Villanova Football’s FCS Playoff hopes are still alive

TGIF, ‘Nova Nation! I was planning to write about Villanova’s playoff chances this week, but life got in the way. With 3 losses (2 FCS) already, there’s a really slim margin for error with just four games remaining.

Those four games? Elon, Richmond, at Rhode Island and Delaware. Elon’s having a breakthrough season while Richmond has been in and around the Top-25 just like Villanova. Rhody is Rhody, and Delaware is a rivalry game.

The ‘Cats probably need to win out to be safely in the mix. 4-loss playoff teams have happened before, but it is not a place you want to be on Selection Sunday.

And now, the “news.”

Villanova still thinking playoffs with Elon up next | Philly.com
Villanova, ranked 13th in FCS, hosts No. 10 Elon Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats, despite suffering way too many injuries, remain in the playoff picture. But they need to have a strong final month.

No. 7: Villanova turns over the talent but potential unchanged | The Athletic
There always seems to be someone waiting in the wings for Villanova, the rare team unaffected by the chronic turnover. This season is no different for Jay Wright.

Villanova Captain O'Connor Wins Battle with Cancer, Returns as Starting Defender | US Lacrosse Magazine
Villanova welcomed O’Connor back on the field full time this fall, one year after being forced to redshirt when she was diagnosed with and treated for cancer.

Villanova star Jalen Brunson says NBA 'can wait' as he pursues another NCAA title | Sporting News
Jalen Brunson sat beneath that flat, round, one-of-a-kind ceiling at Madison Square Garden on a spectacular October day. When he was a hotshot McDonald’s All-American a couple years back, this is about where most expected him to be as the 2017-18 NBA season dawned.

How things stand with the nine uncommitted Rivals150 PGs | Rivals
Rivals still thinks Villanova is the favorite for Quinerly, but it could be some time before his status is cleared up. The 'Cats are also in for Courtney Ramey.

2017-18 Non-Conference Schedule Ratings: Methodology - Blogging the Bracket
The new college basketball season is very nearly here, so it’s time to talk about the portion of the slate coaches and ADs control...in mind-numbingly tedious detail.

College Basketball’s Best Wing Forwards | NBC Sports
These are the best wings in college hoops.

Cross Country Teams Set For BIG EAST Championships Saturday Morning | Villanova.com
The first BIG EAST championship of 2017-18 is this weekend when 10 women’s cross country teams and nine men’s squads converge on Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course on Saturday morning. The conference meet returns to the site for the first time in four years and will consist of the men’s championship race at 11 a.m. Central time (12 p.m. Eastern) followed by the women’s race at 11:50 a.m. Central time (12:50 p.m. Eastern).

Just Say No to UConn | Friar Basketball
Let’s face it, UConn and the Big East just grew apart.