By Rich Adragna
Massachusetts (0-0, 2-0)-The Minutemen kicked off their 2007 campaign with a 40-30 victory over Holy Cross, and followed it up with a 35-17 beat down on Colgate. Against the Raiders, starting QB Liam Coen went 17-of-26 for 204 yards and four touchdowns, while Matt Lawrence rushed for 122 net yards. In week three, UMass will take on Towson for its first match up against a conference opponent.
Maine (0-0, 1-1)-After the Black Bears defeated Monmouth in their season opener, they ended up on the wrong end of a 38-0 rout by the UConn Huskies. The Maine offense couldn’t get going against the Huskies, as Michael Brusko had a pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown. The defense didn’t fare any better, as they were beaten both in the air and on the ground by UConn star QB Tyler Lorenzen. Maine will look to recover Saturday against Villanova.
Rhode Island (0-0, 0-2)-It seems as if the Rams can never catch a break. After losing a close one to Fordham in week one, they fell in overtime to Army by a score of 14-7. The loss wasted a nearly flawless performance by QB Derek Cassidy, who went 11-for-13 and 145 yards, and a strong effort by Joe Casey, who ran for 107 yards. It won’t get easy for the Rams this coming Saturday as they face against a rejuvenated Delaware squad.
New Hampshire (0-1, 0-1)-Ricky Santos put up strong offensive numbers despite chucking two interceptions. However, the Wildcats defense couldn’t stop James Madison’s rushing attack as they were soundly defeated 41-24. Santos was 36-for-47 with 353 yards and two touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown in the process. Still, Santos’ performance was not enough, and New Hampshire will look to rebound against Marshall.
Northeastern (0-1, 0-2)-Talk about a bad two weeks. First they were shut-out by Northwestern in their season opener, and followed that up by getting soundly smacked around by Richmond 49-14. Maurice Murray was the only bright spot for the Huskies that day as he rushed for the team’s only two touchdowns. The Huskies will face against Northwestern State in week three.
SOUTH DIVISION
Delaware (1-0, 2-0)-Strong outings against William & Mary and West Chester could indicate that the Blue Hens are primed to return to glory after a disappointing 2006. The one-two rushing punch of Omar Cuff and Phillip Thaxton proved to be very effective. Cuff rushed for 93 yards and four touchdowns, while Thaxton rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown of his own. The Blue Hens look to continue their dominance with Rhode Island coming to town.
Richmond (1-0, 1-1)-The Spiders overcame a punishing loss to Vanderbilt by kicking around a lowly Northeastern squad 49-14. RB Tim Hightower was a one-man wrecking crew against the Huskies as he rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Josh Vaughan and Justin Forte also contributed to the Spiders’ ground game with a touchdown of their own. Bucknell will be on the horizon for Richmond.
James Madison (1-0, 1-1)-The Dukes rebounded from a loss to North Carolina by coming out victorious over New Hampshire 41-24. QB Rodney Landers dismantled the Wildcats not only in the air, going 14-for-22 for 241 yards and a touchdown, but on the ground as well with 128 rushing yards and a pair of scores. Antoinne Bolton had a pair of touchdowns as well. The Dukes will take on the Virginia Military institute on Saturday.
Towson (0-0, 2-0)-Early victories over Central Connecticut State and Morgan State could indicate a promising season for the Tigers. Against Morgan State, Sean Schaefer threw for 4 touchdowns, and an interception by Kenny Scott set up the winning score for Towson. All of this happened despite watching Morgan State’s offense out gaining them in yardage 375-314. Despite the early success, a more daunting task awaits the Tigers as they travel up to Amherst to take on Massachusetts.
William & Mary (0-1, 1-1)-Smacking around the Virginia Military Institute 63-16 last week was enough to get the bad taste of their loss to Delaware out of their mouths. QB Jake Phillips was nearly flawless, going 13-for-15 with 242 yards and three touchdowns. RB DeBrian Holmes had three of the Tribe’s six rushing touchdowns to put the Keydets away. They will take on Liberty on Saturday.
Villanova (0-0, 1-1)-The Wildcats defeated Lehigh 30-20 to erase whatever bad memories their loss to Maryland left them. Antwon Young was 15-for-22 with 257 yards and three TDs. RB Matt Dicken rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown. Terence Thomas had an interception and four solo tackles. Villanova will return home to take on the Maine Black Bears on Saturday.
The talk of the CAA hasn’t been the arm of New Hampshire’s Ricky Santos, but the legs of Delaware’s Omar Cuff. The superstar backed up an incredible Week 1 with four touchdowns in the Blue Hens’ win. (Sportsnetwork.com)