CAA Week 3 Game Breakdowns
At the end of the second week of the season, four of the Colonial Athletic Association’s 11 teams are currently undefeated. Only one, Stony Brook, is unbeaten in league play. Yes, we know it’s only the third week of the regular season and there are still plenty of games to be played. This week’s games are highlighted by the debut of a brand new football field in Albany and what should be a great opener with Rhode Island. Here is a look at the week’s schedule in the CAA:
Colgate at #16 New Hampshire, Saturday, 12:00 pm
There is still some disappointment in the Granite State over a lost opportunity by New Hampshire, which lost on a last-second field goal to Central Michigan. Still, the Wildcats gave up just 98 yards of total offense to CMU in the first half, and they should do better against a Colgate team that coughed up four turnovers in the first half alone against Albany. Senior QB Gavin McCarney threw for 300 yards against Albany with only six incomplete passes. New Hampshire should win, but don’t be surprised if it’s close.
Projected Score: New Hampshire 17, Colgate 14
Delaware at Navy, Saturday, 3:30 pm
A pair of unbeaten schools go up against each other in this inter-state showdown between two of Delaware and Maryland’s college football programs. Navy leads the overall series 9-7, but Delaware averages 283 yards passing and 250.5 yards rushing, and QB Trent Hurley threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns against Delaware State. Under Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo the team has not lost five home openers. Something has to give, and I’m afraid it’s going to be Navy’s perfect stretch at home.
Projected Score: Delaware 37, Navy 24
Bryant at Maine, Saturday, 3:30 pm
Another game that has undefeated teams going up against each other will take place in Orono, Maine on Saturday. Maine won its second game against FBS competition last week when it beat Massachusetts as a stingy Maine defense limited the Minutemen to 64 yards rushing. Bryant RB Ricardo McCray had 18 rushes for 114 yards against Assumption. Maine leads the regular series 2-0, and the Black Bears should make it three wins this week. Maine has played tougher competition.
Projected Score: Maine 31, Bryant 17
#20 Stony Brook at Buffalo, Saturday, 3:30 pm
Yes, Buffalo has had the rougher of the two roads. Buffalo lost to Ohio State and nearly took down Baylor, in part because WR Alex Neutz caught six passes for 197 yards. Neutz is now one reception away from the 150 mark only three other Bulls have reached. Stony Brook beat Rhode Island 24-0 to start the 2013 season. Buffalo won the only meeting between these schools, and I predict the Bulls narrowly take the second meeting.
Projected Score: Buffalo 28, Stony Brook 24
St. Francis (Pa.) at James Madison, Saturday, 6:00 pm
A non-conference clash between the Northeast Conference and CAA is on the docket in Harrisonburg, Virginia. James Madison dropped to 1-1, but just barely, thanks to a 35-33 loss to Akron that took place despite QB Michael Birdsong’s first 300-yard passing game and 498 yards of total offense. St. Francis is coming off a 59-17 loss to Georgia Southern, and this game is not likely to end up much better. James Madison should be 2-for-2 against St. Francis following this meeting.
Projected Score: James Madison 43, St. Francis (Pa.) 13
#12 Richmond at Gardner Webb, Saturday, 6:00 pm
One of the more impressive FCS win streaks belongs to Richmond, which has not lost a non-conference FCS game since the 2005 season (17-0 streak). The Spiders lead the league in average passing yards per game (306.5), completions (58), attempts (90) and passing touchdowns (six). Gardner Webb is coming off a 55-0 shutout loss to Marshall, its worst loss since 2002. You get the feeling this game might not be pretty and you’d be right. Richmond should dominate handily.
Projected Score: Richmond 48, Gardner Webb 0
William & Mary at Lafayette, Saturday, 6:00 pm
The only other time these teams met was in a 17-14 Lafayette victory last year. DE Mike Reilly has three sacks in two games this year, which leads the CAA and makes him one of the top FCS threats in the country. Lafayette dropped its season opener to Sacred Heart, 26-24, on a last-second field goal. William & Mary must contain Lafayette WR Mark Ross (20 career touchdowns) if it wants to even the score. This will be one of the closer games involving a CAA team this weekend.
Projected Score: Lafayette 23, William & Mary 20
Rhode Island at Albany, Saturday, 7:00 pm
This is the conference contest for this week, and Albany inaugurates Bob Ford Field, the school’s brand new football facility. This game could be a good one despite Rhode Island’s 0-2 start, and that is mainly because DL James Timmins could give Albany’s offense fits and starts. Rhode Island also has more first downs and rushing yardage than its opponents in 2013. This is the Great Danes’ first CAA game, and Albany should prevail down the stretch.
Projected Score: Albany 24, Rhode Island 10
Delaware State at #6 Towson, Saturday, 7:30 pm
Don’t look now, but the best football team in the state of Maryland might be an FCS squad. Towson is off to a 2-0 start and has a six-game winning streak dating back to last season. The Tigers converted on all five of their fourth-down plays last week in a 49-7 win over Holy Cross, demonstrating a potent yet patient offense. QB Cory Murphy and WR Milton Williams are quite a 1-2 punch for Delaware State, but Towson should silence this team and improve to 3-0.
Projected Score: Towson 34, Delaware State 13
