For championship contenders, goals set in summer sun come into focus when the leaves fall. The University of Richmond and Villanova meet today in a Colonial Athletic Association game that will have a major bearing on the league title and, probably, location of postseason games for both teams. “It’s the pink elephant that’s in the room. You’ve got to acknowledge it,“ UR coach Mike London said of the game’s implications.

When: 3:30 p.m.  On the air: TV—CSN; radio—WXGI (950), WLFV (93.1), 3
  Tickets: $22, $10 for youths.
  Records: Richmond 6-0 CAA, 8-0; Villanova 4-1, 7-1
  Players to watch: Richmond—QB Eric Ward, Sr., needs 34 yards to become program’s all-time leading passer; DT Martin Parker, Jr., 12.5 tackles for losses. Villanova—WR/KR Matt Szczur, Jr., leads CAA in all-purpose yards (133.6 ypg); LB Osayi Osunde, Sr., 2008 all-CAA first team.

The timeline for UR’s case of NCAA violations:
  2007
  August: NCAA legislation prohibits communication with recruits via text messages.
  November: UR assistant AD/compliance discovers irregularities during a routine review of assistant men’s basketball coaches’ school-issued cell phones.
  December: UR self-reports secondary infractions, self-imposed penalties and other corrective actions to the NCAA enforcement staff.

Tight end William Bischoff caught a TD pass at Towson last Saturday, was hit in the end zone, and his helmet popped off as if it was spring-loaded. This scenario has become more common in recent years. Earlier this season, UR’s Nick Battle made a sack after his helmet had come off. “I’ve got to make sure these guys are buckled up properly, so they are protected,“ said Spiders coach Mike London.

They connected 20 times during the 1968 Tangerine Bowl. Quarterback Buster O’Brien and receiver Walker Gillette are now reunited on the All-UR Stadium team.

Frank Jones (1966-73): Southern Conference coach of the year three times; made struggling Spiders a winner.
  DEFENSIVE LINE
  Ace Owens (1972-74): Known for bouncing off blockers; named all-Southern Conference and all-state.
  Marc Megna (1994-98): Won the 1998 Dudley Award, given to the state of Virginia’s finest college player, played in NFL.

The University of Richmond is not on college football’s top shelf in terms of classification level, but the unbeaten Spiders received recognition in the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll. Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle put the 8-0 Spiders of the Football Championship Subdivision at No. 25 on his ballot, assuring them a spot in the “others receiving votes” category. Florida is No. 1, and UR is among 14 “others receiving votes.“ Ratto ranked Richmond behind Oklahoma, his No. 24.

Eric Ward was not a top-flight recruit, even in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Atlanta resident picked the University of Richmond over Alabama State. By a whisker, Ward won a quarterback competition with Levi Brown (now Troy’s QB) and became the Spiders’ starter as a redshirt freshman in 2006. Richmond is 38-10 with Ward taking snaps, and his high level of play was vital in the Spiders capturing last season’s FCS title. The 6-2, 210-pounder evolved from mistake-prone freshman to stabilizing veteran who helps UR win with passing, running, and leadership.

KINGSTON, R.I.—Courtland Marriner rushed for three touchdowns and William & Mary beat Rhode Island 39-14 yesterday. Marriner had 93 yards rushing and scored on runs of 9, 16 and 39 yards for the Tribe (4-1 CAA, 7-1). After the Rams (0-5, 1-7) took a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard pass from Chris Paul-Etienne to Shawn Leonard, the Tribe scored 39 unanswered points. In addition to Marriner’s three touchdowns, the Tribe got an 18-yard touchdown run from Terrence Riggins.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Jacory Harris threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin with 1:08 left, and No. 18 Miami rallied to beat Wake Forest 28-27 yesterday. Harris threw for 330 yards and three TDs for the Hurricanes (3-2, 6-2), who trailed 27-14 going into the fourth quarter. Miami took advantage of a muffed punt to score a TD, then took its first lead when Harris directed an 82-yard scoring drive in the final minutes.

GREENSBORO, N.C.—Thaddeus Scruggs pounded out 115 yards on 23 carries, but Randolph-Macon fell to Guilford 20-13 yesterday, ending a five-game win streak. Brandon Harrison had eight tackles and forced a fumble for the Yellow Jackets (3-1, 5-3). Earl Peoples added four catches for 84 yards in the loss. Guilford’s Billy Watkin led the Quakers (1-3, 2-6) with 35 completions for 378 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Justin Thorpe ran for one touchdown and threw for another while James Madison’s defense registered eight sacks as the Dukes defeated Delaware 20-8 on Saturday.

When: 1 p.m. Radio: WXGI (950), 12:30 Records: Richmond 5-0 CAA, 7-0 overall; Towson 1-3, 2-5
  Players to watch: Richmond—QB Eric Ward, Sr., 37-10 as starter; K Andrew Howard, Sr., UR’s all-time scoring leader (325 points). Towson—RB Tremayne Dameron, Fr., averages 54.1 rushing yards; LB Danzel White, Fr., fifth in CAA in tackles (9.4 tpg).

Kingston, R.I.
  When: 1 p.m.
  Radio: WTOX (1480), 12:30
  Records: William and Mary 3-1 CAA, 6-1;
Rhode Island 0-4, 1-6
  Players to watch: W &M—RB Jonathan Grimes, 110.5 yards per CAA game, WR D.J. McAulay, 33 catches, 423 yards, 3 TDs, DE Ravi Pradhanang, 3 sacks in last 4 games. URI—QB Chris Paul-Etienne, 133 yards per game, P Tim Edger, 41.6 average punt, DE Steve Weedon, 6 forced fumbles in 7 games this year.