Aaron Corp committed to a championship football program coming into college.

The quarterback should finish at a championship football program.

He'll just be 2600 miles away from his original destination.

Corp was officially introduced as the University of Richmond's latest addition Monday, his first day of class since departing the University of Southern California.

"I started digging around, searching for schools. After doing some research I took a trip out here, really loved the school, and it seemed like a good fit," Corp said of Richmond. "At Richmond you're going to compete every year. With the championship a couple years ago, that made [the decision] easy for me."

Touring campus with UR wide receiver Kevin Grayson his first day, Corp said he was getting acquainted with his new surroundings a continent away from the Los Angeles bustle.

"It's colder. That's something I'll have to get used to," Corp said with a chuckle, adding: "The classes are smaller [at UR than USC]. Other than that, the campus is awesome. It's easy to be here."

Corp is one of several departures from USC in recent weeks. Damian Williams and Joe McKnight both declared their entry in the 2010 National Football League last week, and most notable was former head coach Pete Carroll's leaving for the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll accepted the Seahawks head coaching position Monday, something Corp said came as "a complete surprise," and "had nothing to do with" with Corp's decision to transfer.

His intention to leave USC came earlier, with the wheels set in motion in August. Named the Trojans' intended starting quarterback for the 2009 season last spring, Corp suffered a knee injury in mid-August that sidelined him for the season's opening weeks.

Freshman Matt Barkley took over the job while Corp recooperated.

"Just an unfortunate situation," Corp said of the injury. " I sat down with my family and discussed either staying or transferring, and came to the decision it would be better for me to transfer."

Some Football Bowl Subdivision programs made his short list, but NCAA rules grant a player immediate eligibility if he transfers from the FBS to a Football Championship Subdivision university.

"The opportunity to play right away attracted me to an FCS school," he said.

The quarterback begins strength and conditioning training immediately in preparation for spring practices under new Spider head coach LaTrell Scott. There, he will compete with John Laub from starting duties.

"The spring time is going to be open competition. I have to earn everything I get, so that's just more incentive to work hard," Corp said.

Laub appeared in five games spelling four-year starting quarterback Eric Ward. Ward leaves UR with over 10,000 career yards combined rushing and passing, appeared in three FCS Playoffs, won the 2008 Div. I National Championship and sets a high bar for his successor.

"If that means playing the way Eric did, or playing to my strengths, whatever the coaches ask of me I'll do," Corp said, adding that he'll incorporate lessons taken from USC into his play at UR.

"I had great position coaches at USC. I owe them a lot for my development. Learning from them, and their backgrounds, will only help me here."

NEWS AND NOTES

Appalachian State released its 2010 schedule today, with one very intriguing date popping out: Nov. 20, the Mountaineers travel to Gainesville to play Florida.

The match-up features programs that have won a combined five championships since 2005, with ASU's three NCAA titles (2005-2007) and Florida's two Bowl Championship Series crown (2006, 2008).

But more significant is it's another trek into BCS heavyweight territory for the Mountaineers, who in 2007 made history with their defeat of then-No. 2 Michigan.

* * * *

Villanova head coach Andy Talley was named the American Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year for the Championship Subdivision Tuesday. It's the second time Talley has been given the honor, the first coming in 1997.

Quarterback Aaron Corp is leaving the University of Southern California and taking his game cross-country to the University of Richmond.

The announcement came today from Richmond athletics.

Corp was named the starter at USC last spring, but an August knee injury sidelined him and opened the door for freshman Matt Barkley, who was the Trojans' snaptaker for most of the 2009 campaign.

Corp and redshirt freshman John Laub should compete for the vacant starting quarterback slot. For the first time since very early 2006, it won't be Eric Ward calling plays for the Spiders.

Ward departed this season with over 10,000 career yards, three playoff appearances and a national championship. In his senior season, Ward passed for just below 2400 yards and rushed for another nearly 500 in leading UR to an 11-2 record and share of the Colonial Athletic Association championship.

Corp is the second quarterback from a Bowl Championship Subdivision program to transfer to a CAA school in recent weeks. Mike Paulus, brother of former Syracuse quarterback and Duke point guard Greg Paulus, left North Carolina for William & Mary.

Read more on London's hiring at NCAA.org

His two seasons as University of Richmond's head coach yielded a share of two conference titles, two double-digit win seasons and a national championship. Now, Mike London will seek similar success 70 miles down the 64 at University of Virginia.

Virginia announced the hiring of London as its new head football coach Monday.

"Today's press conference represents an exciting start for the University of Virginia football program," said UVa. athletic director Craig Littlepage in his press conference.

While London was amassing a 24-5 record in his two seasons at his alma mater Richmond, Virginia stumbled to an 8-16 mark. This season the Cavaliers finished with six consecutive losses.

When he officially takes over, it won't be London's first go-around in Charlottesville.

Before taking the reins at Richmond, London spent two seasons as Virginia's defensive coordinator. His second year in that role the Cavaliers finished with the Bowl Subdivision's 23rd best scoring defense and reached the Gator Bowl.

"I'm blessed honored to be back involved with a university that I have a familiar background with," London said in the press conference.

Beyond his winning record on the field, London made a mark in the Richmond community, something Littlepage said in the press conference was a  factor in the unviersity's decision to hire  London.

In an interview earlier this season, London said that establishing a positive presence in the community was as important wins and losses.

The Richmond program worked with  the United Way and Special Olympics, and London has work individually raising funds and awareness for bone marrow transplants.

The rubber match went the way of the Mountaineers -- and what a match it was.

