1. UVA
We cannot express how much UVA has improved over the past week. The Hoos' currently rank 9th in the nation in 3rd down conversion percentage. Bryce Perkins is making Sportscenter and UVA just crushed Louisville. While Perkins provides the highlights, the defense is the substance and ranks 21st in the country.
2. Virginia Tech
Justin Fuente has had about as rough of a week as anyone. Josh Jackson injured, one of the most embarrassing losses in program history, and now defensive star Trevon Hill dismissed from the team. The Hokies travel to Durham, NC this week to face the newly ranked Duke Bluedevils. Since Justin Fuente was hired in 2016, Virginia Tech is 5-1 coming off of a loss.
3. JMU
Quarterback Ben DiNucci has proven more than capable of leading this offense, throwing for 6 TD's. Defensively through the first four games of the year, the Dukes have allowed just 31 total points, 24 of which were against NC State. They rank 2nd nationally in pass defense and can expect that dominance to continue against an inferior passing attack from Richmond.
4. ODU
This roller coaster of a season continues. After starting off with a blowout loss to Liberty, and late game failures against conference opponents FIU and Charlotte, the Monarchs finally found their footing with an upset of Virginia Tech. The offense has a leader in Blake LaRussa, who is expected to start going forward.
5. Liberty
Yes, the Flames opened with a blistering 52-10 win against ODU, but what have they done since then? Blown out by Army, blown out by North Texas at home, and a rescheduled game with Norfolk State. North Texas may be a competitive team receiving top 25 votes, but they're not a power-5 team and Liberty lost by 40. If they played ODU again today, would it be a different result?
6. Richmond
Russ Huesman is still looking for a signature win. He had an opportunity this past weekend but his Spiders were embarrassed at Stony Brook, 36-10. Richmond allowed 335 rushing yards in the loss and will host the third ranked rushing offense in FCS this weekend with JMU coming to town.
7. William & Mary
So far the Tribe have performed exactly as expected. Close win against Bucknell, blowout losses to Virginia Tech and JMU. This week they'll welcome a surprising a Colgate squad who is now ranked 23rd in FCS.
8. Norfolk State
The Spartans found a way to win this weekend in an ugly game that featured 4 combined turnovers and 12 combined penalties. This weekend they'll play Delaware State, who is not only winless but hasn't even come within 30 points of a win.
9. Hampton
The Pirates continue to feel the pain of a tough non-conference schedule. Delmon Williams only completed 4 passes and only had 103 all-purpose yards in the 44-0 loss. Things get slightly easier this weekend as Hampton hosts Charleston Southern.
10. VMI
For a second week in a row, the Keydets came within minutes of ending their winless streak. Reece Udinski threw for 491 yards and 4 TD's on 72 attempts, enroute to being named SoCon Offensive Player of the Week.
