![CAA Poll: Black Bears Picked #3](https://townsquare.media/site/591/files/2019/03/Nick-Charlton-UMaine-Football-21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
CAA Poll: Black Bears Picked #3
Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) football coaches and media relation directors have picked the defending champion UMaine Black Bears to finish third in the league this fall. James Madison University is the overwhelming choice to finish in first place.
The CAA is holding its annual Media Day in Baltimore today and the preseason poll kicks off the events.
Both JMU and UMaine have new head coaches. The Dukes return 19 of the the 22 starters from a year ago. The Black Bears have eight returnees on defense plus several returning starters on offense, including QB Chris Ferguson. Maine finished last year ranked #4 in the national poll after losing to Eastern Washington in the semi-final round of the NCAA playoffs.
The Towson Tigers were pick as the #2 team, led by their senior QB Tom Flacco.
- James Madison (20 first-place votes) 238
- Towson (3 first-place votes) 217
- Maine (1 first-place vote) 201
- Elon 164
- Delaware 162
- Stony Brook 151
- New Hampshire 109
- Rhode Island 104
- Villanova 84
- Richmond 62
- William & Mary 58
- UAlbany 34
NOTES: The Black Bears have five players named to the CAA Preseason All-Conference Team, including Earnest Edwards who was selected as both a wide receiver and special teams player...UMaine opens its season August 30th vs Sacred Heart. The Bears play their first CAA game September 14th vs Towson at Alfond Stadium.
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