Villanova vs. Lehigh: Wildcats out to continue series win streak

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After a season-opening loss to Pittsburgh, Villanova will play its first fellow FCS opponent of the year this weekend. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for the Wildcats’ home opener:

Lehigh (0-1) at Villanova (0-1)
Villanova Stadium
Saturday, 6 p.m.

Scouting Villanova
As expected, the Wildcats’ inexperienced offense struggled to do much against the heavily favored Panthers in a 28-7 loss. But Villanova’s defense showed a lot of promise, allowing only 261 yards of offense and giving the ’Cats their only points on a three-yard fumble recovery for a TD from junior safety Rob Rolle. Standout defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon also came through with a big play, blocking a 47-yard field goal attempt. All in all, the Wildcats didn’t give much of a reason why they can’t still be a top team in FCS — as their No. 22 ranking indicates.

Scouting Lehigh
The Mountain Hawks opened their season with a 23-21 loss to Monmouth, falling behind by 14 points in the second half and failing to recover. Senior quarterback Nick Shafnisky had a passing and a rushing touchdown in the defeat and senior linebacker Evan Kauffman had 12 tackles, helping to make up for an injury to captain Colton Caslow, Lehigh’s top defensive player. Picked to finish tied for third in the Patriot League, Lehigh has a veteran offensive line and an all-league receiver in Troy Pelletier. But without Caslow, who’s questionable for Saturday’s game, their defense may struggle.

Series history
Villanova leads the all-time series, 7-5, and is riding a four-game winning streak over Lehigh, which includes a 35-0 rout in the two programs’ last meeting in 2010. It’s been 10 years since Lehigh’s last win over the Wildcats — a 31-28 victory at Villanova Stadium.

Storyline to watch
Going on the road and playing a team like Pitt was always going to be a brutal opening matchup for the ’Nova offense. The true test will come this week if sophomore quarterback Zach Bednarczyk, who threw for just 119 yards and an interception last week, can shake it off and prove what he’s capable of against a far more susceptible defense. If not, then there might be some cause for concern.

What’s at stake
It’s a non-conference contest but every game now counts for Villanova in its quest to make the FCS playoffs. Andy Talley also has a chance to make history with his 250th career victory, becoming the 22nd head coach across all levels of college football to hit that plateau. 

Prediction
Villanova’s going to want to prove something and put on a good show in its home opener. It may be tough for Lehigh to keep up. Villanova 31, Lehigh 17.

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