on two runs of one yard and a 62-yarder.
-- The Blue Hens churned out 308 yards of rushing against West Chester, behind Smith, Jerry Butler (92 yards), Jared Bradley (78) and Phillip Thaxton (47).
-- Delaware forced two turnovers (interceptions by Anthony Walters and Charles Graves), blocked a punt (Matt Marcorelle), blocked an extra point (Julian James) and held West Chester to just 16 yards on 17 rushes without the benefit of a sack.
-- Sophomore Cody Cipalla got his first career start at strong safety after junior Anthony Bratton tore knee ligaments in practice last week.
HOFSTRA (0-2, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Rhode Island (1-2, 0-1)
Next Week: at Stony Brook (1-2)
-- The Pride dropped their home opener to Albany Saturday for just the fifth time in the last 27 openers after losses to Towson in 2006, Maine in 2003, Montana in 2002 and Delaware in 2000.
-- The Pride outgained Albany 404-309 but went just 3-of-6 in the red-zone and was 1-for-4 in the field goal department. Hofstra did not commit any turnovers despite four fumbles. Hofstra also had the ball for 36:41 of the contest.
-- Junior defensive end Joe Akabalu posted a career-best seven tackles (4-3), as did sophomore linebacker Deron Mayo (2-5). Graduate-student linebacker Anthony Vernaglia topped his previous best of four tackles at UConn with six (2-4) against Albany.
--Sophomore Everette Benjamin started at tailback against Albany and rushed for 69 yards on 19 carries as Hofstra could only muster 132 rushing yards (2.9 ypc) in the game.
#5/5 JAMES MADISON (2-1, 1-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts #1/1 Appalachian State (1-1)
Next Week: at Maine (2-1, 0-0)
-- Quarterback Rodney Landers ran for a JMU-quarterback single-game record 206 yards and a TD and threw for 85 yards and a TD against Massachusetts. Landers’ bettered his own QB game-rushing record of 171 yards in 2007 at William and Mary.
-- Junior kick/punt returner Scotty McGee returned four kickoffs for 104 yards, including a 46-yarder, and three punts for 92 yards, including a 49-yarder in the UMass game. McGee is now averaging 29.0 yards on kickoff returns and 17.1 on punt returns.
-- Sophomore Griff Yancey had the second three-touchdown rushing game of his career (last season at William and Mary was his first). Yancey rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries against the Minutemen.
-- Saturday’s contest will pit National Champions from each of the last four seasons on the same field. Appalachian State has won four of five meetings in Virginia.
MAINE (2-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at #2/3 Richmond (2-1, 1-0)
Next Week: hosts #5/5 James Madison (2-1, 1-0)
-- Quarterback Adam Farkes threw four touchdown passes and zero interceptions in leading Maine to a 28-13 win over Stony Brook Saturday.
-- Farkes has now thrown a combined seven touchdowns and no interceptions in his last two games (wins over Monmouth and Stony Brook). Farkes’ seven touchdowns have gone to four different receivers for the Black Bears.
-- Senior tailback Jhamal Fluellen topped 100 yards rushing for the third-straight game with 108 yards against Stony Brook.
-- Maine, as a team, had seven sacks in the Stony Brook game. The Black Bears were led by junior defensive end Jonas Rousseau, who recorded 3.0 sacks and forced one fumble.
-- Senior defensive back Lionel Nixon Jr. paced the Black Bears with 11 tackles
#9/9 MASSACHUSETTS (2-1, 0-1 CAA)
This Week: at Texas Tech (3-0)
Next Week: Bye Week
-- Victor Cruz had his first-career touchdown in the third quarter against James Madison. Cruz then went on to set career-highs with 13 receptions for 262 yards and added a second touchdown in the second half. The reception mark tied a school record, held by Brandon London (vs. Hofstra) and J.J. Moore (vs. Colgate) in 2005. The 262 yards, which rank as the sixth-best single-game total in league history, shattered the previous UMass record of 210 from Adrian Zullo in 1999 (vs. Richmond).
-- Tony Nelson finished with 109 yards on the ground at James Madison, which was the second time he has eclipsed the 100 yard mark this season (and third in his career).
-- The 52 points by JMU was the most points UMass has allowed to an FCS team since it lost 52-14 to Delaware Oct. 22, 1994. It also marked the most points the Minutemen have given up to any team since a 56-24 loss at the hands of NC State Sept. 28, 2002.
#10/10 NEW HAMPSHIRE (2-0, 1-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Albany (1-1)
Next Week: at Dartmouth (0-0)
-- Quarterback R.J. Toman threw five touchdown passes in the victory over Rhode Island, marking a career-best. He also completed a career-best 29-of-40 passes for another career-best passing yardage mark of 309. His five TD passes were one shy of the UNH single-game record held by Ricky Santos with six at Villanova in 2004.
-- New Hampshire’s 51 points against Rhode Island mark the most by a UNH squad since Sept. 2, 2007, against Dartmouth (52).
-- Junior running back Chad Kackert recorded career highs in rushing yards by tallying 164 on 11 carries against Rhode Island. He also recorded a career-best in all-purpose yards with 310 (164 rushing, nine receiving and 137 kickoff returns).
-- Senior wide receiver Mike Boyle caught nine passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the 51-43 win over Rhode Island.
NORTHEASTERN (0-2, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at Syracuse (0-3)
Next Week: hosts UC Davis (1-2)
-- Linebacker David Akinniyi had a big game for the Huskies at Georgia Southern, recording a career-high eight tackles, including a career-high two sacks for 23 yards. Both of Akinniyi’s sacks came on third down, putting an end to Georgia Southern drives.
-- Defensive end Mark Washington recorded a blocked kick for the Huskies at Georgia Southern. Washington is only in his second career game with the football team after spending four seasons as a member of the men’s basketball team.
-- Northeastern’s offense excelled in the first half against Georgia Southern, gaining 291 total yards and scoring 24 points. However, it scored just three points in the second half despite having 161 yards.
-- Anthony Orio passed for a career-high 287 yards on 24-of-38 attempts against Georgia Southern.
RHODE ISLAND (1-2, 0-1 CAA)
This Week: at Hofstra (0-2, 0-0)
Next Week: at Boston College (1-1)
-- Despite the loss to New Hampshire, the Rams racked up a season-high 517 yards of total offense and threw for 480 yards. URI’s 480 yards through the air is the fourth-highest single-game total in school history. Both Rhode Island and New Hampshire (509) combined for 1,026 yards of total offense.
-- Derek Cassidy threw for a career-high 436 yards in the loss to New Hampshire. The senior completed 34-of-61 passes and accounted for four Rhody touchdowns, passing for three and running for one. Cassidy’s 436-yard passing performance ranks as the seventh-highest single-game total in school history.
-- Brandon Johnson-Farrell caught a season-high eight passes for 83 yards in the New Hampshire game. The freshman also had a league-record nine kickoff returns for 196 yards.
#2/3 RICHMOND (2-1, 1-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Maine (2-1, 0-0)
Next Week: at #19/19 Villanova (1-1, 0-0)
-- With the win over Towson, then-No. 4 Richmond improved to 42-25 when playing as a ranked team (in the Sports Network poll) since the 1993 season, but an impressive 11-3 since the start of 2007.
-- As a team, Towson accounted for just 55 yards rushing on 27 carries to mark the third-straight opponent under 100 yards on the ground versus Richmond. Elon had just 22 yards on the ground, while Virginia managed just 91.
-- The two interceptions each for Derek Hatcher and Justin Rogers against Towson were career highs, but one shy of the single-game school record of three held by six different Spiders (including head coach Mike London and assistant coach Scott Burton).
-- John Crone carried the ball four times for 24 yards Saturday - nearly half of his previous career rushing totals. The senior entered the game with 40 yards rushing - 33 coming in 2005 vs. VMI. He also scored his first career rushing TD.
TOWSON (1-2, 0-1 CAA)
This Week: at Coastal Carolina (1-2)
Next Week: hosts Columbia (0-0)
-- The Tigers faced Richmond without three of their regular starters who sat out the game with injuries -- defensive back Drew Mack, wide receiver Tommy Breaux and tailback Matt Castor. Sophomore Jas Lee Rouson made the first start of his career at running back.
