By By Dan Barrack
Atlantic 10 North
1. University of New Hampshire: 7-1 (5-1)
In a battle for first place in the Atlantic 10 North last week, New Hampshire prevailed, 34-28, against UMass. Quarterback Ricky Santos contributed with 248 yards and four touchdowns, with every score ending in a David Ball reception. The first place Wildcats look to win their fourth straight game when they visit the Pride this Saturday.
2. University of Massachusetts: 6-2 (5-1)
After winning five consecutive games, UMass lost its most important game this season. The 34-28 loss to New Hampshire was a missed opportunity to overtake the Wildcats for first place in the division. Running back Steve Baylark had another outstanding game with 116 yards and two touchdowns, but it was not enough to push the Minutemen into first place. UMass now faces a must win game next week against last place Delaware.
3. University of Rhode Island: 4-5 (2-4)
Quarterback Jayson Davis ran the ball for over 100 yards for the fourth time this season, and although Davis was a key contributor, the URI defense allowed 620 yards to the Pride in a 38-24 loss last Saturday. The Rams head to Maine on Nov. 12.
4. University of Maine: 3-5 (1-4)
A 25-15 win last week over Delaware helped Maine snap a three-game losing streak. Running back Montell Owens ran the ball for two scores, including a rushing TD to seal the game in the fourth quarter. The Black Bears travel to Northeastern on Saturday.
5. Northeastern University: 1-7 (1-4)
In its first non-conference game since week , Northeastern fell to Northwestern State, 14-12, last Saturday. Trailing 14-6 heading into the final quarter, running back Cory Parks scored on a 15-yard run to pull within two. That is as close as the Huskies would get after a missed two point conversion attempt. Now Northeastern looks to convert on a win next week in Maine.
Atlantic 10 South
1. University of Richmond: 5-3 (5-1)
After a 1-3 start Richmond has reeled off four wins in a row to move into the lead in the Atlantic 10 South. Its latest win was an 18-15 victory over the defending national champion James Madison Dukes last week, as Timothy Hightower made the difference with 119 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. The Spiders look to keep their division lead as they host VMI next week.
2. College of William & Mary: 5-3 (3-2)
William & Mary’s four-game winning streak came to a halt with a 35-21 loss to a last place Villanova team. The Tribe struggled offensively all day, scoring two of its three touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball. The Tribe look to rebound next week when it faces James Madison on Saturday.
3. Towson University: 5-3 (2-3)
With Saturday off, Towson prepares to take on Villanova on Nov. 5. Villanova is coming off of a 35-21 loss to William & Mary last Saturday, and currently sits right below Towson in the A-10 South. Towson has been led by quarterback Sean Schaefer who has thrown over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns so far this season.
4. Villanova University: 4-4 (2-3)
Villanova pulled to .500 last week after beating William & Mary, 35-21. Quarterback Frank Jankowski was picked off three times, but countered with three touchdown scores on 325 yards. Martin Gibson also contributed with 176 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats head to Towson on Saturday.
5. James Madison University: 4-4 (2-3)
The 2004 I-AA National Champions currently sit fifth in the A-10 South with only three games left to play. An 18-15 loss last week to Richmond was the Dukes third straight conference loss. The game was close throughout, but JMU could never quite overcome the Richmond lead. The Dukes desperately look for a win at William & Mary this Saturday.
6. University of Delaware: 4-4 (1-4)
A 25-15 loss to Maine last week placed Delaware last in the Atlantic 10 South. Star running back Omar Cuff was shutdown, averaging 1.8 yards per carry with a long run of 6 yards. The lowly Blue Hens host Massachusetts this Saturday.