Around FCS: CAA Heavyweights Take Aim For Title

Cfootball Betting Lines

08/28/2008 - Philadelphia (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Every week in the Colonial Athletic Association is something akin to a series of heavyweight elimination bouts.

The contestants get battered and bruised and a team or two is eventually is left standing with a share of the title. Don't expect anything different in 2008, as four teams were ranked in the top 10 of The Sportsbook Betting Lines preseason poll and six teams were included in the top 25.

Richmond returns the nucleus of a club that earned a share of the CAA crown last year and advanced to the national semifinals.

UMass also has some of the major players returning from its team that has earned back-to-back title shares and made it to the finals and quarterfinals.

James Madison, Delaware, Villanova and New Hampshire are also looking to make waves after busting into the national poll.

Teams like Hofstra, Maine, William & Mary, Towson and Northeastern want to make noise as dark horses, while Rhode Island is excited about a new coach.

With star players doting the rosters of all of the teams, it should make for another exciting title chase.

North Division

1. Massachusetts (10-3 overall, 7-1, first North Division)

The Minutemen earned the automatic bid from the CAA after tying Richmond for first place in the league, but UMass was disappointed to lose in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Liam Coen threw for 3,091 yards and 30 TDs despite a knee injury. But he is healthy again and should be prepared for a big senior season, even though he is breaking in some new receivers.

Steve Baylark and Matt Lawrence have given the Minutemen a 1,000-yard rusher for five years in a row and Tony Nelson (486 yards, 5.3 average) hopes to continue the string this season. Sean Calicchio heads up an outstanding and deep offensive line.

Sean Smalls and Courtney Robinson give the Minutemen perhaps the top cornerback duo in FCS, but UMass must reload after losing linebackers Jason Hatchell (114 tackles) and Charles Walker (116 tackles) and defensive end David Burris.

2. New Hampshire (7-5, 4-4, tied for second North)

The Wildcats know they won't replace former Payton Award-winning quarterback Ricky Santos, but they hope that R.J. Toman will run the offense efficiently enough to keep them scoring. Toman threw for 310 yards and four TDs in relief of Santos.

There are a lot of skill players back on offense with Mike Boyle (50 catches, 16.8 average, seven TDs) and tight end Scott Sicko (51 catches, 12.1 average, six TDs) back to grab passes, while Chad Kackert and Robert Simpson (664 combined yards) around to run the ball. Six players with 38 combined starts are returning on the line.

The Wildcats scored over 30 points per game for the fourth straight year (35.8), but gave up 29.3 points per game. Cornerback John Clements is one of the CAA's best, but UNH must somehow replace big-play safety Jeff Pammer (130 tackles) and linebacker Husain Karim (130 tackles).

3. Hofstra (7-4, 4-4, tied for second North)

The Pride broke through to win six straight games last year, but missed the playoffs when they dropped four of their final five. A big reason was a schedule that toughened up at the end of the year and the loss of versatile running back Kareem Huggins (957 yards, nine TDs) with a knee injury. Still, it was a great turnaround for a team that won just two games the previous year.

Having learned from that experience, Hofstra should challenge again in 2008 with quarterback Bryan Savage (2,668 yards, 13 TDs) leading the offense. Savage also rushed for 302 yards and 10 TDs, but he must cut down on 16 interceptions. He will also miss receiver deluxe Charles Sullivan (86 catches, seven TDs).

Everette Benjamin (260 yards) filled in for Huggins last year and will have the running back job all to himself this year. Anthony Nelson (44 catches, 12.3 average) should be Savage's go-to receiver.

Gian Villante (110 tackles) had been the heart and soul of the Pride defense at middle linebacker, but has graduated and passed the baton to Luke Bonus (84 tackles). The Pride has only three starters back defensively, but has gone the transfer route to bulk back up.

4. Northeastern (3-8, 2-6, tied for fifth North)

The Huskies haven't managed a winning season under coach Rocky Hager and the brutal non-conference schedule may make that a difficult goal to attain again this year, but Northeastern could be competitive in the North Division with 15 starters returning.

Anthony Orio is a senior influence at quarterback. He passed for 1,558 yards and eight TDs in a run-oriented attack. When he does throw, tight end Brian Mandeville (30 catches, 13.7 average) is an excellent target.

The Huskies lost stalwart rusher Maurice Murray (1,421 yards, 14 TDs) to graduation, so Alex Broomfield will look to pick up Murray's load. Four starters return on the offensive line, led by tackle Kevin Newhall. Northeastern should look to improve on its 20-points-per-game average from last season.

