Games to watch for 2005
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The fantasy league pits the various “D-III gurus” against each other. Nine of us participated in a draft of D-III players last week, for guru bragging rights at the end of the year. We’ll see how I do.
I’ve got my new camera gear all ready to go and the batteries are charged for the Labor Day weekend when Rowan travels to Christopher Newport. Hopefully I get some even better action shots with the camera upgrade.
All of this has put a little behind on my own site — Rowanfootball.com. I figure that I’ll be able to catch up during Rowan’s first bye on Sept. 10.
No. 15 Salisbury is my favorite to win the ACFC and a Pool B bid, with potential Pool B/C candidates being Brockport State and Wesley. No. 17 Ithaca is my pick to take the E8 and a Pool A, and St. John Fisher is a Pool C possibility. In the Liberty League, Hobart and Union will battle for the title again and the Pool A. No. 7 Rowan should win the NJAC and the Pool A, while Cortland contends for a Pool C.
Here are some games to look forward to this season:
Sept. 2
Muhlenberg at New Jersey 7 p.m., Ewing, N.J.: These teams have only met once back in 1929. Muhlenberg won 18-2. This game will be an early measuring stick for TCNJ. Will the loss of 22 seniors to graduation keep TCNJ from contending in the NJAC? It’s also the D3football.com Game of the Week.
Sept. 3
Cortland State at Brockport State 1 p.m., Brockport, N.Y.: With eight Pool C spots available, it’s never too early to lock up those out-of-conference wins. Brockport beat Cortland 42-26 last year. Cortland should be improved this year, especially on defense with almost everyone back. This game is a must have for both teams.
No. 7 Rowan at Christopher Newport 1 p.m., Newport News, Va.: For want of a kicker that can hit extra points. Two extra points would have been all the Captains needed to down the Profs last year as CNU lost 33-32. Due to a lopsided three-year contract renewal, CNU gets two-for-one on home games and Rowan heads back to Newport News, V.A., for the second straight year. This is the fourth straight meeting between the two teams. Is this the year the Captains take down the Profs?
Sept. 10
Springfield at Union 7 p.m., Schenectady, N.Y.: An early-season E8 and Liberty League match-up of teams looking to contend in their respective leagues. Union lost to Springfield 31-13 last year. Have the Dutchmen moved closer to the Pride in 2005?
 Salisbury's offensive line and ground game was dominant last year against Brockport State. Photo by Pat Coleman, D3football.com |
Sept. 17
Norwich at Coast Guard 1:30 p.m., New London, Conn.: The little Army-Navy contest. Last year, Norwich won 24-14 and has maintained ownership of “The Mug” since 2002 in this trophy game between the two schools. The Cadets have lost one of the nation’s top ranked receivers in Pierre Garcon, when he transferred to perennial powerhouse Mount Union. Can the Bears grab “The Mug” back now that Norwich’s passing game has been altered? It’s also the last game in this short-lived trophy game as Coast Guard is dropping down to the NEFC next season.
No. 15 Salisbury at No. 16 Christopher Newport 1:30 p.m., Newport News, Va.: The Captains took the wind from the Sea Gulls’ wings last year in the first round of the playoffs last year 35-24. Now CNU is back on the regular season schedule for the first time since 2002. This is another one of the games that might have Pool C implications.
Sept. 24
No. 23 St. John Fisher at No. 17 Ithaca 1 p.m., Ithaca, N.Y.: Last year St. John Fisher outlasted Ithaca 45-38 in two overtime periods. This resulted in tie for the E8 conference title between the two teams. The Bombers are favored to win the E8 this year; will the Cardinals spoil the party yet again?
Sept. 30
New Jersey at No. 7 Rowan 7 p.m., Glassboro, N.J.: The Lions have lost a lot to graduation. It usually doesn’t seem to matter that the Profs are the favorite when these two teams meet. Rowan won at TCNJ 35-20 in 2004, but was upset at home two years ago by the Lions 22-20 in Glassboro. Is there more odd year magic for the College of New Jersey?
Oct. 8
Kean at Montclair State 6 p.m., Montclair, N.J.: Kean upset Montclair 21-17 in 2004. Since former Montclair offensive coordinator Charlie Cocuzza took the helm at Kean in 2003, he has been really competitive with his former employer. Will the Cougars make it two in a row at Montclair this year?
Oct. 15
No. 7 Rowan at Cortland State 1 p.m., Cortland, N.Y.: Rowan had to come from behind to beat Cortland 34-33 with a touchdown in the final 2 minutes and 15 seconds last year. In 2003, the Profs came from behind and won in over time at Cortland 34-31. Will the Red Dragons turn the table this year? The winner of this game will probably win the conference.
Oct. 22
No. 23 St. John Fisher at Springfield 1:30 p.m., Springfield, Mass.: This game will probably decide first, second, and third place in the E8 between the Cardinals, the Bombers, and the Pride. St. John Fisher took last year’s game 45-24.
Wesley at Brockport State 1 p.m., Brockport, N.Y.: This game will certainly knock one team out of AFCA contention. Wesley downed Brockport 24-17 in 2004 and dropped the Golden Eagles to third place.
Oct. 29
No. 15 Salisbury at Wesley 1 p.m., Dover, Del: The AFCA title could be on the line when these two teams meet. Last year, the Sea Gulls won 35-18. Wesley should be improved in 2005, and Salisbury has lost some defensive leaders to graduation. A Pool B bid will probably be on the line.
Brockport State at No. 7 Rowan 2 p.m., Glassboro, N.J.: A nail-biter last year, as Rowan took a 20-6 halftime lead only to have the game end in a 39-33 overtime win. Winner could strengthen their Pool C standings should neither team win their conference.
Montclair at New Jersey 12 p.m., Ewing, N.J.: The oldest college football rivalry in New Jersey it will be the 73rd meeting between the two teams. Montclair holds a 44-26-2 advantage.
Nov. 5
Hobart at Union at 1 p.m., Schenectady, N.Y.: The Liberty League Championship could be on the line again. In 2004, these two teams battled to overtime in which Hobart won 33-27.
Nov. 12
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Montclair State at No. 7 Rowan 1 p.m., Glassboro, N.J.: The NJAC title is usually decided after this game is played, either for the combatants or one the other NJAC teams in contention. Montclair has a solid defense coming back, but is rebuilding on offense. The Profs won at Montclair 42-14 in 2004, but were upset at home two years ago, 21-20.
RPI at Union 1 p.m., Schenectady, N.Y.: In 2004, Union captured the “Dutchman Shoes” trophy in the 102nd meeting between the two teams 18-13. Possession of “the shoes” has alternated each of the last eight years.
Kings Point at Coast Guard 1 p.m., New London, Conn.: The Secretaries Cup is on the line in this nautical military finale. Kings Point holds a 22-11 all-time advantage, including winning six of the past seven. The Merchant Marines won last year’s contest 16-7.