SPOTLIGHT ON. . .VILLANOVA-RICHMOND

Last season, Villanova played three No. 1 teams. The Wildcats went 1-2 in those games. They beat Richmond at home in late September, lost at home to James Madison in late October on a Hail Mary pass, then lost at JMU in the FCS quarterfinals on a touchdown with 1 minute and change left.

Richmond, which went on to win the national title with three losses, is ranked first once again, having won 17 straight. On Saturday the Spiders will put their streak on the line at home against No. 4 'Nova (7-1, 4-1 Colonial Athletic Association). So you think they haven't had this one circled from the time the schedule was released?

"Oh yeah," 'Nova coach Andy Talley said. "We were fortunate enough to beat them up here [26-20]. I think it'll be a little more difficult at their place.

"I'm sure they remember."

Not only is a conference title on the line, but this could have significant ramifications. If 'Nova had beaten JMU in last year's first meeting, the second one also would have been held on the Main Line. And while being home in December doesn't ensure anything, it sure can't hurt.

Both teams are going to make the 16-team FCS tournament. For Villanova, it will be the first back-to-back appearances since 1996-97. But if the 'Cats can win out (they finish with Towson and Delaware), there's every chance they can even get to play three at home, should they keep advancing.

"We really shouldn't look at it that way, but with three games to go . . . '' Talley said. "It helps that we've been through these kind of wars."

There figure to be more.

- Mike Kern