Week 10 CAA Game Breakdowns
There are two solid matchups on this week’s six-game Colonial Athletic Association schedule, both of which involve opponents ranked in or close to the top 25. As for the overall race, Maine is the only team currently undefeated in CAA play, but New Hampshire, Delaware and Towson each have one loss. One of those teams will suffer its second loss on Saturday. Let’s take a look at the week’s action and you’ll quickly find out why:
Stony Brook at #15 Maine, Saturday, 12:30
They may still be celebrating in Bangor following Maine’s 37-35 win at Villanova, a victory that left the Black Bears in sole possession of first place in the CAA. Maine’s reward is to face a Stony Brook football team that is licking its wounds following a loss to New Hampshire. Prior to this loss Stony Brook had won 13 straight games during the month of October. If Maine QB Marcus Wasilewski can replicate his 423 yards of total offense like he did last week, this could be a long weekend for Stony Brook.
Projected Score: Maine 37, Stony Brook 17
#20 New Hampshire at William & Mary, Saturday, 1:30
Although New Hampshire only has one loss in CAA play, the team has ample reason to worry. For starters, New Hampshire has not won a game played at Williamsburg since 1998. Second, William & Mary has won nine of the last 10 meetings between these schools and holds a 13-3 overall record. William & Mary has several games remaining against ranked opponents. If New Hampshire limits William @& Mary offensively like it did Stony Brook (286 yards) this could be one-sided.
Projected Score: New Hampshire 37, William & Mary 20
Rhode Island at Old Dominion, Saturday, 2:00
Old Dominion won the only game previously played between these schools, and both teams are coming off milestones with their quarterbacks. Rhode Island QB Bob Bentsen became the fourth Ram to surpass 4,000 yards passing in a loss to Delaware, and Old Dominion QB Taylor Heinicke surpassed 10,000 yards passing against Norfolk State. Old Dominion is 4-0 at Ballard Stadium and it returns there for the first time in nearly a month. All this should add up to a win for the Monarchs in a non-conference game.
Projected Score: Old Dominion 28, Rhode Island 14
#19 Villanova at James Madison, Saturday, 2:30
After a very strong start to the 2013 season, the past two weeks have been nothing but downhill for Villanova. Granted, Villanova’s losses came against Maine and New Hampshire, but the Wildcats suddenly have two losses and are staring at a third loss if James Madison gets its way. All indications point to a good day in Harrisonburg. James Madison is 5-0 at home and has yet to lose back-to-back games this season. James Madison also held William & Mary to 251 yards of total offense recently. Not a good sign for Villanova.
Projected Score: James Madison 42, Villanova 17
Albany at Richmond, Saturday, 4:00
Hey, someone has to win this game and get their first Colonial victory. Could it be Albany? After all, the Great Danes have lost six straight games following a promising 1-1 start. This is the third time this season Albany has traveled to Virginia after games against Old Dominion and James Madison. Richmond QB Michael Strauss is eighth in the nation with 2,372 passing yards and is 10th with a 296.5-yard average per game. Albany did force four turnovers on Towson on Oct. 19, so both teams show some promise in the first meeting between these schools.
Projected Score: Richmond 24, Albany 10
#25 Delaware at #5 Towson, Saturday, 7:00
The winner of this game keeps pace with Maine in the CAA. The loser of this game drops its second CAA contest of the season but could still be in the thick of things for a playoff spot depending on what else happens. Towson has outscored opponents, 180-58, in the second half this year and shut out seven foes in the third quarter. Towson could be in for a great night if this happens, but Delaware WR Michael Johnson and RB Andrew Pierce will make this one very interesting. Expect a close contest.
Projected Score: Towson 24, Delaware 20
