Staff Standings:
CJ Sweat: 46-13
Chris Mason: 41-18
Parker Hall: 37-22
Howard @ Norfolk State
The Spartans losing streak nearly came to an end last week as they entered halftime tied at 17 with MEAC front-runner, NC A&T. For the first time in nearly a month, the offense found life. Only one problem...the defense was non-existent, surrendering over 300 rushing yards and eventually losing 37-20.
CJ Sweat: Howard 34 Norfolk State 18
Chris Mason: Norfolk State 12 Howard 10
Parker Hall: Norfolk State 30 Howard 24
William & Mary @ Villanova
You wouldn't be impressed by simply looking at William & Mary's 3-5 record. Consider this: The Tribe's 5 losses have come against Virginia Tech, and 4 FCS teams all projected to make playoffs (JMU, Colgate, Towson, & Rhode Island). Villanova is only 1-5 in conference play with their one win against fellow bottom-dweller, Richmond. With Nova this weekend and Richmond next weekend, the Tribe have an opportunity to finish .500 in Jimmye Laycock's final season.
CJ Sweat: William & Mary 20 Villanova 14
Chris Mason: Villanova 19 William & Mary 14
Parker Hall: Villanova 42 William & Mary 20
Furman @ VMI
For the first time since October 8th of 2016, the Keydets got a win last week, defeating division 2 foe, Tusculum. It wasn't pretty though. After entering the 4th quarter with a 17 point lead, VMI surrendered a safety and a touchdown, cutting their lead to 9. Tusculum attempted a two point conversion to make it a one score game, but failed. VMI would hang on, winning 20-11.
CJ Sweat: Furman 35 VMI 24
Chris Mason: Furman 71 VMI 14
Parker Hall: Furman 35 VMI 10
Rhode Island @ JMU
Just a few weeks ago, JMU looked set to run the tables in the CAA and start their journey for a return trip to the FCS National Championship. Then last week happened; a loss to New Hampshire. In years past, losing at New Hampshire wouldn't be a big deal. But the Wildcats only entered the game with 2 wins and have no chance to reach the FCS playoffs. The loss sends JMU to 6-3 and 4-2 in CAA play. After benching QB Ben DiNucci a week ago, Mike Houston has yet to name his starter heading into Saturday.
CJ Sweat: JMU 37 Rhode Island 13 (Bonus: Cole Johnson starts and has 300 all-purpose yards)
Chris Mason: JMU 55 Rhode Island 24
Parker Hall: JMU 34 Rhode Island 30
Hampton @ MVSU
The Pirates are 5-3 on the year, but only have one win against a FCS opponent (2-6 Presbyterian). They'll head to Mississippi to play MVSU, who is 1-7 on the year. Each of these teams have one win against an FCS opponent, and each won that game by a point.
CJ Sweat: Hampton 28 MVSU 24
Chris Mason: Hampton 17 MVSU 10
Parker Hall: Hampton 38 MVSU 24
Liberty @ UVA
Liberty's defense is bad...really bad. A week ago, they allowed 777 yards against UMass. They currently rank 126th in yards allowed per game, allowing 510 yards on average. However, defense isn't the only issue as the Flames head to Charlottesvile. Stephen "Buckshot" Calvert has thrown six interceptions over the past two games. For the Hoos, they're looking to rebound after a 23-13 loss to Pitt. With matchups against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech looming, could this sandwich game be a trap for UVA?
CJ Sweat: UVA 45 Liberty 17
Chris Mason: UVA 41 Liberty 10
Parker Hall: UVA 48 Liberty 24
Maine @ Richmond
Last night, the Spiders' basketball team endured an upset loss to Longwood. Things haven't been much better for the football team as they enter this week with a 3-6 record. Maine on the other hand is coming off a big win at Towson and has a chance to win the CAA. A win could give the Spiders some much needed momentum but a loss could seal Russ Huesman's fate.
CJ Sweat: Maine 25 Richmond 24
Chris Mason: Maine 31 Richmond 20
Parker Hall: Richmond 27 Maine 24
Virginia Tech @ Pittsburgh
Is the glass half empty or half full? Statistically speaking, the Hokies have an equal chance to miss a bowl as they do to win the ACC-Coastal division. If Justin Fuente is to lead this program back to the ACC championship though, it will start with the defense. On four separate occasions, Virginia Tech has allowed 30 or more points. In each of those occasions, they've lost. Yes, suspensions and injuries hurt. But this game is a must win for both Justin Fuente and Bud Foster.
CJ Sweat: Virginia Tech 34 Pittsburgh 28
Chris Mason: Pittsburgh 24 Virginia Tech 10
Parker Hall: Virginia Tech 38 Pittsburgh 27
North Texas @ ODU
After getting smashed by Middle-Tennessee State, 51-17, the Monarchs were on a much needed bye week last weekend. Now off of that bye week, they return home to face 7-2 North Texas, who is averaging 38 points per game. A down year won't put HC Bobby Wilder on the hot seat, but a win here against a C-USA power could give fans hope as 2018 winds down.
CJ Sweat: North Texas 45 ODU 20
Chris Mason: ODU 33 North Texas 24
Parker Hall: North Texas 40 ODU 30