The Husky defense had flashes of strong play and could improve this season with free safety Nate Thellen (52 tackles), strong safety Cord Parks (63 tackles) and linebacker Craig Kenney (54 tackles) among the leaders.

5. Maine (4-7, 3-5, fourth North)

The Black Bears have been somewhat of a schizophrenic team offensively, with one quarterback who is a good thrower (Adam Farkas) and one who is a better runner (Michael Brusko) in the spread attack. Farkas threw for 836 yards and seven TDs, while Brusko rushed for 340 yards and four scores.

Jhamal Fluellen developed into one of the league's top rushers and finished with 1,052 yards and five TDs. He also caught 27 passes for 302 yards, second in receiving to Landis Williams (38 catches, 12.7 average). But the offense averaged only 17 points per game.

Ryan Canary is one of the top centers in FCS and is one of two returning offensive line starters, along with Christopher Arnao.

The defense is built around defensive end Jovan Belcher, who led the CAA with 10 sacks last season. He is one of eight returning starters for a unit that got progressively better for most of the second half of the year. Tackle Bruno Dorismond and linebackers John Wormouth and Andrew Downey are other players to watch.

6. Rhode Island (3-8, 2-6, tied for fifth North)

The Rams have exchanged Tim Stowers' option offense for the wide-open passing attack of Darren Rizzi. But it will take time for Rizzi to bring in players that will fit in his system.

Joe Casey (2,963 career yards) has been the top fullback in FCS, but his role will change in the new offense. Jimmy Hughes (623 yards rushing) is another running threat. It will be interesting to see how quarterback Derek Cassidy develops as a passer. Cassidy threw for 1,025 yards, but had only five TDs to go with six interceptions last year. He rushed for 252 yards and five scores. Shawn Leonard (34 catches, 12.9 average) is the top receiver.

The Rhode Island defense allowed nearly 33 points per game and has only four starters back, so it is likely to be another year of high scores for this unit. Tim Allen moves from running back to defensive back to bolster the group. Strong safety Matt Hansen (73 tackles) is the leading returning tackler.

South Division

1. James Madison (8-4, 6-2, second South)

The Dukes finished off the 2007 season wondering what if, after losing three of four games by turning the ball over on their final possession with wins in sight. The most painful loss was a 28-27 setback to Appalachian State in the first round of the playoffs. The Mountaineers then went on to win their third straight national title.

JMU is poised for another championship run with a deep and talented team that returns 15 starters, including quarterback Rodney Landers (2,851 yards of total offense, 25 combined TDs) and tailback Eugene Holloman (1,085 yards rushing in 2006), who missed much of 2007 with shoulder and knee injuries.

The offensive line is another strength, with center Scott Lemm and tackle Terrence Apted among the four returning starters. The Dukes lost top receiver L.C. Baker to graduation, so Rockeed McCarter, Bosco Williams and tight end Mike Caussin will be looking to break out of the shadows.

Four-time All-American safety Tony LeZotte (95 tackles) has departed, as has linebacker Justin Barnes (94 tackles) and defensive end John Baranowsky (4.5 sacks), but safety Marcus Haywood (93 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss), cornerback Evan McCollough and linebacker D.J. Brandon (75 tackles) all return to a solid defense.

Dave Stannard (12-of-14 on field goals) is a solid threat as a kicker.

2. Villanova (7-4, 5-3, tied for third South)

The Wildcats are young, confident and talented and could be one of the biggest surprise teams in the FCS this fall. The biggest key is getting back multi- talented quarterback Antwon Young from knee surgery. Young had 1,343 yards of total offense and 14 TDs midway through the season before being injured.

Tight end Matt Sherry (37 catches, 12.5 average) graduated to the NFL, but Phil Atkinson (32 catches, 10.1 average), Brandyn Harvey and Matthew Szczur are among the receivers ready to break out. Angelo Babbaro and Aaron Ball are two young running backs to watch. Young should get plenty of protection behind an offensive line that returns all five starters.

The Villanova defense has the potential for a special season with nine starters back from a unit that kept the team in games most of the time last year.

Defensive end Tim Kukucka (40 tackles, seven sacks) is ready to emerge as one of the top pass rushers in FCS, while Dave Dalessandro is finally healthy at the other end following shoulder surgery.

Darrel Young (76 tackles) is moving from a deep linebacking group to strong safety to better use his athletic ability. Linebacker Osayi Osunde (82 tackles) and defensive backs Ross Ventrone and Martel Moody are other players to keep an eye on.

