Box score and recap for those who missed the game. And by the way, the team moved up to #4 in the country following their win.

Terence Thomas and the 'Nova 'D' were stifling.

Andy Talley gained the 199th victory of his career and saw his defense put on a dominating performance that more than made up for last year’s two defeats while spoiling homecoming weekend for the hosts. Terence Thomas and Fred Maldonado led the way with 10 and 11 tackles, respectively and John Dempsey forced 2 fumbles on the afternoon.

Chris Whitney had one of the best games of his career as he threw 3 touchdowns on the afternoon while posting 97 yards on the ground. Matt Szczur was again in the thick of it all as he caught 2 touchdown passes for the first time in his stellar career.

But the defense was the main story for Villanova, which posted its first shutout in nearly 7 years. A year after losing twice to James Madison, this one was never close. ‘Nova scored on their first possession of the game and built a 20-0 halftime lead before controlling the ball for 18 minutes in the 2nd half, never giving the hosts a chance to climb back into the game.

Some eye-openers:

• JMU only got into ‘Nova territory twice, and never reached the redzone.
• They gained just 116 yards rushing, by far the strongest asset of their team.

Most importantly though, this was the kind of game this team needed after a gut-wrenching loss the week prior. This reaffirms their confidence in themselves, and gets them back on track to make the FCS playoffs, while effectively eliminating a rival in the process (always a great feeling).

Great game men. Homecoming game is next weekend vs. Rhode Island. Should be great!

Game recap and box score for those who couldn’t see the game.

Ball had a big day despite being slowed by injury.

In their conference opener for the season, Villanova (4-0, 1-0) made short work of visiting Northeastern (0-4, 0-2) as they trounced the Huskies 56-7 behind one of the best rushing attacks in school history. Villanova amassed 410 yards on the ground and 6 different Wildcats scored touchdowns. The 410 yards they gained on the ground was the most since 1991, and the 3rd highest total in school history.

RB Aaron Ball had a magnificent day as he totaled over 100 yards on the ground and was resting an injury on the sideline after getting some work in. (WR Brandyn Harvey had 102 yards receiving to create a 100-100 tandem). Ball got things started with a 31-yard TD run on the 3rd play of the game.

All week the main story concerning ‘Nova was the dilemma at QB after Chris Whitney was replaced in favor of Antwon Young. In our pregame report we called for the use of both QB’s, and when given the chance, neither disappointed. Whitney ran for 98 yards and passed for 84 along with a touchdown while Young passed for 58 and ran for 35 while accumulating a touchdown both ways. It looks like the platoon system worked wonders, at least for one week.

The defense has been spectacular to open the season and once again, led by John Dempsey’s team-leading 7 tackles, they did not disappoint holding Northeastern to just 7 points and 239 yards of offense. The defense picked off the Huskies 3 times on the afternoon.

Most of all though, Villanova needed a game like this to open the conference slate. The next 3 weeks bring games against Top-10 teams (the CAA is just brutal this year) and they’ll need all the rest they can get as their season unofficially begins next week against William & Mary.

Nick Yako kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired to give Villanova a 27-24 victory over Temple in the inaugural Mayor’s Cup played at Lincoln Financial Field. The field goal was set up after John Dempsey picked off Temple QB Vaughn Charlton with 49 seconds remaining.

QB Chris Whitney

Villanova came back to win despite a 10-point 4th quarter deficit. QB Chris Whitney was the star for ‘Nova as he completed 24 of 35 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns.

It was the Wildcat’s first win over an FBS school in their last 5 tries (their last win was a 23-20 win over Temple in 2003), and a great start to a campaign in which Andy Talley’s men have their sights set on an FCS National Championship.

…I listened to a little bit of this game on the radio tonight, but wasn’t in an area where the game was available on TV…if anyone watched any of it feel free to comment below…

…Regardless, a great win and this could be the boost the team needs as it looks to make a run towards a title…