Editor's Note: This marks the first of what (hopefully) will be multiple posts on previews leading up to the start of the 2011 small college football season, on Real Football Central. Additionally, there will also be posts on some key games in indoor and arena football, as well as a brief look ahead to the upcoming Canadian Football League. So, sit back and enjoy, as summer draws near!
Colonial Athletic Association
Website: http://www.caasports.com/
Looking back: The CAA once again proved why it's one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS--formerly NCAA Division I-AA), as the Delaware Blue Hens reached the championship game in 2010, only to lose to Eastern Washington. Since 2003, when Delaware won a national title, current CAA squads have advanced to the title game six times, with James Madison winning it all in 2004, Richmond taking home the 2008 crown, and Villanova capturing the 2009 championship. In all, the CAA has combined to win four FCS national championships in the last eight years.
Looking ahead: The CAA is suddenly preparing for a future without Massachusetts. Athletic officials at UMass recently announced their intentions to move their football programs to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at the end of the 2011 season.
Predicted order of finish (2010 record in parentheses)
Projected champion listed in BOLD type
1. Delaware (12-3): After falling short in last year's title game, the Blue Hens look to begin their road to the 2011 national championship. But Head Coach K.C. Keeler must replace eight defensive starters.
2. Villanova (9-5): The Wildcats have a tough roe to how in trying to win their second national championship in three years, as they lose six starters each on both sides of the football.
3. William & Mary (8-4): After reaching round two of the FCS playoffs last year, don't expect the Tribe to sneak up on anyone this year.
4. New Hampshire (8-5): Head Coach Sean McDonnell enters the 2011 season needing just 12 wins to reach 100-win mark for his coaching career. Of course, though, that means the Wildcats from northern New England would need to make a deep playoff run.
5. Richmond (6-5): The Spider faithful hope the addition of former Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes tight end Andrew Tallman will lead to a return to prominence for a program that hopes bounce back from a disappointing 2010 campaign.
6. Massachusetts (6-5): The Minutemen hope their final FCS--and CAA--season will lead to another postseason berth.
7. James Madison (6-5): The Dukes struggled to a 3-5 mark in CAA play last season. However, head coach Mickey Matthews does welcome back eight starters on offense, and 10 on defense.
8. Rhode Island (5-6): The Rams face a tough start to their season, playing four of their first six games on the road. They open the season at Syracuse on September 10.
9. Maine (4-7): Head Coach Jack Cosgrove enters his 19th season with an overall record of 97-108. He needs just three wins to join the 100-win club.
10. Towson (1-10): After nine straight losses to close out the 2010 season, the Tigers have nowhere to go but up for the 2011 season.
11. Old Dominion (8-3): The third-year Monarchs begin their inaugural season in the CAA.
4 years ago
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