Meeting for the third consecutive postseason, Appalachian State and Richmond capped off the 2009 NCAA Playoffs quarterfinals with an instant classic. The programs accounting for the last four national championships exchanged leads throughout the second half, but it was the visiting Mountaineers who prevailed.

"It's called Armanti Edwards. He's a terrific player," said Richmond head coach Mike London in the post-game press conference.

Edwards scored two of ASU's three fourth quarters, including the difference-making four-yard pass to Matt Cline with 10 seconds on the clock. The strike put ASU ahead 35-31, where it would remain when time expired.

Three minutes earlier, Richmond had regained the lead Edwards earlier took away with a touchdown rush when Eric McBride returned a loose ball to the end zone.

Billed "Clash of the Titans" on the Richmond athletic website RichmondSpiders.com, Saturday's nightcap lived up to its lofty billing on a day when other Playoff match-ups ended in lopsided scores.

Two of the Championship Subdivision's top quarterbacks were lined up under center at UR Stadium, and one was guaranteed to end his collegiate career. That was Richmond's Eric Ward, who last week surpassed 10,000 yards of total offense for his tenure.

ASU's senior quarterback Edwards plays on, one win away from his third national championship game and with a second straight Walter Payton Award in his sights. Edwards is one of three finalists for this year's award with Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim and Elon wide receiver Terrell Hudgins.

For Edwards to reach that Dec. 18 championship game in Chattanooga, Tenn., his Mountaineers will have to do something no team has this season -- beat the Montana Grizzlies.

The overall No. 1 seed extended its unanswered point total to a mind-boggling 91 by racking up 51 against Southland Conference co-champion Stephen F. Austin.

The Grizzlies had reeled off 40 straight in the opening round to rally against South Dakota State, 61-48.

Montana welcomes ASU to Missoula Saturday, where a raucous crowd and 17-game home win streak await. The Grizzlies last lost at home Nov. 24, 2007 in a playoff game with Wofford.

The winner of the Montana - ASU game is assured a Colonial Athletic Association foe in the National Chamionship game. Villanova avenged its only loss of the season in spectacular fashion, routing New Hampshire 46-7.

Villanova dealt with snowy weather by taking to the ground -- and what a strategy it proved to be. Angelo Babbaro went off for 148 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Wildcats' romp.

William & Mary went on the road to topple the coaches' poll No. 1 Southern Illions, 24-3. Defensive end Adrian Tracy tied the program record with his 12th sack in the win, and running back Jonathan Grimes exploded for three scores.

The Tribe and Wildcats met Oct. 3 in Philadelphia, a 28-17 Villanova win. The two are scheduled to meet Friday, back at Villanova, and for the second time will be broadcast on national television.

Their October encounter was aired nationally on Versus, and Friday's game is scheduled for ESPN2.

View the Interactive Bracket

There's a myriad ways to define the contrasting styles on display Saturday when Southern Illinois hosts William & Mary in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Playoffs.

But W & M cornerback David Caldwell's description might be most fitting.

"Something has to give."

On one side is the nation's fourth best rushing attack. SIU has won 11 straight thanks to it, boasting one of college football's premier running backs and a versatile quarterback in Deji Karim and Chris Dieker, respectively.

Add in Lucien Walker and Paul McIntosh to the backfield, and the result is a Saluki offense registering nearly 37 points and 231 rushing yards per game.

W & M conversely has made its bones with the top rushing defense. A linebacker corps of Jake Trantin (79 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks), Evan Francks (79 tackles, and the Adrian Tracy (68 tackles, 20 for loss, 11 sacks) anchored line have yielded only 50.3 rushing yards a game and less than two yards an attempt.

Players from each quarterfinalist team were complimentary of one another.

"William & Mary is really athletic. That's a great defensive line," Karim said.

Likewise, Tribe tackle Sean Lissemore acknowledged Walter Payton Award finalist Karim's abilities.

"We're going to have to play at the absolute top of our game," Lissemore said. "We welcome the challenge."

"It's going to be a big challenge for the secondary," added Caldwell. "There will probably be a lot of open field tackles."

Caldwell had an additional thought on Karim, too.

"Honestly, I'd say Jonathan Grimes," he cited as a comparison for Karim. "They're both athletic, both around the same size."

Tribe running back Grimes has led a multifaceted ground attack with over 1100 yards on the season and six touchdowns.

Another contrast between these two opponents is their postseason history. This is SIU's seventh consecutive playoff appearance. For members of W & M's roster, this is their first experience.

"It's an adjustment. Usually I'd be planning my itinerary to go home for the holidays," Caldwell said. The Tribe's last venture to the playoffs came in 2004.

In addition to the approaching holiday vacation, the playoffs come with the end of the semester and thus final exams.

While according to Lissemore, coaches and professors have the athletes prepared for their classroom duties, Saturday is all about those 60 minutes in SIU's McAndrew Stadium.

"Everyone's on a mission," Karim said. "We have chemistry...it's big. No one is bigger than the team."

Follow the Tribe and Salukis on Gametracker or via ESPN360.

Richmond vs. Appalachian State
Gametracker | Audio | ESPN360.com

It's an encounter being dubbed on RichmondSpiders.com "Clash of the Titans."

There's no Zeus or Poseidon at UR Stadium, but there are two of the nation's quarterbacks and the programs accounting for the last four NCAA Championships.

UR's Eric Ward and 2008 Walter Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards of ASU lead their respective teams in a rematch of a 2008 quarterfinal. In that match-up, the Spiders capitalized on seven Mountaineer turnovers to come out 33-13 victors.

The 2008 encounter evened the score between the programs. ASU won a 2007 semifinal showdown 55-35 en route to the program's third straight title.

