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I'm pretty much the last person to root for any conference rivals, ever, but in week one when some of us are facing off against FBS rivals, it becomes a conference pride thing. So, go CAA (except you Delaware, I hope you catch all the humiliation possible this weekend).
Unfortunately there's only a few FCS-FBS games, but on the bright side, you can watch them on TV!
Thursday August 29th
Rhode Island (0-0, 0-0 CAA) vs. Fordham (0-0, 0-0 Patriot League) -- 7:00 pm ET
The closest Rhode Island came to victory in 2012 was a 17-7 loss to Brown. Fordham is a middle of the road Patriot League team, meaning they play with reduced scholarships. Even though the scoreboard will indicate there is an actual winner on Thursday night, I'm not so sure. It certainly won't be the fans watching.
Towson (0-0, 0-0 CAA) vs. Connecticut (0-0, 0-0 AAC) -- 7:30 pm ET, ESPN3
This line has moved 3 points in favor of Towson since the open so...UPSET ALERT! Towson has two big concerns - replacing QB Grant Enders and a very green defensive line. Terrance West is a two-time CAA rushing leader and the entire offensive line is back, so that will help mask the QB. UConn's propensity to play some of the country's most boring football under Paul Pasqualoni will keep Towson in it until the bitter end.
Jacksonville (0-0, 0-0 Pioneer League) vs. Delaware (0-0, 0-0 CAA) -- 7:30 pm ET
Jacksonville's mascot is the Dolphin. Despite that, they went 7-4 last season. I'm already brainstorming witty headlines for when they take Delaware down a peg.
Saturday August 31th
William & Mary (0-0, 0-0 CAA) vs. West Virginia (0-0, 0-0 Big 12) -- 12:00 pm ET, FOX Sports 1
Based on what I've been seeing from Geno Smith in the NFL, the Mountaineers might be getting an upgrade at QB this season. William & Mary always seem to be in the mix for an upset on opening day, but I don't see it happening this time.
Albany (0-0, 0-0 CAA) vs. Duquesne (0-0, 0-0 Northeast) -- 12:10 pm ET
New-boys Albany head southwest to an awful city Pittsburgh for the second straight year. They played there in 2012, where they came away 38-31 victors. I'm starting to think The Vince might have a colleague that makes him look good.
Central Connecticut St. (0-0, 0-0 Northeast) vs. James Madison (0-0, 0-0 CAA) -- 6:00 pm ET
Fun fact: Steve Addazio attended and played football at CCSU. Let's make it a doubly-bad weekend for the man, shall we James Madison?
Virginia Military Institute (0-0, 0-0 Big South) vs. Richmond (0-0, 0-0 CAA) -- 6:00 pm ET
VMI isn't anywhere close to competent, but their coaches' name is Sparky Woods. Is that man just crazy enough to make this one interesting? The similarities to Bill Yoast (i.e. the baldness) are striking. Unfortunately Herman Boone is nowhere to be found.
Maine (0-0, 0-0 CAA) vs. Norfolk State (0-0, 0-0 MEAC) -- 6:00 pm ET
You wanna talk sad stories? The Spartans went 16-0 in conference basketball last season, lost to Bethune-Cookman in the first round of the MEAC Tournament, and were sent packing to the NIT, where they lost in the first round to Virginia. I don't think that's worn off in time for football season.
*Stony Brook & New Hampshire are off this week