Dukes look to be kings of CAA

The league figures to be just as competitive this fall.

The South Division breakdown:

1. JAMES MADISON DUKES

Coach: Mickey Matthew’s (10th year, 64-44)

Last year: 8-4 (6-2 CAA), lost to three-time defending national champion Appalachian State, 28-27, in the opening round of the FCS playoffs.

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 8/7

We’d pay to watch: QB Rodney Landers, Sr.: The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder threw for 1,678 yards and 13 touchdowns against five interceptions and ran for 1,273 yards and 12 touchdowns last fall.

Prediction: 9-2, 7-1 CAA, win CAA, berth in FCS playoffs

2. RICHMOND SPIDERS

Coach: Mike London (first season)

Last year: 11-3 (7-1, CAA), lost to three-time defending national champion Appalachian State, 55-35, in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs.

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 8/8

We’d pay to watch: WR Kevin Grayson, Soph.: The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder missed two games last season, but still caught a school-record 68 passes for 970 yards with seven touchdowns. Named the CAA Rookie of the Year.

Prediction: 9-3, 6-2 CAA, berth in FCS playoffs

3. DELAWARE BLUE HENS

Coach: K.C. Keeler (10th year, 64-44)

Last year: 11-4 (5-3 CAA), lost to three-time defending national champion Appalachian State, 49-21, in the finals of the FCS playoffs.

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 6/9

We’d pay to watch: DE Matt Marcorelle, Jr.: The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder is one of the best defensive players in the league, making 64 tackles to go with eight sacks and five forced fumbles last fall. He earned All-American honors last season.

Prediction: 8-4, 5-3 CAA, win CAA, berth in FCS playoffs

4. VILLANOVA WILDCATS

Coach: Andy Talley (29th season, 183-116-2)

Last year: 7-4 (5-3 CAA)

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 8/9

We’d pay to watch: QB Antwon Young, Jr.: The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder played in just six games last season before suffering a concussion that sidelined him the rest of the fall. In limited time, he threw for 1,192 yards with 14 touchdowns against four interceptions and rushed for 151 yards with two touchdowns.

Prediction: 6-5, 4-4 CAA

5. TOWSON TIGERS

Coach: Gordy Combs (17th season, 89-81)

Last year: 3-8 (1-7 CAA)

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 7/7

We’d pay to watch: QB Sean Schaefer, Sr. The four year starter is primed to break every school passing record. For his career, Schaefer has completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 8,358 yards with 51 touchdowns against 45 interceptions and rushed for five more scores.

Prediction: 5-7, 3-5 CAA

6. WILLIAM & MARY TRIBE

Coach: Jimmye Laycock (29th season, 182-134-2)

Last year: 4-7 (2-6 CAA)

Returning offensive/defensive starters: 7/7

We’d pay to watch: DB Derek Cox, Sr.: The 6-foot-1, 186-pounder is one of the league’s top cover-corners. Last fall, he made 51 tackles — 3.5 for loss — and intercepted three passes.

NORTH DIVISION PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH