(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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
