CAA Football Week 3 Roundup: Villanova's big win puts them in a strong position

There wasn't much in the way of head-to-head CAA action yesterday with just two games on the schedule, but both results should have a big impact within the conference.

As most of you are aware, Villanova's passing attack sprung to life as the 'Cats routed Towson 40-21. The game was closer than the score indicates, but the 'Nova defense forced not one, not two, but three turnovers as the Tigers were driving deep in Wildcats territory.

Villanova and Towson were picked 4th and 6th in the CAA, respectively. With both teams eyeing a potential playoff bid this was a game both coaches needed early in the season. Villanova is now 1-0 and enters the 'easy' portion of the schedule with Lafayette, Elon and Rhode Island on deck before a trip to Richmond.

Speaking of the Spiders, while Villanova and Towson were getting set to kick off Stony Brook was polishing off a 42-14 demolition of the conference favorites. Yes, that's #2 ranked Richmond getting boat raced by a team that was picked in the lower half of the CAA preseason rankings.

Running back Stacey Bedell, who at one time was committed to Villanova, had the big day totaling four touchdowns and 100 yards rushing. Richmond going down early is a boon for Villanova, who already have a very favorable schedule.

As my colleague Brian pointed out, you didn't want to be ranked #2 yesterday.

It is not a good day to be ranked #2. FBS #2 FSU and FCS #2 Richmond both lose big.

— Brian Ewart (@Brian_Ewart) September 17, 2016

Not much else happening in the league. Albany continued their strong start with a big win over Holy Cross while Elon and William & Mary picked up out-of-conference wins. James Madison and Delaware fell to FBS foes (no shame), but Rhody took it on the chin from Harvard, and Dartmouth won their first game of the century (still checking that fact) by upsetting New Hampshire.

Shame. Shame. Shame.