A second straight playoff defeat of the most dominant Championship Subdivision program this decade could solidify Richmond as one of the nation's premier programs, something UR head coach Mike London alluded to in a press conference Wednesday.

"What we're trying to build is when you talk about FCS powers, hopefully you talk about Richmond in that mix," he said.

In the interim, the 2005, 2006, and 2007 champions ASU remain the FCS forerunner.

"Appalachian State is one of the best, most historic programs in college football," London said. "It's an honor to play the best."

The sentiment was one that seemed to be shared based on ASU head coach Jerry Moore's comments during his press conference Tuesday.

"That is a tough, veteran football team," he said.

Montana vs. Stephen F. Austin
ESPN360.com

Stephen F. Austin led the nation in points per game and passing offense, so there's no question the Lumberjacks can score. The same can be said for a Montana team that last week posted 40 points in a quarter-and-a-half against one of nation's top defenses.

Montana defensive end Severin Campbell said the Grizzlies' second half success against South Dakota State was the result of "turning them into a passing team."

The opposite is going to have be true Saturday against an SFA offense that relies most heavily on that aspect of its game.

"We're going to have to pressure the quarterback," Campbell said, who referenced Big Sky opponents citing Montana's success against the pass this campaign.

Villanova vs. New Hampshire
Gametracker | ESPN360.com

CAA rivals meet in Philadelphia, almost two months after their back-and-forth conference tussle. The New Hamsphire Wildcats bested their Villanova counterparts 28-24 that day. Read more about the encounter.

HIGHLIGHTS 

William & Mary vs. Weber State | Southern Illinois vs. Eastern Illinois |

The overall No. 1 seed and the most well represented conference in the NCAA Div. I Football Playoffs certainly proved their respective standings in opening round play.

Montana battled from a four-touchdowns-and-three-extra-points deficit to top South Dakota State, and all four Colonial Athletic Association playoff participants advanced.

Montana's win was the result of a whirlwind 20 minutes and change. Trailing by 27 with a little under six minutes to go in the third quarter, the top seeded Grizzlies' championship fate was in good hands.

Marc Mariani's hands, that is.

He scored the first of his three touchdowns at that juncture, a 98-yard kick return, and sparked Montana's 40-0 explosion against the nation's top scoring defense.

A very game South Dakota State came into Missoula, Mont. yielding just over 13 points per game, tied for Elon as the nation's stingiest defense.

The Jackrabbit triad of quarterback Thomas O'Brien, wideout Colin Cochart and running back Kyle Minnet set the pace with five combined touchdowns through the early third quarter.

The cushion wasn't enough to hold off the Championship Subdivision's only unbeaten. Montana's head-spinning rally puts it at 12-0 and into the second round, when it will host Stephen F. Austin.

The CAA's own brand of "unbeaten" came in the form of 4-0 -- as in the conference's record through first round play. Exactly half of the quarterfinal field is made up of CAA representatives with Richmond, Villanova, William & Mary and New Hampshire all advancing.

The defending national champion UR Spiders needed every point it could muster against the powerful Elon defense. Senior quarterback Eric Ward eclipsed 10,000 yards of total offense on his career with a game that included over 100 yards rushing and passing.

The Phoenix attempted a long field goal in the game's waning seconds, trying to force overtime, but the try was unsuccessful. That sets up a showdown of the last four combined national champions, with Richmond and Appalachian State squaring off in the next round.

The Mountaineers, champions from 2005 to 2007, got a late touchdown to pull ahead of South Carolina State in a 20-13 victory.

Villanova doubled up Holy Cross in the first half, and that proved enough for the Wildcats to ride to victory 38-28. The Villanova offense used a balanced attack with five different players accounting for touchdowns.

Villanova now has the rare opportunity to avenge its lone regular defeat. CAA mate and the only team to knock off Villanova, New Hampshire, cruised past McNeese State with five unanswered touchdowns.

William & Mary had a similarly pain-free win in its opening round game, blanking Weber State 38-0. Once the Tribe got its offensive motor humming after a scoreless first quarter, it never looked back.

Southern Illinois had to play catch-up against Eastern Illinois -- in the first quarter. After trailing 7-0 though, it was all Salukis. The Missouri Valley champions and annual Playoff entrant Southern Illinois scored the next 48 points to advance. William & Mary come to Carbondale, Ill. for the second round.

STARS OF SATURDAY

• Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin

Moses was the nation's leading passer throughout the regular season, and the Playoffs proved no different. He completed a ridiculous 75 percent of his attempts en route to 432 yards and four scores -- more than enough to offset his three turnovers.
• Marc Mariani, Montana

His 98-yard score in the late third quarter was the first of three touchdowns during the Grizzlies' 40-0, gamebreaking run.
• RJ Toman, New Hampshire

One out of nearly every five Toman pass attempts was good for a touchdown in the Wildcats' road romp of McNeese State. He went 17-for-25 with three scores and 240 yards.

A share of the Colonial Athletic Association championship is on the line Saturday when Richmond hosts William & Mary for the 119th installment of their rivalry -- and first installment of the Capital Cup.

This year's duel marks the first wherein the winner will receive the new trophy, a replacement of the former I-64 Trophy.

"A lot's riding on this," said Richmond cornerback Eric McBride. "This is a good way to measure our team. We're playing this like it's our first playoff game."

The winner claims not just a share of the CAA crown, but makes a statement to the selection committee on the eve of the playoff bracket release.

Sunday, the NCAA announces the field of 16 teams that will vie for an appearance in Chattanooga, Tenn. and the national championship game.

Villanova already has an inside track from the CAA. The Wildcats control their own destiny, boasting wins over both Richmond and W & M. If it defeats 25th ranked Delaware, Villanova will share the conference championship with the Capital Cup winner.

