Previewing Villanova
Posted by TTHS on October 3rd, 2007
Possibly the best game in the CAA this weekend will take place in Villanova, PA, as the Tribe travels to take on the VU Wild Cats. With the teams at 20 and 21 in the just-released GPI, this is a key matchup for both teams and will kill both team’s slim shot at the playoffs with a loss.
Leading the VU attack is QB Antwon Young, who tore up the Tribe at Zable last year. He is very athletic and can also throw a little bit, with a 62.2% completion percentage and an average of 195 ypg through the air. He has 10 TD’s and 4 INT’s on the year, and I have a feeling the Tribe will have trouble stopping him saturday afternoon.
Similar to Towson, VU has had trouble running the ball this year. Matt Dicken is the leading rusher, only averaging a little over 57 yards per game. He has 2 TD’s on the year and a long of 43. QB Antwon Young is the second leading rusher, and he has 113 yards on the season. Regardless, they should be able to move the ball on the ground vs. the Tribe.
VU has several talented receivers, with Matthew Sherry leading the pack this year. He is averaging 45 yards per game, and has 2 TD’s this year. Phil Atkinson, a junior, is averaging 38 yards per game and has 4 touchdowns. Sophomore Brandyn Harvey is the big play threat, averaging 16.2 yards per catch with a long of 60. He also has a TD.
The VU defense has had some trouble this year. They are averaging 225 yards against through the air on the year, and 150 on the ground. They will need to step up or this will be another 44-41 type game. One defensive standout has been DE Tim Kukucka, a sophomore with 4 sacks on the young season. Freshman Terence Thomas is leading the team in tackles with 33 and has an INT on the year. The defensive backfield, while they have given up a bunch of yards, have 11 INTs on the year which will be a key in the game.
This game, in my opinion, will come down to the play of Jake Phillips. If he is on the Tribe will move the ball at ease, but if he plays like he did last week he will have 3-4 INTs and the Wild Cats will cruise to a W. Assist to turnover ratio will decide this game, and unfortunately I don’t see the Tribe playing a complete game.
VU: 38
WM: 28