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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

W&M AT RICHMOND

Noon | Comcast Network

Storyline: Two of the best teams in Division I-AA meet for the 119th time.

The winner earns at least a share of the Colonial Athletic Association title. Fourth-ranked Richmond and fifth-ranked William and Mary are both 9-1, 6-1. Both have beaten an ACC foe.

If Villanova (9-1, 6-1, with wins over UR and W&M) loses to Delaware on Saturday, the UR-W&M winner grabs the Colonial's automatic NCAA playoff bid.

But the Spiders and Tribe will no doubt receive at-large bids Sunday if Villanova claims the automatic berth. While Richmond is the defending I-AA champ, the Tribe hasn't been to the playoffs since 2004.

Eric Ward has thrown for 1,833 yards for Richmond.

"Late in the game, he can do some things, because of experience, that can put you in a position to win a game," UR coach MIke London said.

R.J. Archer has passed for 1,951 yards for the Tribe, while running back Jonathan Grimes has 1,408 all-purpose yards.

"Our offensive line has come through and gotten better," coach Jimmye Laycock said. "Our receivers have come through and gotten better. And I think with a first-year [starting] quarterback, I think he's handled himself very, very well."

Adrian Tracy has 10 sacks for W&M, which ranks sixth in I-AA in scoring defense (13.9 ppg).

UNC AT BOSTON COLLEGE

Noon | ESPN2

Storyline: The Eagles (7-3, 4-2) will win the Atlantic Division if they beat UNC and if Virginia upsets Clemson.

BC has won three of its past four games, and has not allowed more than 20 points in any game in that stretch.

"We've had some good play ... by our linebackers, and our secondary has been playing extremely well the last couple of ballgames," coach Frank Spaziani said.

UNC (7-3, 3-3) has won three straight games.

"We've played pretty solid defense throughout that entire stretch, and we haven't self-destructed," coach Butch Davis said. "The margin for error for our football team is so small that you've got to win the turnover war."

MARYLAND AT FSU

Noon | WDBJ

Storyline: With a visit to Florida looming next week, Florida State (5-5, 3-4) better win this game to sew up bowl eligibility.

In his starting debut, redshirt freshman E.J. Manuel threw for 220 yards and one TD with one interception in FSU's win over Wake Forest last week.

"He only threw one bad pass," coach Bobby Bowden said. "Other than that, he just threw the ball excellent."

Maryland (2-8, 1-5) is on a five-game skid.

"I'm praying that we can have some success and gain some confidence and grow from this whole experience," coach Ralph Friedgen said.

DUKE AT MIAMI

Noon | ESPNU

Storyline: Jacory Harris of Miami (7-3, 4-3) was picked off four times by UNC last week, raising his interception total to 16 this season -- the most in I-A.

"He'll weather through the storm," coach Randy Shannon said.

Duke (5-5, 1-3), which allowed four sacks in last week's loss to Georgia Tech, has scored a total of 16 points the past two games.

Backup QB Sean Renfree suffered a torn ACL last week, so Duke can't afford an injury to Thaddeus Lewis as well.

OLD DOMINION AT VMI

1:30 p.m.

Storyline: The Keydets (2-8), who haven't had a winning season since 1981, conclude the campaign by hosting a first-year program with an 8-2 record.

The Monarchs, who have played a weak schedule, will be facing one of the state's other I-AA teams for the first time. They will begin CAA play in 2011.

JUCO transfer Thomas DeMarco has thrown for 1,676 yards and has run for 837 yards for ODU.

"Their quarterback is an exceptional player," VMI coach Sparky Woods said.

VMI is coming off a 22-17 loss at Army. Kyle Hughes played QB but wasn't able to throw because of a sore shoulder. Tim Maypray was used at slotback because a sore knee kept him from practicing at QB last week. So sophomore Cam Jones -- the heir apparent to seniors Hughes and Maypray -- saw action in the second half. He ran three times for 100 yards and was 2-of-6 for 19 yards and one TD.

"It gives us hope for the future," Woods said.

Hughes, who has thrown a little this week, will play Saturday. Jones will likely see action off the bench. Maypray will again be at slotback.

J. HOPKINS AT HAMP.-SYDNEY

Noon

Storyline: Johns Hopkins (8-2) and Hampden-Sydney (10-0) square off in the first round of the Division III playoffs.

Johns Hopkins is 3-1 in the regular season against the Tigers this decade, including a 2007 victory.

Corey Sedlar has thrown for 3,012 yards for the Tigers. Cave Spring graduate Andrew Sellers has 68 tackles and seven sacks.