So with a select few at-large berths to be had, and three CAA teams in the top 10, does the loser of the Capital Cup get that call Sunday with two conference mates already potentially locked in?

"I would think so," said William & Mary quarterback RJ Archer. "Coming out of the CAA with a 9-2 record would be enough to get you into the playoffs.

"I think the CAA is the toughest [Championship Subdivision] conference. I feel like any of the 12 schools can beat each other on a given day," he said.

That is a benefit, said Archer.

"It's fun. You want to play the best teams in the country when you can."

There's no hyperbole when calling the cream of the CAA crop "best in the country." Richmond is the defending national champion and spent the season's first 10 weeks ranked No. 1. Three of the conference's squads -- UR, Villanova, and W & M -- have hovered in or around the top 5 throughout the campaign.

"This is a quality opponent that could very well end up deep in the playoffs," said UR quarterback Eric Ward. "[William & Mary] will get us prepared for what we're going to face the next few weeks."

The Tribe are indeed a team that stack up favorably with the likely playoff field. W & M boasts a defense that ranks fourth nationally in yards allowed, and an offense that averages 28 points per game.

McBride had high praise for the Tribe offense, particularly its multifaceted ground attack.

"They've got two great runners: a power guy and a speed guy [Terrence Riggins and Jonathan Grimes]. The quarterback likes to boot out. He's real athletic," McBride said.

Archer's 20 rushing yards per game make him the fourth player to average at least that figure on the ground. Grimes leads the squad at 92.2, Riggins averages 24.6, and Courtland Marriner is posting 40.9.

Conversely, the Spider defense is yielding just 70.7 rushing yards per game. Mustering yards and scoring opportunities against UR is a challenge, said Archer.

"Everybody does their jobs. There's really not any missed assignments, so it's going to be our job to exploit little things," he said.

Ward had a similar assessment of the Tribe's defense.

"They'll bring a lot of looks at you. Up front, all four of those guys [are experienced], and they have one of the best defensive ends with Adrian Tracy," he said.

Tracy has found his way into opposing backfields for 10 sacks on the campaign. He is one of 14 seniors looking to reach two milestones this week that no W & M team has since 2004. The first, reach the playoffs.

The second?

"We haven't beat Richmond since [the senior class has] been here. One of our goals was to beat [James Madison], and we did that. Richmond was the team we've never beat, so in that way it's a big game for us," Archer said. "There's added excitement: big rivalry game, two teams that are 9-1 You could say there's a little more incentive."

Watch the Spiders and Tribe tangle on Richmond All-Access or follow via Gametracker.

AROUND THE NATION

Central Connecticut State rallied for 20 fourth quarter points last week to top Monmouth and put itself in position to win the Northeast Conference. The Blue Devils can seal the championship and an automatic playoff bid went it travels to St. Francis.

Wagner can still stake a claim to the NEC title. It hosts Albany in a matchup of two of the top three NEC squads.

Northern Iowa dropped back-to-back close calls to South Dakota State and Southern Illinois, two of the nation's top 10 teams. The Panthers have themselves been near the top of the rankings all season though, and could snag an at-large bid. A win Saturday over Illinois State would be a step in that direction.

Eastern Illinois' loss last night to Tennessee State opens the door for Eastern Kentucky to slip into playoff contention -- or for Jacksonville State to claim the Ohio Valley championship.

JSU is not eligible for postseason play, but at 5-1 would have the league's best record should it defeat the visiting Colonels.

Montana locked up its 13th Big Sky championship in the last 16 seasons, and the only thing standing between it and a perfect regular season is rival Montana State. The two tussle in Missoula Saturday.

"The middle of the field was open. I saw that, so I had to get off the first defender who was covering me and get to the middle."

This is Villanova wide receiver Brandyn Harvey describing the game winning play for his Wildcats Saturday against top ranked Richmond.

"I had a post route. I had to make a move at the line because one of the [defensive backs] was pressing me," he said. "I went up to catch the ball, but there was another safety going for the interception.

"But he didn't - so everything worked out."

And how.

The Wildcats' 21-20 victory ended a 393-day, 17-game unbeaten streak for Richmond and forced a tie atop the Colonial Athletic Association South Division. Villanova, Richmond and William & Mary all have one loss with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

 The Spiders and Wildcats were locked in a back-and-forth struggle wherein host UR led 20-14. Richmond had failed to convert the point-after on its previous touchdown, and a kickoff gaffe gave visiting Villanova the ball at its own 41-yard line.

"We were confident we were going to score," Harvey said. "It was two minutes left, but we only had to go 60 yards."

That game-winning grab couldn't have come without proper delivery, which is what quarterback Chris Whitney provided.

"I saw that they were bringing everybody and basically playing Cover-0 behind [the line]. They were blitzing everybody like they had the past three downs, and they were having success with that."

The Wildcats moved into Spider territory, but Richmond's defense buckled down to force a must-convert fourth down.

With the Spiders bringing the house, Whitney saw a cutting Harvey in the end zone and struck.

"I knew if I put it up, [Harvey] would come down with it," Whitney said.

Harvey used his 6-foot-4 frame to come down with the ball, his sixth reception on the afternoon.

"In the second half...they were switching up what they were doing, blitzing a lot and playing some man [defense]," Whitney said. "[Harvey] was just beating the corner[back]."

Villanova now holds tiebreakers over both UR and William & Mary. The Wildcats defeated the Tribe Oct. 3, 28-17.

Appalachian State and Elon each handled their respective duties to set up a Southern Conference championship game Nov. 14.