3. Richmond (11-3, 7-1, first South)

The question at Richmond is how well will the Spiders react to a change of coaches. Dave Clawson has left to become Tennessee's offensive coordinator and has been replaced by a former Spider player and Virginia defensive coordinator Mike London.

London vowed to keep the potent offense similar. Richmond scored 35 points per game and should be lethal again, even with the loss of running back Payton Award finalist Tim Hightower (1,924 yards, 20 TDs) to the NFL. Josh Vaughan (737 yards, nine TDs) was productive behind Hightower last season. Justin Forte is a quality fullback.

Eric Ward (2,817 yards of total offense, 25 TDs) improved rapidly as the season progressed and did a good job of cutting down on his mistakes during a run to the semifinals. Kevin Grayson came on as a brilliant receiver, with 68 catches, a 14.3 average and seven TDs.

The offensive line is highlighted by two All-Americans, Tim Silver and Matt McCracken.

The defense held together for most of the season, despite its share of injuries. The Spiders will be fortified by the return of defensive ends Sherman Logan and Lawrence Sidbury Jr., while Eric McBride (126 tackles) is back at linebacker, along side Collin McConaghy (121 tackles, 7.5 sacks). The secondary must replace outstanding safety Stephen Howell (88 tackles).

4. Delaware (11-4, 5-3, tied for third South)

The Blue Hens have to find replacements for first-round NFL draft choice Joe Flacco at quarterback and running back supreme Omar Cuff, but have plenty of weapons left on offense. Ohio State transfer Rob Schoenhoft figures to be the new QB starter, while Jerry Butler, Phillip Thaxton and Notre Dame transfer Junior Jabbie are among the running back candidates.

Schoenhoft or Lou Ritacco will have a fine group of receivers to throw to in Aaron Love (73 catches, 13.8 average), Mark Duncan (70 catches, 13.1 average), Kevin Michaud (52 catches, 13.1 average) and tight end Rob Agnone (38 catches, 12.7 average). All-American center Kheon Hendricks anchors an offensive line that lost another All-American, Mike Byrne.

The Delaware defense struggled at times in 2007, but could be the key to the Blue Hens' success in 2008. Matt Marcorelle (eight sacks) is a first-class defensive end, while linebackers Erik Johnson (122 tackles) and Walter Blair (95 tackles) and safety Anthony Bratton (105 tackles) came on strong as the season progressed.

Jon Streifsky hit 21-of-24 field goal attempts to earn All-American honors last season

5. William & Mary (4-7, 2-6, fifth South)

The Tribe has been trying to regain the magic touch since advancing to the FCS semifinals in 2004. Since then, they have suffered through three consecutive losing seasons. Playing in the brutal South Division, it will be tough to improve this year, but at least William & Mary has 17 returning starters.

Leading the way is quarterback Jake Phillips (2,801 yards passing, 19 TDs), who has a strong arm, good mobility and excellent touch. Elliott Mack (46 catches, 18.5 average), Cameron Dohse (31 catches, 18.0 average) and R.J. Archer (39 catches, 11.6 average) give him plenty of targets to throw to. One loss was tight end Drew Atchison (34 catches, 14.0 average).

The Tribe took a major hit when Courtland Mariner (518 yards rushing, 4.5 average) suffered what may be a season-ending knee injury. The team will be scrambling to find a replacement. Three starters return on the offensive line.

On defense, William & Mary struggled mightily, allowing 39 points per game last season. But the Tribe has nine starters back, including cornerback Derek Cox and defensive end Adrian Tracy (63 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss). Safeties David Caldwell (107 tackles) and Robert Livingston (76 tackles) and linebacker Josh Rutter (96 tackles) are other standouts.

6. Towson (3-8, 1-7, sixth South)

The Tigers narrowly missed the playoffs in 2006 and thought they might be able to go over the hump last season, but injuries and depth issues derailed their year and saw them win four less games. On top of that, they return just 10 starters.

Towson can build around quarterback Sean Schaefer, a one-time Payton Award candidate, and receiver Marcus Lee (66 catches, 10.3 average). Schaefer (2,553 yards, 12 TDs) is a great clutch passer, but his interceptions ballooned to 19 last year with an inexperience receiving group to throw to.

The Tigers gave up a league-high 39 sacks as Schaefer was battered and the offense averaged just 15.5 points per game. Towson must also improve its running game to give Schaefer more time.

The defense actually sparkled at times, holding opponents to 22 points per game, but the Tigers lose their top three players, Brian Bradford (149 tackles), Maurice Wilkins (114 tackles) and John Webb (85 tackles). The best defenders returning are strong safety Drew Mack (74 tackles) and linebacker Jordan Manning (60 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss).