NEWARK, DE -- Backed by a big 37-34 victory over James Madison Saturday, the University of Delaware football team moved up one spot to No. 6 in The Sports Network and Collegiate Commissioner’s Association/American Football Coaches Association Top 25 polls announced earlier this week.

Delaware, which won its third straight game, will continue action this Saturday, Nov. 10, when the Blue Hens (8-1, 5-1 Colonial Athletic Association) take on No. 9 University of Richmond (7-2, 5-1 CAA) at 1 p.m. at Delaware Stadium. Approximately 1,000 tickets remain for the game, which will not be televised.

Delaware has won three straight games while the Spiders are riding a four-game win streak. The winner will capture the CAA South Division title and move a step closer to the an NCAA FCS Tournament berth.

Delaware earned 2,187 votes and was at the No. 6 spot in The Sports Network poll and also earned. The No. 6 ranking is the Blue Hens highest since a No. 5 ranking during the 2005 campaign.

Northern Iowa (9-0) remained in the No. 1 spot in The Sports Network poll with 61 first place votes and 2,687 points. North Dakota State was at No. 2 with 42 first place votes and 2,540 votes, Montana was third with seven first place votes and 2,462 votes, and McNeese State was No. 4 with two first place votes and 2,455 points.

Southern Illinois was at No. 5 followed by Delaware, Appalachian State, Massachusetts, Richmond, Delaware State, Georgia Southern, Yale, Eastern Kentucky, New Hampshire, Wofford, James Madison, Grambling State, Hofstra, Elon, Eastern Washington, Youngstown State, Fordham, Western Illinois, Cal Poly, and Eastern Illinois.

A total of six CAA teams were ranked in the Top 25 while three others, Villanova, Rhode Island, and Northeastern, also earned votes.

In the CAA/AFCA Coaches poll, North Dakota State was at No. 1 with 18 first place votes and 688 points. Northern Iowa was No. 2 with six first place votes and 670 points and Montana was No. 3 with four first place votes and 629 points.

McNeese State was at No. 4 followed by Southern Illinois, Delaware, Appalachian State, Richmond, Massachusetts, Delaware State, Georgia Southern, Yale, Eastern Kentucky, New Hampshire, James Madison, Grambling State, Wofford, Hofstra, Elon, Youngstown State, Eastern Washington, Eastern Illinois, Fordham, Western Illinois, Dayton, and Norfolk State.

Senior offensive guard Rich Beverley (at right) will start his 32nd straight game on the Blue Hen offensive line Saturday.