By Tiffany Williams –
The CAA landed three teams in the latest FCS Top 25, with Rhode Island, Monmouth, and Villanova all showing up in both polls, though the order told a slightly different story depending on which list you checked.
Rhode Island took the biggest hit, tumbling after a reality check at Western Michigan. The Rams were blown out 47-14 against the FBS squad, and voters responded. They’re No. 8 in the Stats Perform rankings, No. 10 in the AFCA poll, and facing rival Brown Friday night with the Governor’s Cup on the line. It’s a pride game for a program that still believes it’s playoff material.
Monmouth didn’t even play and still climbed. The Hawks, 3-1, are up to No. 12 in the AFCA and No. 14 in Stats. That says more about chaos elsewhere than anything they’ve done, but they’ll get their chance to prove it against Delaware State in their non-conference finale this weekend.
Villanova used its 31-24 win over William & Mary as a springboard. The Wildcats are No. 18 in Stats, No. 19 in AFCA, and suddenly looking more like a problem in the middle of the pack. Their trip to New Hampshire will tell if they’re climbing for real or just hanging around.
New Hampshire isn’t in yet, but they’re knocking. The Wildcats hammered UAlbany 24-6, and voters noticed. They’re receiving votes in both polls. Same story for Stony Brook, which thumped Merrimack and earned a look in the AFCA rankings.
The bigger takeaway: the CAA’s ceiling is still Rhode Island, but Monmouth’s sneaky climb and Villanova’s bounce-back could set up a logjam later this fall. The league doesn’t have a South Dakota State or NDSU sitting at the top — but it’s got three teams playing musical chairs in the teens, and a couple more lurking right behind.
Sports Insider Daily 