LOCAL GAMES
William & Mary at Maryland
When » Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where » Byrd Stadium
Radio » ESPN 980
Year two of the Randy Edsall era kicks off with the Terrapins debuting a new turf field, a true freshman quarterback in Perry Hills, new coordinators Mike Locksley (offense) and Brian Stewart (defense) and a dynamic long-distance threat in true freshman Stefon Diggs. FCS team William & Mary went 5-6 last year under 33-year coach Jimmye Laycock and counts on a veteran defense. Maryland has never lost to a team from the CAA or its forerunner, the Atlantic 10.
Richmond at Virginia
When » Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where » Scott Stadium,
Charlottesville
TV/radio » CSN, 570 AM
There's an interesting storyline here as Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco faces his uncle, Danny Rocco, Richmond's new coach and fourth in as many years. After six seasons at Division III's Liberty University, Rocco looks to resurrect a program that is just four years removed from an FCS title but was winless in the CAA last year. Virginia coach Mike London, who guided Richmond to that 2008 championship, lifted Virginia to an 8-5 mark last year.
Morehouse at Howard
When » Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where » RFK Stadium
In the second annual Nation's Football Classic, Howard and Morehouse resume a rivalry that kicked off in 1923 between two of the country's most important Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Howard, a Division I FCS team, won last year 30-27 on its way to a 5-6 turnaround season under first-year coach Gary Harrell. Division?II Morehouse went 8-2 under Rich Freeman. The player to stop is Maroon running back David Carter, who rushed for 1,495 yards in 2011.
Georgia Tech at No. 16 Virginia Tech
When » Monday, 8 p.m.
Where » Lane Stadium,
Blacksburg, Va.
TV/radio » ESPN, 106.7 the Fan
Virginia Tech boasts a front seven on defense that returns entirely intact and a quarterback in Logan Thomas who has the potential to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft. It has the makings of a national championship contender if the Hokies can avoid one of their typically slow starts. Georgia Tech returns quarterback Tevin Washington and looks to re-establish its triple-option mojo after going 14-12 the last two years.
- Kevin Dunleavy