Villanova Football vs. Rhode Island: 3 Things To Know About The Rams

The Villanova Wildcats left Elon with a 42-7 win, improving their record to 4-1 win on the season. After losing to FBS Pittsburgh in the opener, the 'Cats have yet to lose another game. This Saturday they return to Villanova Stadium to take on the Rhode Island Rams who are fresh off of their first win of the season.

The Rams lost their first four games to FBS Kansas, Albany, Harvard, and New Hampshire all in blowout fashion. On Family Weekend for Rhode Island, the Rams grabbed their first win of the season, defeating Brown 28-13. Villanova hasn't lost to the Rams since 2010 and even after Rhode Island put together a solid performance, the 'Cats are in a good position to improve to 3-0 in CAA play.

Here are 3 things Villanova fans should know going into this game:

The 'Cats offense will look dominant (again)

The Wildcats just gained 557 yards of total offense against Elon, and now they will face a Rhode Island defense who has struggled mightily thus far. The Rams defense has allowed 423.6 yards per game and 38.6 points per game. Rhode Island has allowed an average of 225 yards through the air. Fresh off of being named CAA offensive player of the week, quarterback Zach Bednarczyk will likely put up huge numbers once again.

The run defense for the Rams is a little better, but not by much, they still give up 198.6 yards per game on the ground. For a Villanova rushing attack who can feature Aaron Forbes, Jarett McClenton, or Bednarczyk, the Rhode Island defense will have their hands full. Add in Matt Gudzak, who run for 71 yards in his first game back from injury, and possibly Javon White (who missed last week with an injury) and the 'Cats will certainly put up a lot of points Saturday afternoon.

Three QB's have had playing time for the Rams

Sophomore Wesley McKoy was the opening day starter at quarterback for Rhode Island. After completing 26.1% of his passes in the opener and throwing for three interceptions after only 15 passes in the next game against Albany, McKoy was replaced by senior Paul Mroz. However, McKoy started the next game against Harvard only to be replaced by Mroz again.

Against New Hampshire Mroz was the starter and played well, throwing for 249 yards with a completion percentage of 51.7 but had a season ending knee injury and redshirt freshman Jordan Vazzano finished the game. Vazzano started the game against Brown and struggled going 4-24 (16.7%) through the air with one touchdown and one interception.

T.J. Anderson and Harold Cooper are a strong duo in the backfield

Rhode Island is only rushing for 135.8 yards per game, but Harold Cooper just had his breakout. Against Brown, Cooper rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 7.5 yards a carry, after having six rushing attempts through three games. Cooper's emergence means there is a strong 1-2 duo for the Rams.

Junior T.J. Anderson has rushed for 4.1 yards per carry on the season with three touchdowns. With both Cooper and Anderson as major threats, the Rams offense now has a real strength to help put Rhode Island back on track.