-- Sean Schaefer endured one of the most difficult games of his career against Richmond. Although he completed 21-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, he was intercepted four times. It marked the first time he had been intercepted four times in a game since the first contest of his career - a win over Morgan State in 2005.
-- Although senior Marcus Lee has caught only six passes for 61 yards this season, he has made his receptions count -- three of his receptions have been for touchdowns. With three catches for 25 yards at Richmond, Lee has now caught at least one pass in 36 consecutive games.
#19/19 VILLANOVA (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: at Penn (0-0)
Next Week: hosts #2/3 Richmond (2-1, 1-0)
-- With the 33-14 win over Lehigh Saturday, Villanova is now 27-5 in the month of September versus FCS opponents dating back to the 1997 season.
-- The Wildcats are now 18-6 in home openers during the career of head coach Andy Talley
-- Junior guard Brian Brannigan missed the Lehigh game due to an achilles injury, snapping Brannigan’s streak of 23 consecutive starts.
-- Joe Marcoux earned the CAA Football Special Teams Player of the Week honor after outscoring Lehigh by himself. The Campbell Hall, N.Y., native garnered 15 of the Wildcats’ 33 points on the night. Marcoux logged a career-high four field goals in the win, connecting on a 22-yard attempt, a 23-yard attempt and two 44-yard attempts. The two from 44-yards proved to be career-bests as well, topping his previous mark of 42 yards.
WILLIAM AND MARY (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
This Week: hosts Norfolk State (2-1)
Next Week: Bye Week
-- Terrance Riggins had a career-night against the Keydets, rushing for 180 yards on just 15 carries (12 yds/carry). Riggins had 108 yards on nine first half carries and only touched the ball six more times over the final 30 minutes. His 180-yard total is the 10th-best single-game feat in school history. The last time a Tribe back has rushed for more yards came in 2002 (Jon Smith vs. UNH ? 198 yards).
-- Jonathan Grimes rushed for 97 yards on just five carries and scored twice in the win over VMI, helping him earn CAA Football Rookie of the Week honors. His 97 yards on the ground are the most for a Tribe freshman since Derek Fitzgerald ran for 137 vs. Richmond in 1992.
-- The Tribe’s 398 rushing yards against the Keydets was the most for the College since the 1999 season, when the team rang up 433 yards on the ground against Villanova.
RHODE ISLAND AT HOFSTRA
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 1:00 pm
Shuart Stadium (13,000), Hempstead, N.Y.
Series: Hofstra leads 16-6
Last Meeting: Sept. 22, 2007, Hofstra 37-24 in Kingston, R.I.
Rhode Island (1-2, 0-1 CAA)
Coach: Darren Rizzi (Rhode Island, 1992)
Career: 16-16 (3 years)
School: 1-2 (First year)
Offense
Rushing: Jimmy Hughes (3 G, 29-81 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Derek Cassidy (3 G, 77-133-1-893 yards, 5 TD)
Receiving: Joe Bellini (3 G, 15-197 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Matt Hansen (3 G, 16 solo, 11 assisted, 27 total)
Sacks: Steven Weedon (3 G, 1.0-8 yards)
Interceptions: Matt Hansen (3 G, 1-20 yards)
Hofstra (0-2, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Dave Cohen (C.W. Post, 1988)
Career: 9-15 (3 years)
School: 9-15 (3 years)
Offense
Rushing: Everette Benjamin (2 G, 20-77 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Cory Christopher (2 G, 44-66-2-402 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Anthony Nelson (2 G, 12-103 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Chris Edmond (2 G, 10 solo, 6 assisted, 16 total)
Sacks: Luke Bonus (2 G, 1.5-6 yards)
Interceptions: Ray McDonough (2 G, 1-54 yards)
MAINE AT #2/3 RICHMOND
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 3:00 pm
UR Stadium (21,319), Richmond, Va.
Series: Series Tied 10-10
Last Meeting: Sept. 17, 2005, Richmond 36-21 in Orono, Maine
Maine (2-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Jack Cosgrove (Maine, 1978)
Career: 82-91 (16 years)
School: 82-91 (16 years)
Offense
Rushing: Jhamal Fluellen (3 G, 64-314 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Adam Farkes (3 G, 38-71-2-438 yards, 7 TD)
Receiving: Landis Williams (3 G, 10-83 yards, 2 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)
Richmond (2-1, 1-0 CAA)
Coach: Mike London (Richmond, 1983)
Career: 2-1 (First year)
School: 2-1 (First year)
Offense
Rushing: Josh Vaughan (3 G, 50-274 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Eric Ward (3 G, 44-71-2-559 yards, 4 TD)
Receiving: Kevin Grayson (3 G, 18-308 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Collin McConaghy (3 G, 12 solo, 8 assisted, 20 total)
Sacks: Pierre Turner (3 G, 2.0-22 yards)
Interceptions: Justin Rogers (3 G, 2-68 yards)
ALBANY AT #10/10 NEW HAMPSHIRE
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 12:00 pm
Cowell Stadium (6,500), Durham, N.H.
Series: First Meeting
Albany (1-1)
Coach: Bob Ford (Springfield, 1959)
Career: 226-163-1 (40 years)
School: 217-141 (36 years)
Offense
Rushing: David McCarty (2 G, 51-303 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Vinny Esposito (2 G, 26-52-2-274 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Tim Bush (2 G, 11-79 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Justin Brancaccio (2 G, 10 solo, 13 assisted, 23 total)
Sacks: Jake Ciccarello (2 G, 1.0-7 yards)
Interceptions: None
New Hampshire (2-0, 1-0 CAA)
Coach: Sean McDonnell (New Hampshire, 1978)
Career: 62-47 (10 years)
School: 62-47 (10 years)
Offense
Rushing: Chad Kackert (2 G, 23-232 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: R.J. Toman (2 G, 41-57-2-447 yards, 5 TD)
Receiving: Mike Boyle (2 G, 13-189 yards, 2 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Hugo Souza (2 G, 12 solo, 6 assisted, 18 total)
Sacks: Devon Jackson (2 G, 1.0-8 yards)
Interceptions: Ryan Hinds (2 G, 1-21 yards)
#6/6 DELAWARE AT #24/23 FURMAN
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 2:00 pm
Paladin Stadium (16,000), Greenville, S.C.
Series: Furman leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Nov. 26, 1988, Furman 21-7 in Greenville, S.C.
Delaware (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: K.C. Keeler (Delaware, 1981)
Career: 141-48-1 (15 years)
School: 53-27 (7 years)
Offense
Rushing: Johnathon Smith (2 G, 31-158 yards, 4 TD)
Passing: Robby Shoenhoft (2 G, 28-48-2-322 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Kervin Michaud (2 G, 10-78 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Anthony Walters (2 G, 12 solo, 4 assisted, 16 total)
Sacks: John Higginson (2 G, 1.0-6 yards)
Interceptions: Anthony Walters (2 G, 2-10 yards)
Furman (2-1)
Coach: Bobby Lamb (Furman, 1986)
Career: 51-25 (7 years)
School: 51-25 (7 years)
Offense
Rushing: Mike Brown (3 G, 44-243 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Jordan Sorrells (3 G, 55-86-2-642 yards, 7 TD)
Receiving: Adam Mims (3 G, 16-188 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Brandon Williams (3 G, 13 solo, 10 assisted, 23 total)
Sacks: Brandon Williams (3 G, 2.0-15 yards)
Interceptions: Ryan Steed (3 G, 1-15 yards)
NORTHEASTERN AT SYRACUSE
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 3:30 pm
Carrier Dome (49,262), Syracuse, N.Y.
Series: First Meeting
Northeastern (0-2, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Rocky Hager (Minot State, 1974)
Career: 106-56-1 (15 years)
School: 15-31 (5 years)
Offense
Rushing: Alex Broomfield (2 G, 48-188 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Anthony Orio (2 G, 38-68-0-436 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Chris Plum (2 G, 9-159 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Phil Higgins (2 G, 8 solo, 9 assisted, 17 total)
Sacks: David Akinniyi (2 G, 2.0-23 yards)
Interceptions: None
Syracuse (0-3)
Coach: Greg Robinson (Pacific, 1975)
Career: 7-31 (4 years)
School: 7-31 (4 years)
Offense
Rushing: Curtis Brinkley (3 G, 44-213 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Cameron Dantley (2 G, 26-52-2-245 yards, 4 TD)
Receiving: Donte Davis (3 G, 11-118 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Jake Flaherty (3 G, 12 solo, 11 assisted, 23 total)
Sacks: Nick Santiago (3 G, 1.5-7 yards)
Interceptions: Derrell Smith (3 G, 1-4 yards)
#19/19 VILLANOVA AT PENN
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 3:30 pm
Franklin Field (52,958), Philadelphia, Pa.
Television: CN8 - Jeff Rickard (pbp), Bob Norton (analyst), Jeff Shurilla (sideline), Tony Smith (producer), Drexel Wright (director)
Series: Villanova leads 7-5
Last Meeting: Sept. 22, 2007, Villanova 34-14 in Villanova, Pa.
Villanova (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Andy Talley (Southern Connecticut, 1967)
Career: 184-117-2 (29 years)
School: 156-99-1 (24 years)
Offense
Rushing: Aaron Ball (2 G, 32-121 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Antwon Young (2 G, 39-68-3-449 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Brandyn Harvey (2 G, 8-117 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Ross Ventrone (2 G, 6 solo, 5 assisted, 11 total)
Sacks: Greg Miller (2 G, 1,0-9 yards)
Interceptions: Frederick Maldonado (2 G, 2-8 yards)
Penn (0-0)
Coach: Al Bagnoli (Central Connecticut, 1975)
Career: 190-63 (25 years)
School: 103-44 (15 years)
Offense (category leader who returns in 2008)
Rushing: Michael DiMaggio (9 G, 92-376 yards, 3 TD)
Passing: Robert Irvin (2 G, 28-54-7-254 yards, 1 TD)
Receiving: Marcus Lawrence (10 G, 21-207 yards, 2 TD)
Defense (category leader who returns in 2008)
Tackles: Tyson Maugle (10 G, 38 solo, 16 assisted, 54 total)
Sacks: Britton Ertman (10 G, 3.5-17 yards)
Interceptions: Chris Wynn (10 G, 5-39 yards)
#1/1 APPALACHIAN STATE AT #5/5 JAMES MADISON
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 7:00 pm
Bridgeforth Stadium (15,500), Harrisonburg, Va.
Television: CN8 - Scott Graham (pbp), Jon Ritchie (analyst), Gregg Murphy (sideline), Bob Anderson (producer), John Anderson (director)
Series: Appalachian State leads 12-3
Last Meeting: Nov. 24, 2007, Appalachian State 28-27 in Boone, N.C.
Appalachian State (1-1)
Coach: Jerry Moore (Baylor, 1961)
Career: 195-119-2 (27 years)
School: 168-71 (20 years)
Offense
Rushing: Robert Welton (2 G, 11-164 yards, 3 TD)
Passing: Armanti Edwards (2 G, 16-39-1-200 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: CoCo Hillary (2 G, 11-119 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Leonard Love (2 G, 7 solo, 9 assisted, 16 total)
Sacks: Jason Jones (2 G, 2.0-9 yards)
Interceptions: Travis Dowda (2 G, 2-33 yards)
James Madison (2-1, 1-0 CAA)
Coach: Mickey Matthews (West Texas State, 1976)
Career: 66-45 (10 years)
School: 66-45 (10 years)
Offense
Rushing: Rodney Landers (3 G, 45-333 yards, 4 TD)
Passing: Rodney Landers (3 G, 21-32-1-300 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Kerby Long (3 G, 6-95 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Marcus Haywood (3 G, 12 solo, 12 assisted, 24 total)
Sacks: J.D. Skolnitsky (3 G, 1.0-9 yards)
Interceptions: Marcus Haywood (3 G, 2-48 yards)
#9/9 MASSACHUSETTS AT TEXAS TECH
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 7:00 pm
Jones A&T Stadium (52,882), Lubbock, Texas
Series: First Meeting
Massachusetts (2-1, 0-1 CAA)
Coach: Don Brown (Norwich, 1977)
Career: 90-41 (12 years)
School: 38-15 (5 years)
Offense
Rushing: Tony Nelson (3 G, 62-362 yards, 5 TD)
Passing: Liam Coen (3 G, 61-95-1-826 yards, 9 TD)
Receiving: Victor Cruz (3 G, 18-351 yards, 2 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Josh Jennings (3 G, 7 solo, 19 assisted, 26 total)
Sacks: Josh Jennings (3 G, 1.0-12 yards)
Interceptions: Josh Jennings (3 G, 1-3 yards)
Texas Tech (3-0)
Coach: Mike Leach (BYU, 1983)
Career: 68-37 (9 years)
School: 68-37 (9 years)
Offense
Rushing: Baron Batch (3 G, 21-185 yards, 2 TD)
Passing: Graham Harrell (3 G, 93-152-3-1251 yards, 8 TD)
Receiving: Michael Crabtree (3 G, 24-395 yards, 5 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Brian Duncan (3 G, 17 solo, 6 assisted, 23 total)
Sacks: Brandon Williams (3 G, 3.0-34 yards)
Interceptions: Daniel Charbonnet (3 G, 4-29 yards)
TOWSON AT COASTAL CAROLINA
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 7:00 pm
Brooks Stadium (7,322), Conway, S.C.
Series: First Meeting
Towson (1-2, 0-1 CAA)
Coach: Gordy Combs (Towson, 1972)
Career: 90-83 (17 years)
School: 90-83 (17 years)
Offense
Rushing: Matt Castor (2 G, 24-96 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Sean Schaefer (3 G, 68-104-6-787 yards, 7 TD)
Receiving: David Newsom (3 G, 22-212 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Jordan Manning (3 G, 15 solo, 14 assisted, 29 total)
Sacks: Jordan Manning (3 G, 0.5-5 yards)
Interceptions: None
Coastal Carolina (1-2)
Coach: David Bennett (Presbyterian, 1984)
Career: 103-36 (13 years)
School: 40-19 (6 years)
Offense
Rushing: Eric O’Neal (3 G, 37-176 yards, 1 TD)
Passing: Zach MacDowall (3 G, 33-54-2-420 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Trent Usher (3 G, 12-200 yards, 1 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Dominique Davenport (3 G, 24 solo, 14 assisted, 38 total)
Sacks: Derrick Frasier (3 G, 1.0-10 yards)
Interceptions: Keon Cunningham (3 G, 1-18 yards)
NORFOLK STATE AT WILLIAM AND MARY
Saturday, Sept. 20 - 7:00 pm
Zable Stadium (12,259), Williamsburg, Va.
Series: William and Mary leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 14, 1985, William and Mary 28-15 in Williamsburg, Va.
Norfolk State (2-1)
Coach: Pete Adrian (West Virginia, 1970)
Career: 54-55-1 (11 years)
School: 18-18 (4 years)
Offense
Rushing: DeAngelo Branche (3 G, 64-319 yards, 3 TD)
Passing: Dennis Brown (3 G, 29-77-1-328 yards, 2 TD)
Receiving: Jamar Johnson (3 G, 11-108 yards, 0 TD)
Defense
Tackles: Anthony Taylor (3 G, 13 solo, 5 assisted, 18 total)
Sacks: Anthony Taylor (3 G, 2.0-15 yards)
Interceptions: Terrell Whitehead (3 G, 1-7 yards)
William and Mary (1-1, 0-0 CAA)
Coach: Jimmye Laycock (William and Mary, 1970)
Career: 183-135-2 (29 years)
School: 183-135-2 (29 years)
Offense
Rushing: Terrance Riggins (2 G, 27-231 yards, 0 TD)
Passing: Jake Phillips (2 G, 28-48-4-311 yards, 4 TD)
Receiving: D.J. McAulay (2 G, 8-142 yards, 3 TD)
Defense
Tackles: David Caldwell (2 G, 8 solo, 9 assisted, 17 total)
Sacks: Adrian Tracy (2 G, 1.5-14 yards)
Interceptions: Derek Cox (2 G, 1-45 yards)