Struggling Villanova will likely start freshman QB against Maine

Dustin Thomas has struggled this season, and on Wednesday head coach Andy Talley told reporters he wasn't quite sure why.

After being handed the job before the season, Thomas, a redshirt freshman, has lost out to a true freshman. Talley said he will most likely turn to Chris Polony this week against Maine.

Losers of their last four games, the Wildcats (1-7 overall, 0-4 Colonial Athletic Association) will host conference rival Maine on Saturday in the first of their final three games.

"We were a little disappointed with our quarterback play," Talley said in his weekly news conference. Thomas "just had a rough day, and we're not sure why."

Talley said the team needs to "square away" the quarterback situation if it plans on scoring points the rest of the way. Two of the Wildcats' final three games come against teams ranked in the Football Championship Subdivision top 25.

In his last two games, Thomas was able to complete just 51 percent of his passes combined. He threw three interceptions as the Wildcats were outscored, 71-24.

Polony has started just once this season, throwing eight passes against Monmouth before being yanked in the second quarter. He has relieved Thomas twice in the last three weeks, completing a combined 58 percent of his passes.

Maine (6-1, 4-0 CAA) is ranked No. 12 in the FCS and is riding a five-game winning streak. Its lone loss came on the road against Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Pittsburgh in early September.

"I'm looking for a very challenging game," said Talley. "It's as good a Maine team that I've seen."

It will be senior day for the host Wildcats, yet they don't start a single senior.