Villanova at Southeastern Louisiana
Without a rotten three game stretch in the middle of the season, Villanova has been as good as anybody in FCS this year. The Wildcats might have as good of an offense as anybody. QB Daniel Smith has nearly 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. He’s also ran for 11 scores and another 367 yards. Add backs like Justin Covington and DeeWil Barlee, there’s little stopping these guys. Changa Hodge leads a group of receivers at Smith’s disposal. And they’re all good. Craziest stat, looking at their offense? 57 touchdowns, only 6 field goals. They take it down and get sixes, instead of threes. The defense isn’t bad, but they can be susceptible at times. Seven times they’ve given 28 or more.
Southeastern Louisiana was only 7-4, but had a game canceled do to Mother Nature and they weren’t penalized for it. A surprise opening night win over Jacksonville State springboarded the Lions into the national mind. If not for a fluky missed extra point in the finale, they may have even won the Southland Conference. This offense can go get the points also. But it’s a group effort, a real group effort. Five pass catchers have over 400 yards this year, so you know Chason Virgil doesn’t play favorites with his targets. If you get open, he’ll find you. The running game is less successful as nobody has tallied even 500 yards on the season. Though, if they’re in scoring range, it’s likely to be running back Devonte Williams or back-up quarterback Cole Kelly plunging in. The two have combined for 15 rushing scores. The defense seems to give up points, but every now and then, a spirited effort comes through and they are double tough.
This is a strange pairing. The Committee wants to lessen travel then they match-up teams from Philadelphia and the New Orleans area. Still, this is a fun and interesting match-up. Points should be plentiful.
Prediction: Villanova 42, Southeastern Louisiana 38
