Villanova-Richmond preview
Radio: WTEL-AM (610). Records: No. 9 Richmond (7-2, 5-1 CAA), Villanova (5-4, 4-2) Last meeting: Richmond won, 10-9, on Nov. 1, 2014 at Richmond.
Radio: WTEL-AM (610).
Records: No. 9 Richmond (7-2, 5-1 CAA), Villanova (5-4, 4-2)
Last meeting: Richmond won, 10-9, on Nov. 1, 2014 at Richmond.
Things to watch
A win will keep alive Villanova's chances at a share of the CAA title and a berth in the 24-team Football Championship Subdivision playoff. The Wildcats will need to top Richmond and close out the season with a win at James Madison to stay in the playoff hunt.
Sophomore running back Matt Gudzak will start for Villanova. He rushed last week for 118 yards on 10 carries as the Wildcats relied on their rushing attack to get past Rhode Island. Richmond allows 172.3 rushing yards per game.
Richmond's offense is led by former Downingtown East quarterback Kyle Lauletta. The sophomore threw for 240 yards last week in a loss to New Hampshire. He has thrown for 15 TDs this season. Lauletta's top target is wide receiver Brian Brown, who has the potential to play in the NFL.
Things you might not know
Richmond has scored 30 points or more in six of its nine games. The high powered offense's lowest point total was 21 points, which they scored in the opening game against Maryland. Villanova has reached 30 points just once this season. They have scored 21 or fewer points in six of their nine games. Villanova will have to keep the scoring low in order to knock offf Richmond.
Despite being nationally ranked, Richmond showed last week that they are beatable as they were upset at New Hampshire. The Wildcats are playing their best football of the season, as they enter Saturday winners of three of their last four games. A win by Villanova would clinch a winning record for the 13th time in the last 15 years.
- Matt Breen