Villanova still in playoff hunt entering Richmond game

Coach Andy Talley admitted Wednesday that he did not expect his Villanova Wildcats to be playing meaningful football games in November after John Robertson, the team's star quarterback, was lost for the season in early October.

But here they are. The Wildcats (5-4, 4-2 CAA) enter their game Saturday against visiting Richmond (7-2, 5-1) with a chance to keep alive their hopes for a berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. Villanova has won three of its last four games.

A win against Richmond, ranked No. 9 in the FCS, would give them a great case for a playoff spot if Villanova can win its final game of the regular season at James Madison. Talley said the last two games will be a test to see if the Wildcats have made the transition from Robertson to freshman Zach Bednarczyk. They also will challenge the team's patchwork offensive line.

"It's a different America at Villanova right now," Talley said. "It's been challenging. We're looking forward to these last two games against topflight teams."

Villanova's offensive line, which includes a pair of freshman starters, helped pave the way on Saturday for Matt Gudzak to rush for 118 yards on 10 carries in a 24-3 win at Rhode Island. Gudzak, a sophomore, started the season as the No. 3 running back. Javon White broke his leg last month and Gudzak took the job after Gary Underwood started for two weeks.

The Wildcats opened the second half with a three-play touchdown drive. All three plays were the same: an off-tackle sweep. The final one was a 14-yard score by Gudzak.

"I've never seen that happen before," Talley said. "One to the right, one to the left, one to the right. Boom. We were in the end zone and I'm like, 'Wow.' That was pretty neat."

Talley said he started to see his team come together two weeks ago. The Wildcats were saddled with injuries, but the coach said his players enjoyed being together. They've since won two straight games and still have a shot at a share of the conference title.

"They're still enjoying the experience, which is really what we're all about, aside from the fact that we have to win to keep our jobs," Talley said. "It's been fulfilling to finally get them over the hump. So no matter what happens, we play hard. As long as we play hard, I can walk out with my head up."