Each extended its league mark to 6-0 this past weekend. Chattanooga has had its most successful season of recent years, but couldn't stop an ASU offense now clicking on all cylinders. The Mountaineers poured on 35 points, marking their fifth straight game with five or more touchdowns.

Meanwhile Elon's signature defense flexed its muscles against Western Carolina, and the offense added on with 42 points as the Phoenix remained perfect.

The Patriot League set the stage for a championship showdown when conference undefeateds Holy Cross and Lafayette won.

Lafayette quarterback Rob Curley had a video game sort of day: seven touchdowns off 373 yards passing.

That's no typo - the Leopard quarterback's half-dozen-plus-one scoring strikes smashed the program record.

HC marched 81 yards in the final stanza to top Lehigh in a 24-20 final. Quarterback Dominic Randolph completed the drive on a four-yard scoring strike to Freddie Santana with just over a minute remaining.

Butler kept Dayton at arm's distance in its Pioneer League win, which sets up a Bulldog showdown for the title. Butler jumped ahead 13-0 and never trailed despite a furious Flyer rally that included a Steve Valentino touchdown pass and two point conversion in the game's final minute-and-a-half.

If Drake and Butler win Saturday against Dayton and Jacksonville respectively, the two will be perfect in the Pioneer League come Nov. 21 when they square off.

Saturday's Stars

Shawn Leonard, Rhode Island
Though his Rhode Island Rams fell short against New Hampshire, Shawn Leonard had an amazing Saturday. He hauled in 275 yards' worth of receptions including four touchdowns in the 55-42 scoreboard-igniting contest.

Toddrick Pendland, McNeese State
 Cowboy tailback Toddrick Pendland made good use of his rushes in a 63-42 MSU romp of Sam Houston State - 20 percent of them were for scores.

Pendland finished with four touchdowns and 171 yards rushing on 20 carries as MSU kept pace with Texas State and Stephen F. Austin atop the Southland Conference.

Duane Brooks, Stephen F. Austin
 Duane Brooks snared the game-winning score to secure a Lumberjack come-from-behind victory over Nicholls State. The touchdown was quarterback Jeremy Moses' third of the day, and the connection with Brooks keeps SFA in contention for the Southland title.

Andrew Cialino, Holy Cross
 Linebacker Andrew Cialino had 15 tackles in the Crusaders' road defeat of Lehigh. His performance helped the Crusader defense as it held Lehigh to just a field goal in the final quarter, setting up the offense's game-winning drive.

Five conference championships could be decided in crucial tilts tomorrow, rendering this Judgment Saturday.

No. 1 Richmond puts its unblemished record and 17-game win streak on the line against No. 4 Villanova in the Colonial Athletic Association.

"Our goal is to make them a one dimensional, passing offense," said UR defensive end Martin Parker. Parker has four sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss to help anchor a Spider defense ranked 11th nationally in points yielded (15.4).

Parker and his teammates will have a full plate as they try to a stop one of the nation's premiere rushing games.

Villanova's found success with a balanced attack, showing opposing defenses shotgun spread option and Wildcat sets. Tailback Aaron Ball, wide receiver Matt Szczur, and quarterback Chris Whitney combine for over 170 of the Wildcats' 223 rushing yards a game.

And according to Parker, those Villanova rushers have plenty of opportunities thanks to the team's work in the trenches.

Villanova QB Chris Whitney

"That's a very veteran offensive line -- very big, very well coached. That's the No. 1 key to their rushing game. If our defensive line can stop their offensive line, that's going to be a big key to us stopping their rushing game."

UR has a match in the Villanova defense, which has held opponents below 17 points per game. Included on the Wildcats' defensive resume is holding Temple freshman sensation Bernard Pierce to 44 yards, his second lowest output and stifling fifth ranked William & Mary to 17 points.

This pairing of Top 5 foes is the culmination of Richmond's Homecoming Week.

Follow it online via Gametracker, and streaming live through Richmond All-Access .

Defenses take center stage in the Missouri Valley when Southern Illinois travels to South Dakota State. The Salukis and Jackrabbits both boast perfect MVFC records, and top 10 ranked defenses.

And for SDSU, a program that joined Division I ranks in 2004, it's a showdown that linebacker Derek Domino called "the biggest in program history.

"This could put us on the map. Hopefully we can show we're here, and we're here to stay."

Southern Illinois ILB Brandin Jordan

"Stop the run, put pressure on the quarterback, cause some turnovers, try to force them to make mistakes," SIU senior linebacker Brandin Jordan said of the Salukis' gameplan vs. SDSU.

Through eight games the Salukis have hit those goals. SIU opponents are averaging just 14.1 points per game and forced into 19 turnovers. Jordan has done his share with 47 tackles and three sacks.

But if there's any defense that has equaled SIU, it's the Jackrabbits'. In fact, SDSU is tied with Elon for the stingiest scoring defense in the Championship Subdivision.

"We always go in with the mindset, 'they can't score, they can't win,'" said Domino.

Chief among the Jackrabbits' challenges against a potent SIU squad: stopping tailback Deji Karim, the MVFC leading rusher with 139 yards per game.

"[Karim]'s a great running back. He's having an All-America type season," Domino said. "When he gets out on the edge, there's no one in the country that can catch him.

"Hopefully we can just contain him -- not let him get out on the edge, keep him in the box with limited space to move," he said.

Follow the action via SDSU Live Stats.

Dayton quarterback Steve Valentino said tomorrow's Flyer match-up with Butler is "one of the games, if not the game, that's going to decide the [Pioneer] League championship."

UD claimed the 2008 crown, and is gunning for a second. But the visiting Bulldogs are unbeaten on the campaign and tomorrow are seeking a measure of retribution.

"It's an unbelievable chance to play a championship game in November," said Butler quarterback Andrew Huck.

