IS BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS
And the top seed in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) is a possibility after a 30-12 Colonial Athletic Association win over Delaware at Villanova Stadium.
But Villanova expects more than that after pounding the 25th-ranked Blue Hens (6-5, 4-4). It will learn its fate during today's 3 p.m. NCAA selection show on ESPNews.
"I think we have the best resumé and pedigree in the country," said Villanova coach Andy Talley, whose squad defeated five FCS teams that are either ranked or were ranked when they played. The Wildcats also defeated Temple, a Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) squad.
"Of the teams that we played, I think six or seven teams had winning records," Talley added. "If you look across the board at some of the other teams that are being considered, that's not true.
"And we are in the war every week. We've played a Division I team, not a Division II team."
Now, the Wildcats hope that a third consecutive series victory over the Blue Hens means more than just retaining the Battle of the Blue Trophy.
Wideout Matt Szczur, quarterback Chris Whitney, and a bend-but-don't-break defense deserve the credit if the Wildcats get their wish.
Szczur finished with 179 all-purpose yards.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder had 10 carries for 75 yards and a 3-yard touchdown. He also caught three passes for 23 yards. And the junior had four kickoff returns for a total of 81 yards. His longest return went for 30.
Whitney rushed for a career-high 138 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
Delaware's Pat Devlin had a great game statistically but was ineffective when his team needed him in key moments.
The Downingtown East product, who transferred from Penn State, set Delaware records for attempts (58) and completions (42) while throwing for a career-best 407 yards and a late touchdown. But the junior threw three costly interceptions and was sacked three times. Villanova converted his interceptions into 13 points.
Devlin's first interception came on his team's first drive.
Outside linebacker Terence Thomas (14 tackles) tipped a pass intended for running back Phillip Braxton. Defensive end Marlon Johnson picked off the ball at the Villanova 23-yard line. Whitney scored on a 9-yard keeper on the ensuing possession.
Devlin's second interception was by Jacob Wade and returned 18 yards to the Delaware 30. That set up Nick Yako's career-best 45-yard field goal. Yako booted a 34-yarder to give the Wildcats a 30-6 fourth-quarter lead after Devlin's third interception.
