I Bleed Blue and White

Recap and box score for those who missed the game.

In the first ever nationally televised CAA event, Villanova did not disappoint as they controlled things from the first play of the game all the way until the end. Chris Whitney hooked up with Brandyn Harvey for a 57-yard touchdown on the first offensive play of the game, setting the tone for a very impressive performance on the afternoon.

Whitney was stellar for 'Nova on Saturday.

On a day when Villanova’s vaunted rushing attack wasn’t as dominant, Whitney responded to the critics by finishing 10-13 through the air for 146 yards. Whitney was helped out by 3 Villanova rushing touchdowns (all inside the 5 yard line) including the first two of the year by Matt Szczur. Angelo Babbaro rounded out the Villanova scoring with his 3-yard touchdown run.

Despite Villanova seemingly controlling the game throughout (personally, I was never worried), a lot of credit has to be given to Villanova’s defense, which was very much a bend-but-don’t-break style on Saturday afternoon. R.J. Archer threw for 354 yards and the Tribe out-gained Villanova by nearly 200 total yards in offense.  But it was Villanova’s defense that came up with big play after big play.

James Pitts made a couple of enormous plays to help seal the victory. The first came late in the 2nd quarter when he recovered a fumble and returned it 20 yards to set ‘Nova up deeep in W&M territory for a drive that eventually led to 7 points.

Pitts was at it again in the 3rd quarter. The Tribe had driven down deep into Villanova territory but Pitts was able to get his hands on a pass and Marquis Kirkland hauled it in to give the ball back to Villanova. In my opinion, the play of the game and one that really sealed the deal.

Villanova will travel to New Hampshire next weekend in yet another tough CAA matchup of ranked opponents.

…Would have liked to see Antwon Young get a little more time, but Whitney really did have a great game…that shouldn’t be the end of Young though because he has definitely earned more PT in my eyes…really weird to see Villanova Stadium on TV like that…I’ve seen it before but it wasn’t as big a broadcast….

…Fans looked great and the students came out which was also great to see…this team still needs more support though as the stands were definitely not all the way full…

…I could really get used to being able to watch ‘Nova on TV…great win by the team but no time to relax…another tough game awaits next weekend…

The Game: #2 Villanova (2-0) at Penn (0-0)

Location: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Broadcast: Comcast Network, ESPN 950-AM

Brief Rundown: Villanova travels in to famed Franklin Field after last week’s home-opening win over Lehigh where the Wildcats racked up over 300 yards on the ground. Villanova leads the all-time series 8-5, and is 7-0 since head coach Andy Talley took over the program. Last year, Villanova won the matchup 20-14 in overtime.

For Penn, WR Kyle Derham and RB Mike DiMaggio are the top returning players on the offensive side of the ball, while LB Jake Lewko is the top returning tackler and the leader of the defense. Coach Al Bagnoli ranks 2nd on the active coaches winning percentage list, and his Penn teams are usually amongst the best in the Ivy League.

3 Keys to Victory:

1. Stick with the ground game – As they say, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Villanova tore apart Lehigh on the ground last week, and will most likely attempt to do the same this weekend. Even if it’s not working early, expect a heavy dose of Aaron Ball and Angelo Babbaro.
2. Lean on Whitney – It seems like more and more the sophomore QB is getting the reigns of the Villanova offense. Quietly, he’s making a name for himself by efficiently running a vaunted Villanova attack. If this game is close down the stretch, don’t be afraid to give him the ball.
3. Crowd support – The first two weeks have gotten good reviews from the ‘Nova staff about the attendance levels, so hopefully the students and alumni make the short trip to inner-Philly in droves to support the ‘Cats. Those are the things that can help good teams out in tough road spots.

Links:

• Villanova Game Notes (PDF)

It was all good for Villanova in their home opener on Saturday night as they took care of business and defeated Lehigh 28-17 behind a monster rushing attack. QB Chris Whitney had a career rushing day, finishing with 130 yards on the ground and 106 in the air. He accounted for 3 touchdowns in all (2 through the air, 1 on the ground).

Whitney had a career day.

Whitney was just the tip of the iceberg for the Wildcats however. WR Matt Szczur had his first career 100-yard effort carrying the ball, including a 75-yard scamper that set up a ‘Nova field goal. In all, Villanova amassed 310 yards on the ground.

RB Angelo Babbaro and WR Norman White caught passes from Whitney for scores, and DE Marlon Johnson returned a fumble 19-yards for a touchdown near halftime that effectively put the game out of reach.

Make sure you check out Lehigh Football Nation’s report on the game. Sounds like they were very impressed with ‘Nova last night.

…I really wish I could watch these games…I probably won’t be able to watch a game until homecoming weekend but I really like what I’m hearing about the team…sounds like Whitney is efficiently running an offense that has the potential to be very high powered…

…Good, solid win by the football team…they take on Penn next weekend at Franklin Field…

(Yep, we’re doing football pregame posts now. I’ve gotten a few emails asking for more coverage, and it was kind of stupid to not do it in the first place. So, here’s the inaugural post!)

The Game: #3 Villanova (1-0) vs.  Lehigh (0-1)

Location: Villanova Stadium in Villanova, PA

Time: Saturday, 7:00 p.m.

Broadcast: WFMZ and FCS Atlantic

Brief Rundown: The Wildcats are coming off a shocking comeback win over FBS rival Temple in the opening week of the season. That was one of 3 FCS-over-FBS wins in the 1st week (conference foes Richmond and William & Mary notched the others). Lehigh, on the other hand, took a tough loss to Central Connecticut State on the first weekend, a game where they were dominated in time of possession and total yardage.

Senior LB Al Pierce and senior DT Phil Winnet are both out for Lehigh this week, but they are hoping that senior LB’s Heath Brickner and Troy Taylor can return after catching knocks in last week’s game. Being down 3 senior LB’s is not ideal for a team coming in as heavy underdogs already.

3 Keys to Victory:

1. Control the ball - Lehigh got taken to school last week by CCSU (my mother’s alma matter in fact) when they let the Blue Devils hold the ball for nearly 43 minutes. That doesn’t bode well facing a Villanova team that has a lot of options to run the ball. Expect a heavy dose Aaron Ball and Angelo Babbaro.
2. Force turnovers – Judging by last week’s game, the Lehigh offense hasn’t gelled yet and they’ll make some mistakes. ‘Nova has a veteran, ball-hawking defense. Get after QB JB Clark and force some mistakes. Osayi Osunde, that means you.
3. Don’t look ahead – This may be the most important. I get nervous (especially in football) when one team is such a big favorite. Plus, Lehigh pulled off the upset in 2006 on our home opener too. Don’t underestimate them.

Links:

• Official Villanova Game Notes (PDF)
• Lehigh Football Nation (a very good Lehigh football blog)
• The Morning Call
• Philadelphia Daily News