The Bulldogs had a similar opportunity a season ago, but dropped a late season road contest to this same Dayton bunch.

In that vein, Huck said Butler has "focused on finishing all week in practice."

"Butler's always a tough game, and last year I'm sure they think they should have won it," Valentino said.

The 2008 game featured a Butler rally from a two-touchdown deficit. That gap was bridged with less than a minute remaining in regulation, forcing an overtime wherein Dayton persevered.

This time around the teams have new starters under center, but the implications remain the same. And as for Huck and Valentino, the two have registered almost identical numbers: 256.5 yards per game of total offense and 21 touchdowns for Huck; 255.6 total yards and 16 touchdowns for Valentino.

Similarly, the Bulldogs and Flyers boast lofty point differentials of plus-15.3 and plus-12.2 respectively.

According to Huck, that total could be higher for the undefeated Bulldogs.

Dayton QB Steve Valentino

"We've been able to get down in the red zone, but we haven't been able to get the points equivalent to the yards we're making," he said.

The ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities is vital for Butler against a UD defense giving up just 12 points per game.

"Our defense has carried us all year. We have one of the best defenses in the entire league," Valentino said.

Dayton has the game covered via Gametracker and All Access

The Keystone State is home to two key match-ups in the Patriot League. A week after pulling ahead of Colgate, Holy Cross travels to Lehigh with a chance to stay atop the conference. But fellow pace setter Lafayette takes on an 8-1 Colgate squad that just suffered its first loss.

HC quarterback Dominic Randolph has been among the nation's most prolific passers, but in Lehigh faces a passing defense that has ranked fifth in FCS. The cross-state contest features a similar angle, with Colgate's offense scoring just shy of 30 points per game but Lafayette yielding only 15.9 points.

Last but certainly not least in the Judgment Saturday lineup is a Northeast Conference bout featuring Central Connecticut State and Wagner, the league's two unbeaten leaders. CCSU has made a habit of winning nailbiters. Five of the Blue Devils' seven victories are by single digits, and the two most recent were by a field goal -- combined.

Wagner has won in similar heartstopping fashion, tallying three of its five conference wins by fewer than 10 points.

The formula could make for another classic as the two pursue an NEC title.

Defensive players for the Texas State Bobcats knew they would need an outstanding effort Saturday against then-11th ranked Stephen F. Austin.

The Lumberjacks' spread offense came into the tilt averaging better than six touchdowns a game, best in the nation, and according to Texas State defensive coordinator Fred Bleil the Bobcats had heard criticism of their defense against such sets.

"We had performed better against running teams than against spread offense. The kids were tired of hearing we weren't playing well against spread offenses after Southeast Louisiana had done so well against us," he said.

Texas State answered those criticisms authoritatively, holding SFA 37 points below its season average and in the process, catapulting itself into the thick of the Southland Conference title chase.

"It's the best effort through all four quarters. We've shown what we can do, just not for four quarters," said linebacker Marcus Clark. Clark finished the day with 16 tackles and recovered a Lumberjack fumble with SFA driving, one of a few key stops Texas State made in the red zone.

"We've been a good red zone D throughout the year, so we were just trying to keep that going," he said.

SFA finished the day with 416 total yards, and while the Lumberjacks moved the ball effectively, there's one place the Bobcats kept them from where it mattered most -- the end zone.

"Bend not break," is how linebacker Joe Bell described the Bobcats' red zone defensive mindset. Bell finished the day with 15 tackles and a sack.

Bending for Texas State case meant forcing Lumberjack turnovers -- three to be exact, including the fumble Bell caused at the Texas State 11-yard line.

"We got breaks, but that's what you've got to do: work hard, and take those breaks," said Texas State defensive coordinator Fred Bleil.

Getting breaks -- or causing them in the red zone has been a hallmark of this Bobcat defense, he added.

"We've not been a good yardage defense, but we've been a good red zone defense," Bleil said. "We may not have the speed in the back end, but once we get down there in those close spaces we can make some plays."

And showing what it was capable of was a motivator for this unit, Clark said.

"Keeping them to seven...that was a statement that we're a defense that can play against anybody."

Bell added that the Lumberjacks' ranking coming in and challenge they posed to the Bobcat defense was just icing on the proverbial cake, as this is a game Texas State marks on its calendar yearly.

"One of our goals that we make every year is to beat SFA and Sam Houston," he said.

The Bobcats are halfway to that goal. Sam Houston is Texas State's finale, Nov. 21 at home, and another important test in the conference race.

Bleil said he believes winning the conference title is essential to earning a postseason berth. The next challenge in that quest comes this weekend against Central Arkansas.

The Bears are not eligible for postseason play until 2010 as a provisional member of the Southland, but have made themselves at home in the conference. UCA is 5-3 on the season, with a win over a Bowl Subdivision opponent (Western Kentucky) and a four-game win streak earlier this season to its credit.

Blue Devil Magic
Central Connecticut State continues to find ways to win games late. One week after defeating Bryant by a point in the final stanza, the Blue Devils rallied for 20 second half points to topple Albany, 31-29. The win keeps CCSU atop the Northeast Conference at 5-0, 7-1 overall.

Sioux Fight
North Dakota blanked a prolific Cal Poly offense through the entire second half to down the visiting Mustangs, 31-17. UND forced three Mustang turnovers in the second half after battling back from a double-digit point deficit to move to 4-4 on the season.

Dukes Break Through
James Madison met some struggles through October, racking up losses to Colonial Athletic Association leaders Villanova and William & Mary. But JMU closed the month strong with a 20-6 defeat of 18th ranked Delaware, its first conference victory of the campaign.

Quarterback Justin Thorpe earned CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors for his 262 yards passing, 42 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the Dukes' win.

An Honor for the Spiders
As Richmond chases down its second straight national championship, attention continues to come the Spiders' way. After defeating Towson 42-14, UR joined Appalachian State (2007) and Northern Iowa (2009) as the only teams in Championship Subdivision history to garner votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. The Spiders were a vote behind 7-2 Idaho and two behind the Southeastern Conference's Tennessee.

Latest Top 25

Rank	Team (1st Place Votes)	Record	Points	Prev.
1	Richmond (28)	8-0	700	1
2	Montana	8-0	667	2
3	Southern Ill.	7-1	646	3
4	Villanova	7-1	614	4
5	William & Mary	7-1	580	5
6	Elon	7-1	552	6
7	New Hampshire	7-1	510	7
8	Appalachian St.	6-2	508	8
9	South Dakota St.	7-1	475	9
10	South Carolina St.	7-1	453	10
11	McNeese St.	6-2	419	11
12	UNI	5-3	374	14
13	Eastern Ill.	7-2	323	19
14	Holy Cross	7-1	317	17
15	Jacksonville St.	5-3	273	20
16	Eastern Wash.	6-3	225	21
17	Liberty	6-2	201	24
18	Stephen F. Austin	6-2	200	15
19	Central Ark.	5-3	181	12
20	Colgate	8-1	161	25
21	Weber St.	5-4	149	13
22	Prairie View	5-1	116	25
23	Florida A&M	6-2	81	NR
24	Lafayette	7-1	74	NR
25	Delaware	5-3	71	18

The special teams play of Eastern Illinois' Lorence Ricks was certainly special. He scored on an 87-yard punt return, forced a fumble on a Jacksonville State return and blocked a punt attempt in EIU's 28-20 win over JSU.

It was the Gamecocks' first Ohio Valley loss of 2009, and forced a tie atop the OVC. For his efforts, Ricks garnered conference Specialist of the Week honors.

While one league became deadlocked, another broke its tie at the top. Holy Cross jumped two touchdowns ahead of Colgate early in a battle of Patriot League unbeateans. All four of the Crusaders' first half scores were the result of quarterback Dominic Randolph.

South Dakota State maintained its perfect Missouri Valley mark and handed Northern Iowa its second consecutive loss. The Jackrabbits' stingy defense yielded just 14 points, almost 26 fewer than the Panthers' season average entering the game.

The Jackrabbits' win helps them keep pace with Southern Illinois, which employed its own brand of stifling defense in a 27-8 defeat of Youngstown State. The Salukis did not surrender a score until the final stanza.

While the Jackrabbits and Salukis jockeyed for MVFC positioning, conference mate Indiana State made its own noteworthy moves. The Sycamores topped Western Illinois 16-14 for the program's first win under head coach Trent Miles - and the first ISU win since October 2006.

William & Mary maintained pace in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 24-3 drubbing of James Madison. The Tribe attacked the Dukes primarily from the ground, registering 258 yards rushing on the day.

W&M trails league-leader Richmond, which easily handled UMass. 34-12. Villanova remains in a tie for second with W&M, though the Wildcats hold the tiebreaker thanks to their head-to-head victory Oct. 3. The Wildcats trounced Rhode Island 36-7.

Another team battling for playoff consideration and conference title aspirations, McNeese State, needed a dramatic fourth quarter comeback to battle past Southeastern Louisiana. The Southland Conference showdown was an instant classic that featured over 800 yards of combined, total offense.

MSU's Derrick Fourroux threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Richard Conner with 40 seconds left to put the Cowboys ahead. McNeese State needed two touchdowns and a defensively perfect fourth quarter to hand SELA its first Southland defeat.

More late game heroics were needed for Central Connecticut State. The Blue Devils topped Bryant on the road, 24-23, when James Mallory punched in a one-yard rush with 47 seconds to go. CCSU remains atop the Northeast Conference at 4-0 (6-1 overall). Newcomer Bryant is not eligible for postseason play due to transition rules. The Bulldogs have, however, been a threat in the NEC with two conference wins.

INDIVIDUAL STARS

Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin Moses led a 42-3 Lumberjack rout of conference rival Sam Houston State with five touchdown passes and 372 yards through the air.

Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross The HC quarterback threw for 288 yards, rushed for another 116, and scored four touchdowns in the Crusaders' Patriot League win over Colgate.

Lorence Ricks, Eastern Illinois His forced fumble, blocked punt and punt return for a touchdown were integral in Eastern Illinois' road win over Jacksonville State.

Ryan Roberts, Indiana State Converted to quarterback this season as a measure to plug holes, Roberts answered his coach Miles' call with two critical touchdowns in the Sycamores' first win since October 2006: one a 91-yard rush, the other a four yarder in the fourth quarter.

Justin Rogers, Richmond Top ranked Richmond held UMass to 12 points in a Spider win, and doing his part was CAA Defensive Player of the Week Rogers. He had an interception and a recovered fumble in the decision.

No surprise that again the Colonial Athletic Association is home to this Saturday's crown jewel match-up. Defending national champion, top ranked and unbeaten Richmond heads North for a showdown with 14th ranked Massachusetts. The Minutemen have some experience ending undefeated starts -- last week, they handed fellow CAA team New Hampshire its lone loss of the season.

UMass boasts a well-rounded offensive attack: quarterback Kyle Havens' 242.7 passing yards per game and eight touchdowns have helped supplement the multidimensional ground game of Jon Hernandez (408 yards, six touchdowns) and Tony Nelson (377 yards, two touchdowns). In total, this has translated to 30.8 points per game for the Minutemen.

