A sports talk radio listener rolling south on I-81 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley Tuesday could sample a wide range of emotions as fans discussed the opening week of the college football season.
Cautious optimism in Harrisonburg gave way to anger in Charlottesville, followed by joy in Richmond, then dismay in Blacksburg.
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The subject was a topsy-turvy Saturday in the Old Dominion as William & Mary, of the Colonial Athletic Association, toppled Virginia of the Atlantic Coast Conference, while another CAA squad, Richmond, upset Duke.
Saturday when James Madison travels to Maryland, the CAA has a chance to improve to 3-0 over the ACC.
“We’re very aware of the players on their team,” said JMU coach Mickey Matthews.
“We tried to recruit a bunch of ’em. They wouldn’t talk to us.”
But playing the underdog card is getting tougher for coaches in the CAA. Five of the top 10 teams in this week’s Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) coaches’ poll are from the conference, including No. 3 Villanova, which upset Temple.
No. 18 UMass, also of the CAA, likely would have made the top 10 if it had upset Kansas State. UMass lost 21-17.
According to Duke coach David Cutcliffe, there’s little talent disparity between his team and No. 1 Richmond, the defending champion in the FCS.
“Over the years of scholarship reduction, there’s more parity,” said Cutcliffe. “It’s been coming. You’ve seen the really great Georgia Southern teams. You saw what Appalachian State did to Michigan.”
Maryland, coming off a 52-13 loss at Cal, hopes to avoid becoming the next victim. The last time the Terps fell to a 1-AA opponent was 38 years and seven head coaches ago. Roy Lester, in his final season, lost to Villanova, 28-13.
“I’m planning on our kids waking up and knowing what they’re getting into,” said Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen.
After giving up six sacks last week, the spotlight is on a Maryland offensive line that starts two walk-ons and will be without the services of starting tackle Bruce Campbell (turf toe). JMU traditionally is known for its ability to rush the passer.
