Towson Earns the Respect of the CAA
The coaches and SIDs in the Colonial Athletic Association must think Towson University is really good or they didn’t pay much attention to the Tigers’ schedule this fall.
For the first time, the Tigers, last year’s CAA champions, have been chosen as the league’s preseason favorite in a poll conducted Wednesday at CAA Football Media Day in Baltimore. Towson received 12 of a possible 22 first-place votes to edge Old Dominion University for the top spot.
Here’s the poll:
- 1. Towson, 12 first-place votes
- 2. Old Dominion, 7
- 3. James Madison, 1
- 4. New Hampshire, 2
- 5. Delaware
- 6. Maine
- 7. William & Mary
- 8. Villanova
- 9. Richmond
- 10. Rhode Island
- 11. Georgia State
Two years ago, Towson posted a 1-10 record and was winless in the CAA. However, the Tigers were the most improved team in Division I football last fall, improving by 7.5 games. They had lost 26 of their previous 28 games, but they went 7-1 in the CAA last year, beating six nationally ranked CAA teams.
The schedule might be even tougher this year. Towson opens at Kent State, but also has road games against LSU (that’s right, LSU), James Madison, Villanova, Delaware and New Hampshire.
Rob Ambrose, who was the FCS Coach of the Year last season, does return the CAA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in running back Terrance West. Defensive end Frank Beltre and defensive back Jordan Dangerfield also represent Towson on the all-conference teams.
