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It's the season finale, y'all! Villanova and Delaware will square off in the comfy confines of PPL Park on Saturday at 3:30 pm ET. For al you football fans (I know there are some of you out there), this is another chance to show out for Villanova football.
Villanova is coming into this game well-rested after their bye week. Before that, it was a 45-0 beatdown of poor Rhode Island. So, we should be coming into this game feeling good. John Robertson has a chance at the single-season rushing touchdown record, and the team has a shot at a winning season.
Here are three keys to victory for Villanova this Saturday.
1. Balance on offense
Villanova will go to the run early and often as the Delaware defense is letting up nearly 180 yards on the ground per game, but with it being a rivalry game they'll come with a little extra effort on defense. They are no better through the air though, and while Robertson won't win the game with his arm, he can keep the Hens' defense honest.
With the rushing touchdown record in sight, Robertson needs to show restraint and trust his teammates on offense, or he'll risk the UD defense keying in on him.
2. Tackling
For as poor as they are on defense, Delaware ranks second in the CAA with 32.6 ppg scored this season. Trent Hurley can get it done through the air while Andrew Pierce went over 1000 yards on the ground last weekend. They have a balanced attack and have shown the ability to put it in the endzone in various ways.
Villanova's tackling problems have been well documented, and they seemed to eliminate that nagging issue versus Rhody. The defense will need to keep it going this weekend and not let the Delaware playmakers break free for extra yards. The quicker they get Delaware off the field, the more chances they'll give Robertson and the 'Nova offense to do some damage.
3. All to play for
While Delaware may have doomed themselves last weekend when they lost at the last minute to Richmond, but if they have any chance to make the FCS playoffs they will need to beat Villanova. Sending their rivals home for the winter should be more than enough incentive for Villanova.
And if that's not enough, a winning season is on the line as the 'Cats enter the day 5-5. Ranked in the preseason Top 10, 'Nova has had a frustrating season, seeing a few balls bounce the other team's way. End the season on a high note and come back ready to play in 2014.
What are your keys to a Villanova victory on Saturday afternoon?