After a tough road loss last week, Villanova will look to rebound at home this weekend. Here’s a look at the matchup:
Maine (3-4, 3-1 CAA) at Villanova (3-4, 2-2 CAA)
Villanova Stadium
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Scouting Villanova
The Wildcats lost for the third time in four games last week, dropping a 28-21 decision to Towson. Redshirt freshman quarterback Zach Bednarczyk continued his up-and-down season filling in for star John Robertson, throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns but, most detrimentally, tossing two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Villanova’s running backs were on point, though, with Matt Gudzak rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown and Gary Underwood hauling in six catches for 55 yards and a TD. Despite the tough stretch, Villanova’s defense continues to rank among the best in the CAA.
Scouting Maine
The Black Bears were blown out by FCS opponents in their first two games but have since won three of their last five, capped by a 23-10 victory over Stony Brook last week in which they got a rushing score from Drew Belcher, a defensive score from Travis Bates and three field goals from Sean Decloux. Maine’s defense forced four fumbles and had four sacks and currently ranks second in the CAA in rushing defense (108.3 yards per game). Maine also has a solid aerial attack, ranking fourth in the league in pass offense behind two quarterbacks — Dan Collins and Drew Belcher.
History
The Wildcats and Black Bears are dead even in the series with each team winning nine games. Villanova, though, has lost its last two games at home to Maine. In fact, the visiting team has won the last five games in the series.
Storyline to watch
Led by All-American linebacker Don Cherry, the Villanova defense has been good for most of the season. But this will be an interesting test for it as it tries to deal with two quarterbacks who do different things; Belcher is one of the team’s rushing leaders and Collins more of a pure pocket passer. What kind of in-game adjustments will Villanova make whenever Maine switches quarterbacks?
What’s at stake?
Realistically, Villanova’s FCS playoffs hopes died last week. The key now is trying to build for the future with Bednarczyk under center while, more immediately, getting back to the .500 mark this season.