HARRISONBURG – There were plenty of upsets in Week 4 as two Top 10 teams were beaten in Colonial Athletic Association play last Saturday.
Elon won at Richmond and Villanova fell at Albany.
Each week, the DN-R will put out its CAA power rankings to reflect which squads are trending in the right direction, and which ones aren’t.
Here’s our power rankings following Week 4:
1 – James Madison
Record: 4-0
Last Week: Win, 28-10 vs. Maine
This Week: Saturday at Delaware
On a day when James Madison’s offense struggled early, senior quarterback Bryan Schor still ended up throwing for four touchdowns as the top-ranked Dukes took care of business versus Maine last week. JMU has won 16 straight games.
2 – Albany
Record: 3-1
Last Week: Win, 19-10 vs. Villanova
This Week: Saturday at Elon
Albany needed overtime, but for the first time in school history the Great Danes knocked off a Top 10 opponent. Albany did with an exclamation too, as sophomore linebacker Eli Mencer’s 80-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown secured the win. Coach Greg Gattuso’s team is in the race for a CAA title.
3 – New Hampshire
Record: 3-1
Last Week: Win, 28-14 vs. Rhode Island
This Week: Saturday vs. Bryant
After getting beat badly the week before by Holy Cross, New Hampshire handled CAA foe Rhode Island as it returned to conference play. Quarterback Trevor Knight threw for 420 yards and three touchdown in the Wildcats’ win.
4 – Elon
Record: 2-1
Last Week: Win, 36-33 at Richmond
This Week: Saturday vs. Albany
How about Elon? First-year coach Curt Cignetti implemented his Alabama blueprint and the Phoenix showed it off as running back Malcolm Summers powered the team with 294 rushing yards in its upset win at Richmond. Elon now has two Top 25 wins on the season.
5 – Villanova
Record: 2-2
Last Week: Loss, 19-10 at Albany
This Week: Saturday vs. Towson
Villanova’s defense can play, as it yielded only 12 points to Albany, but its offense sputtered and cost them a road win. The Wildcats fumbled three times in the loss.
6 – Maine
Record: 1-2
Last Week: Loss, 28-10 at James Madison
This Week: Idle
Maine took a third-quarter lead against defending national champion James Madison, but couldn’t hold it for long. JMU stormed back with 21 unanswered points leaving the Black Bears behind. Running back Josh Mack had a good day and proved, against one of the FCS' top defense, that he is one of the nation's top players at the position as he tallied his third 100-yard rushing performance of the season.
7 – Richmond
Record: 2-2
Last Week: Loss 36-33 vs. Elon
This Week: Idle
Elon pounded Richmond’s defense for 368 rushing yards. The Spiders’ defense didn’t have answer and quarterback Kyle Lauletta turned the ball over twice in their surprising loss to Elon.
8 – Stony Brook
Record: 2-1
Last Week: Win, 25-17 vs. Towson
This Week: Saturday at William & Mary
Stony Brook kicker Alex Lucansky converted four field goals to help the SeaWolves outlast Towson. Between a strong kicking game and solid defense, it was enough for Stony Brook to win.
9 – Delaware
Record: 2-1
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Saturday vs. James Madison
First-year coach Danny Rocco has had an extra week to prepare his team for James Madison, which visits Delaware on Saturday.
10 – William & Mary
Record: 2-1
Last Week: Idle
This Week: Saturday vs. Stony Brook
William & Mary has never lost to Stony Brook in the few meetings the two programs have had. The Tribe are 3-0 all-time vs. the SeaWolves, who travel to Williamsburg on Saturday.
11 – Rhode Island
Record: 1-3
Last Week: Loss, 28-14 at New Hampshire
This Week: Saturday at Brown
Rhode Island couldn’t slow New Hampshire’s passing game, but this week, the Rams could get their second win. URI beat an Ivy League school in Week 3 and face another on Saturday.
12 – Towson
Record: 2-2
Last Week: Loss 25-17 at Stony Brook
This Week: Saturday vs. Villanova
Towson has the worst scoring offense and total offense in the CAA. That won’t help the Tigers win many games this year.
