Offensive line a key for Villanova

With more emphasis being placed on the run, one of the bright spots in the first two games for Villanova has been its young offensive line. The Wildcats (1-1) open their Colonial Athletic Association schedule with Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game at Villanova Stadium against Rhode Island (0-1), and establishing the ground game will be the No. 1 priority.

In the two games, the Wildcats have rushed for 499 yards and four touchdowns on 91 carries. They rushed for 212 yards in a 41-10 loss to Temple and 287 in last week's 28-13 victory over Fordham.

"It's probably the most athletic offensive line in the conference," Rhode Island coach Joe Trainer said.

What's more impressive is that Villanova hasn't played with its best lineman, senior center Dan Shirey of Neshaminy High, an all-CAA selection last season.

Shirey is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery in the spring.

"He is probably three weeks away, and I am not sure if we will redshirt him or not," Villanova coach Andy Talley said.

The offensive line consists of junior left tackle Bill Vogel (6-foot-4, 275 pounds), sophomore right tackle Vince Kowalski (6-4, 290), sophomore center Ross Hall (6-4, 290), sophomore left guard Kyle Wallace (6-2, 285), and junior right guard Josh Bucci (6-6, 330).

Vogel, Bucci, and Kowalski started all 11 games last season. Wallace was a starter in five games, and Hall started six at guard.

Though this is still a young line, it is one with experience gained during a 2-9 2011 season.

"Last year was rough, with most of us getting thrown in the line of fire," said Kowalski, a graduate of Williamstown High. "This year it is completely different because we are more comfortable with the speed of the game."

It also doesn't hurt that the line is blocking for some quick running backs in sophomores Austin Medley and Kevin Monangai. Medley has rushed for 187 yards (6.9 average). Monangai has rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown and also has a 6.9 average.

Redshirt freshman quarterback John Robertson has rushed for 124 yards (4.3 average) and two touchdowns.

"With our talented runners, it opens up a lot of options for us," Kowalski said. "Plus teams never know what John will do, and if he feels the pressure, he can scramble."

This isn't Villanova's biggest line, but the speed makes up for the size.

"They get to the second level as well as anybody, and that is what causes you problems," Trainer said.

Rhode Island had plenty of problems in last week's opener, a 41-6 loss at Monmouth. It not only snapped Monmouth's eight-game home losing streak, it was Rhode Island's eighth consecutive road loss. Trainer, a former assistant at Villanova, understands that it won't be easy to snap his road streak.

"We are playing against not only a much-improved Villanova team but one that will be in the mix for the conference championship," he said.

Villanova doesn't want to hear that type of talk. Talley just talks about improving each week, and he likes the progress of his offensive line.

"They are doing a good job up front, and we are asking them to pick it up in blitz pickup and pass protection," Talley said. "Overall, I think this is going to be a real fine offensive line as the season goes on."