Villanova Wildcats
Colonial
Villanova didn’t learn it was the automatic bid from the CAA until 10:30 Saturday night when Old Dominion put away James Madison. There were 16 scenarios the league used to determine the automatic bid. Only one had Villanova winning the automatic bid and that’s the one that occurred. Basically, the Wildcats’ win over ODU gave them the top spot. For Coach Andy Talley, who guided Villanova to the national title in 2009, this might be his most satisfying season in his 28 years on Philadelphia’s Main Line. The Wildcats were 2-9 last year and picked to finish eighth in this year’s preseason CAA poll.
2012 Record: 8-3, 6-2
Coach: Andy Talley
Big Wins: 10/13 at Old Dominion (38-14), 11/10 James Madison (35-20)
Bad Losses: 10/6 Richmond (17-28), 10/27 Towson (35-49)
Strengths:
This is a big, physical football team that loves to pound its opponent. The Wildcats were the leading rushing team in the CAA and No. 8 nationally (263 yards per game). Sophomore running back Kevin Monangai, who led the CAA in rushing, keys the attack. He has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark for five consecutive games. The only other Villanova player to do that was Brian Westbrook, who went on to star with the Philadelphia Eagles. Redshirt freshman quarterback John Robertson also carries the ball and had 130 yards in Villanova’s 41-10 win over Delaware. Along with Monangai, it was the first time since 1977 that the Wildcats have had two players rush for at least 130 yards in a game.
Weaknesses:
This is a young team that has had trouble with turnovers and consistency at times. The Wildcats had four turnovers against Richmond and were held to 152 yards rushing in that loss. In their loss to Towson, Villanova scored 35 points but had only 63 yards offense in the second half. Both conference losses were at home, too, where the Wildcats don’t draw particularly well and don’t really have a homefield edge.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Kevin Monangai, RB, 1,190 yards
Passing: John Robertson, QB, 1,830 yards
Receiving: Joe Price, WR, 575 yards
Tackles: Joe Sarnese, S, 63
Sacks: Rakim Cox, DE, 5.5
Interceptions: Eric Loper, S, 4; Joe Sarnese, S, 4
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 259.20 (8th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 169.30 (93, 9)
Total Offense: 428.50 (22, 3)
Scoring Offense: 30.20 (35, 4)
Rushing Defense: 152.70 (59, 6)
Pass Defense: 199.10 (43, 5)
Total Defense: 351.80 (39, 3)
Scoring Defense: 22.10 (38, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.40 (33, 3)
Sacks: 2.40 (33, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 2.40 (78, 8)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2010 Second Round Defeated Stephen F. Austin
2010 Quarterfinals Defeated Appalachian State
2010 Semifinals Lost to Eastern Washington
2009 First Round Defeated Holy Cross
2009 Quarterfinals Defeated New Hampshire
2009 Semifinals Defeated William & Mary
2009 Championship Defeated Montana
2008 First Round Defeated Colgate
2008 Quarterfinals Lost to James Madison
2002 First Round Defeated Furman
2002 Quarterfinals Defeated Fordham
2002 Semifinals Lost to McNeese State
1997 First Round Defeated Colgate
1997 Quarterfinals Lost to Youngstown State
1996 First Round Lost to East Tennessee State
1992 First Round Lost to Youngstown State
1991 First Round Lost to Youngstown State
1989 First Round Lost to Georgia Southern
*all team stats through 11/10
