Villanova gives Fordham full respect

Last year, Villanova's football season began unraveling during the second week, and the Wildcats are hoping history won't repeat.

A year ago, after losing to Boston College in the opener, Villanova fell at Fordham, 27-24. That win was an indication of how strong Fordham would be, as the Rams ended up earning a Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth, losing to eventual finalist Towson in the second round.

Villanova, considered a potential national title contender in 2013, never really recovered from that loss and finished 6-5.

Now, after coming off an emotionally draining, 27-26, double-overtime loss at Syracuse, the Wildcats host Fordham at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Villanova Stadium.

Villanova coach Andy Talley said his team will use last year's loss to Fordham as a learning experience for Saturday's game.

"They have our complete attention," Talley said.

While Villanova had several starters suffer various injuries against Boston College last year, Talley said the team is relatively healthy this time around. He also believes that having the game at home will be a major advantage.

So will having junior quarterback John Robertson.

Against Syracuse, he accounted for 314 yards of total offense. That included 115 yards rushing on 34 carries against a Syracuse defense that didn't allow a 100-yard rusher all last season.

"Syracuse without question is the best we will play all year," Talley said. "They were fast and big, and John ran away from them at times."

Robertson also threw for 199 yards and a touchdown.

"John Robertson is one of the most dynamic players in the country," Fordham coach Joe Moorhead said in an e-mail. "He can beat you with his feet or with his arm."

Last year, Robertson rushed for 28 yards on 10 carries but had two touchdowns in the loss to Fordham.

Fordham has a similar weapon in senior quarterback Michael Nebrich. In an opening 52-23 win over St. Francis (Pa.), Nebrich threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns.

Nebrich, who began his college career at Connecticut, completed 26 of 35 passes for 190 yards while rushing for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries last year against Villanova.

"It is going to be important to corral their quarterback," Talley said. "He is as good a player as there is in the country at quarterback."

So the Villanova defense, led by linebacker Don Cherry, who had nine tackles against Syracuse, will have to contain Nebrich.