Football is here: ACC & CAA previews

This weekend is opening weekend for college ball, in fact there were even a couple games last night–which you probably missed. Some fan you are. Anyway, to prep you a bit so you don’t go wandering into Saturday like some new born babe, here’s a break down of the Commonwealth’s ACC and CAA games.

September 2, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Ross Catrow

Guys, augh, finally!

The horrid, sweltering summer is over, and now if you listen carefully you can hear the sound of pigskins sailing overhead. Wonderful pigskins that bring with them tailgating, school-spirited outfits, cornhole, and weekend trips to massive stadiums! There is nothing finer in the fall than the college football.

This weekend is opening weekend for college ball, in fact there were even a couple games last night–which you probably missed. Some fan you are. Anyway, to prep you a bit so you don’t go wandering into Saturday like some new born babe, here’s a break down of the Commonwealth’s ACC and CAA games going on–sorry Big South fans, you’ll have to get your news somewhere else (assuming that place exists, good luck!).

Virginia Tech vs. Appalachian State

The Hokies hopes for the future/flowers are riding on new QB in Logan Thomas. Thomas, as you probably all know, was one of the top tightends in the nation before switching to quarterback a couple seasons ago. Legend has it that he can throw a football over them mountains. In addition to the new QB there’s lots of young, and new, faces on the defense–which is pretty much terrifying. Luckily the running back that climbed Cassell Coliseum and caught a rabbit with his bare hands has returned! Prepare for David Wilson to run the ball a trillion times each game.

Tech will face App State (annoyingly referred to on the radio as “Appy State”) which is basically the best FCS team in existence. They’re so good that they’ve decided to move up to FBS at some point in the future. There are several future NFLers on this team, including a wide receiver that is better than any receiver wearing maroon.

There are three things that can happen this weekend.

• The Hokies come out and cover the twenty-something point spread and David Wilson looks like the newest member of the Justice League.
• The Hokies over think things–remembering how last year’s game against the Duke Dogs went–and blow it, most likely late in the game.
• The Hokies don’t over think things enough and get confused by a talented quarterback and a newly implemented 3-4 defense and blow it late in the game.

All that said, the Hokies win.

UVa vs. William & Mary

Isn’t the story always the same with these low-level ACC teams playing a high-level CAA team? Typically the CAA keeps it close until the 3rd quarter, and then the ACC team will turn it up a bit and coast to a win. Well, that’s probably what will happen in this game too. It’s Coach London’s second year at the helm and hopefully he’ll make some improvements over last year’s 4-8 season–even with a new starting quarterback (who’s dad, by the way, is the new coach at Liberty). Nothing to worry about here Wahoos.

Richmond vs. Duke

There is, however, something for Blue Devil fans to worry about. Richmond has beaten Duke the last two times they’ve played. USC QB transfer (who may just be an NFL pick) is finally healthy. Duke’s record last year was 3-9. This does not bode well. Yeah, they’ve got two magical receivers, Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon, but it didn’t help a ton last year (although they did beat UVa).

However, the Spider program is in the midst of an upheaval after the resignation of head coach Latrel Scott. I think Duke takes advantage of an emotional Spider team and–finally–pulls out a win.

Aside: why are we missing out on the natural tie-ins between the Spiders and Spider-Man? Talk about a freaking awesome mascot.

JMU vs. North Carolina

Another game, another team in upheaval: UNC also just fired their head coach a couple of weeks ago amidst a rather large pile of scandals. So the question is: can JMU do it again? Can they strike the lighting twice, or whatever. I’m not sure, but if you were going to take advantage of a team’s emotional state now would be the time (six days after a devastating loss on national TV would be a good time too, but we won’t talk about that).

But, alas Dukes, now is not your time.

ODU vs. Campbell

Let me be honest, I know almost nothing about either of these two teams. ODU has only played two seasons of football and the Campbell Fighting Camels once used this sweet old logo. That about covers the extent of my knowledge.

After two years of playing scrubs ODU is now playing a full CAA schedule. WELCOME TO THE BIG(ISH) LEAGUES, MONARCHS. The Camels, however, are a scrubby relic from ODU’s previously scrubby schedules. The Monarchs should roll.

September 2, 2011 6:00 AM 5