Villanova quarterback John Robertson set to play against Delaware

Villanova quarterback John Robertson, who suffered a concussion in Saturday's 35-20 win over James Madison, has been cleared to play in the crucial regular-season Colonial Athletic Association finale at Delaware at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

According to a school official, Robertson passed his concussion tests and had no issues during practice Thursday morning.

Robertson has passed for 1,637 yards and 13 touchdowns and run for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Villanova is 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the CAA. New Hampshire is 6-1 in the CAA and would win the title and the league's automatic Football Championship Subdivision playoff berth with a win Saturday against visiting Towson.

Old Dominion is 6-1 but is ineligible for the CAA title because it will be leaving after this year. ODU, however, is eligible for a playoff berth. New Hampshire and ODU are expected to earn two of the 20 FCS playoff bids.

The CAA is not expected to receive more than four and could get only three.

Villanova, James Madison, Richmond, and Towson are all one game back at 5-2.

"There is a lot at stake, obviously, and we have to win this game if we want to make the playoffs," Villanova coach Andy Talley said this week.

Delaware is 5-5 and 2-5, and even though the Blue Hens are out of the race, this will be their playoff game.

"There is a lot riding for us because down the road we recruit against them," Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. ". . . This is a rivalry game that means a lot to the alums."

Keeler understands that the difference between winning and losing in the CAA is minimal. For instance, Delaware has lost three in a row, all by a touchdown or less.

"We all know in this league you have to win the close games, and we haven't won the close games," he said.

A big key for Villanova is its ability to run the ball. The Wildcats lead the CAA in rushing offense (259.2 yards per game). Delaware is the conference's top team in rushing defense, allowing 117 yards per contest.