Villanova is not taking Fordham lightly

Even though this isn't a Colonial Athletic Association game, Villanova football coach Andy Talley left no doubt about the importance of the nonconference matchup at Fordham at 6 p.m. Saturday.

"This is a must-win game," Talley said.

That wasn't just coach-speak.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive performance in Saturday's 24-14 loss at Boston College. That won't hurt Villanova in the minds of the Football Championship Subdivision playoff committee members. Yet losing to an FCS team such as Fordham would be a major setback for a Villanova team that is ranked No. 8 by the Sports Network and has national title aspirations.

Fordham opened its season with a 51-26 home win over another CAA school, Rhode Island. Last season, Fordham lost, 28-13, at Villanova after leading, 13-7, at halftime.

Junior quarterback Michael Nebrich, who played only three games before suffering a season-ending knee injury, made his first collegiate start last week and completed 17 of 25 passes for 267 yards and four touchdowns. Nebrich, who began his college career at Connecticut, also ran for 31 yards and a touchdown, providing the same dual threat as Villanova quarterback John Robertson.

"He's like John in that he is effective rfunning or throwing the ball," Talley said.

Last year, Fordham opened with a 55-0 win over Division II Lock Haven before visiting Villanova. This year, the Rams beat a CAA school, albeit not one of the expected contenders, but it still was an impressive win.

"We feel better about our team this year," second-year Fordham coach Joe Moorhead said. "I think our kids are coming in with more confidence, but that said, our margin for error is very small against a great team like Villanova."

Even though Fordham passed the ball effectively, the Rams have a strong rushing attack led by senior Carlton Koonce, a graduate of Rancocas Valley. Koonce gained 90 yards on 14 carries against Rhode Island. Last season against Villanova, he was limited to 36 yards on nine carries. Koonce rushed for a single-season school-record 1,596 yards last year.

"I can't say enough good things about him," Moorhead said. "He is smart, tough, explosive, and is a good student and good person."

Villanova paid the price for playing an Atlantic Coast Conference team. Boston College wore down the Wildcats with its size and depth.

Linebacker Pat Haggerty suffered a season-ending left-ACL injury. Starting strong safety Matt McCann is out at least four weeks after also injuring a knee.

This week, four starters - defensive linemen Rakim Cox and Antoine Lewis, free safety Joe Sarnese, and offensive guard Josh Bucci - missed practice time with injuries.

Even though Villanova rushed for 197 yards, including 94 by Robertson, Talley said the Wildcats' highly touted offensive line, which allowed four sacks, didn't have a strong game.

The Wildcats also committed four turnovers.

"Our offensive line struggled and we turned the ball over too much," Talley said. "That has to be reversed this week."

And he hopes the record is reversed in a second-week must-game for the Wildcats.