Villanova climbed one spot to No. 2 in the Sports Network's Football Championship Subdivision poll.
The Wildcats received 38 first-place votes in the Division I-AA poll that was released yesterday. Southern Illinois, which is in the top spot for the second week, garnered 49 first-place votes.
Montana (45) is ranked third, followed by Richmond and William and Mary.
Villanova, Richmond, and William and Mary remain in contention for the Colonial Athletic Association's automatic bid for the NCAA playoffs.
The Wildcats (9-1, 6-1 CAA) will entertain the 25th-ranked Delaware Blue Hens (6-4, 4-3) in Saturday's regular-season finale.
Richmond (9-1, 6-1) will host William and Mary (9-1, 6-1) in another Saturday matchup.
Villanova has beaten the Spiders and the Tribe. A win Saturday would give the Wildcats a share of the conference title and the automatic NCAA bid. The playoff field and seedings will be announced Sunday.
Contact staff writer Keith Pompey at 610-313-8029 or kpompey@phillynews.com.
IS CHATTING DAY 2 OF THE MADNESS
