UR notes

CB Rogers, ball need no introduction

Justin Rogers and the ball don't require an introduction, though he plays defense.

The junior cornerback from Baton Rouge, La., last Saturday in a 34-12 Spiders' win over Massachusetts had one of UR's six interceptions and recovered a fumble.

"Justin is a fast player and a lot of times just relies on his speed and kind of his instincts to do some things," said Richmond coach Mike London.

Last season, Rogers had seven interceptions, which led the Colonial Athletic Association, recovered a fumble, and blocked a kick. He has a pair of interceptions this year, and has been an effective kickoff returner.

Towson offers chance for INTs

After making six interceptions last Saturday, the Spiders this week face an opponent whose QBs have thrown 22 interceptions in seven games. In a CAA game, UR (5-0, 7-0) plays at Towson (1-3, 2-5) at Johnny Unitas Stadium.

"We talk about limiting the mistakes, not winning the game, but managing the game from the quarterback position," first-year Tigers' coach Rob Ambrose said. "And we make a lot of mistakes over and over again where guys are basically trying to win the game, fit balls where they don't belong, outside the system.

"When it doesn't work out the right way, get it back to zero, get it back to the line of scrimmage, throw the ball away. Start over. Zero is better than minus. Zero is better than them having the ball."

Towson's turnover margin is minus-14, last in the CAA. Last season, UR intercepted five TU passes in a 45-14 win. Towson has used five quarterbacks this season due to injury and ineffectiveness.

An improved team over FCS champions?

The Spiders won the 2008 FCS title, beating Montana 24-7 for their ninth consecutive victory. Is this season's team, which has extended that undefeated string to 16, better?

"They're definitely improved from last year," said Kevin Morris, in his first season as UMass' head coach. Morris was that program's offensive coordinator 2004-08. He added: "They're better simply because they're experienced. They've got all those seniors back [15 fifth-year starters], who were juniors last year.

"They've been there, done that. They've got everything going the right way and they're doing a great job."

Elon 1st-game guest; Mayhem tomorrow

Elon will visit UR Sept. 18 in the first game at Robins Stadium, UR's on-campus facility now under construction. The Spiders will also play Virginia and Coastal Carolina outside of eight CAA obligations . . . The men's and women's basketball teams will hold their annual Spider Mayhem event tomorrow night at 9 in the Weinstein Center, adjacent to the Robins Center. There will be shooting contests, a dunk contest, and more involving UR men's and women's players. Admission is free.

-John O'Connor