Mirroring that balanced attack, Richmond employs an offensive scheme reliant as much on the rush as the pass. Quarterback Eric Ward is averaging better than 202 yards through the air and has spread the ball around the field -- three receivers have caught for 250 yards or more.

This dandy is available via Gametracker and streaming live on UMass All-Access. Both UMass and UR offer live audio.

Another CAA clash could determine one participant's entire season. It's do-or-die time for the Dukes. James Madison started the season ranked in the top 10, took 2008 Bowl Subdivision postseason qualifier Maryland to overtime and boasted a strong lineup. But proving the CAA's prowess, the Dukes have struggled to an 0-3 start in league play.

Their road gets no easier Saturday, when JMU faces in-state rival William & Mary. The Tribe regrouped from a setback Oct. 3 at Villanova with a three-touchdown victory over Northeastern.

W&M should show the Dukes a healthy dose of running, as four different Tribe rushers are combining for nearly 200 yards per game. Opponents are averaging 146 yards per game against JMU, but the Dukes have had their own success running the ball at 180 yards per. Follow this critical CAA battle online.

The Patriot League race will take shape when ranked foes clash. Undefeated Colgate plays host to Holy Cross with both sporting perfect conference marks and the League's two most prolific offenses. The Crusaders are averaging just shy of five touchdowns-plus-PATs a game at 34.3, and the Raiders are boasting a 29.9 per game average.

But offensive fireworks are no guarantee -- No. 17 Colgate has a stingy defense to go with its potent offense. The Raiders have held opponents to 16.3 points per game. Holy Cross doesn't slouch on that end either, with a 19.5 points per game allowed average.

Video and Audio are both available, as well as Live Stats.

Northern Iowa suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Southern Illinois last week, 27-20. The Panthers have no time to lick their proverbial wounds however, this Saturday traveling to face South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits bounced into the Missouri Valley Conference lead thanks to the Salukis' defeat of UNI, and SDSU will look to stay there.

SDSU's defense is tops among Championship Subdivision programs with 12.4 points allowed per. Senior defensive end Danny Batten has been a menace in opponent backfields, a sure challenge to UNI quarterback Pat Grace. Watch the game live online.

Jacksonville State can give itself some separation in the Ohio Valley. The Gamecocks host Eastern Illinois, with JSU holding a one-game advantage over the second place Panthers. EIU held off Tennessee Tech a week ago on a day that former quarterback Tony Romo had his number retired.

JSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux is the most efficient quarterback in all FCS. He has 17 touchdowns, is throwing for a shade below 12 yards an attempt, has 1284 yards and a ridiculous 195 QB rating. He should test a Panther defense allowing nearly 11 yards per completion. Watch it unfold online.

Featured on NCAA.com is Richmond quarterback Eric Ward. Ward, a four-year starter, has taken wins over gaudy stats. Read more about Ward here.

Fireworks can, and probably will happen whenever LeRoy Vann takes a punt. The Florida A&M defensive back leads all of Div. I, either Championship or Bowl Subdivision in punts returned for a touchdown. In fact, his four are twice as many as his nearest competitors.

All four of Vann's end zone jaunts came in two games. Last month, the Rattler had consecutive outings with multiple returns for touchdowns including a 92-yarder. In those outings, both FAMU wins, he accumulated 182 and 117 special teams yards.

So what makes Vann so electric in special teams?

"I just look for my holes, but I don't look to cut," Vann explained. "I'm running full speed. I don't hesitate."

Vann said the moment he has the ball, he's scanning the field for creases in the defense. He credits his fellow Rattlers for widening those creases.

"My blockers have done a good job staying with their blocks. They've given me lanes to run through."

In addition to using the opportunities his teammates have given him, Vann said he's put forth extra hours to hone his game.

"You've got to stay longer after practice if that's what it takes, work hard on your craft."

On the defensive end, Vann has 53 tackles (eight for loss), two sacks and an interception. He said he carries over the same outlook from his play on that side of the ball to his punt returning.

"I'm a physical guy, so I really don't get intimidated by anybody."

When asked what player Vann would compare his return style to, he said: "Maurice Jones-Drew. He runs fearless, and I run fearless, so that would be the closest [comparison] to me."

Vann's game-changing special teams play could prove integral this week, as the Rattlers travel to South Carolina State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest with huge ramifications.

Both FAMU and SCSU are unbeaten in the MEAC. Both are ranked in the top 25. Each has a 4-1 record with their lone, respective losses coming to ranked FBS foes. The winner of this one will have a decided edge in the conference title race.

MORE TO WATCH SATURDAY

Defending national champions and No. 1 Richmond takes its perfect record on the road to Colonial Athletic Association foe Maine. The Black Bears trail New Hampshire in the conference's North Division and are tied with Massachusetts. An upset of the Spiders would guarantee Maine either second place alone, or a share of first as UNH and UMass square off Saturday.

Fans can follow both Richmond vs. Maine and New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts . UMass is also offering a live broadcast via All Access .

Another showdown of ranked squads highlights the Missouri Valley Conference. When No. 2 Northern Iowa plays hosts to No.5 Southern Illinois it will mark the third consecutive week two top five teams have met (William & Mary at Villanova Oct. 3, Villanova at New Hampshire Oct. 10).

The SIU defense is allowing opponents just 17 points per game, but UNI quarterback Pat Grace (featured this week on NCAA.com) has helped the Panthers post a second-best nationally 41.8 points an outing. Follow the Salukis and Panthers on .

Richmond wide receiver has won a national championship, but it's what this Spider is doing off the field that makes him truly stand out. Read about Grayson's winning away from the gridiron in this NCAA.com feature.