The final score made it look like another ho-hum day for Villanova Wildcats, but it was anything but, especially during the first eventually. Eventually, talent took over and the Wildcats throttled Morgan State 48-28, but it took a while to get there. Andy Talley may regret his early week comments of the pressure being off in a rare mid-season non-conference game.
The offense was spectacular again, but special teams continues to be an issue and the passing defense needs a fix in a big way.
Here are your 'Winners & Sinners' from Saturday.
Winners
John Robertson - Going in to halftime tied at 21 it was easy to think that Robertson might be hurting his Payton campaign. Not so. 13-18 for 143 yards was pedestrian, but 3 TDs through the air and a wonderful day rushing the ball (11carries, 99 yards, 2 TDs) was highlighted by a 56-yard scamper to paydirt to open the game. Robertson moved in to 2nd place on the all-time rushing list.
Kevin Monangai - The one everyone will rightfully remember was the career-long 81-yard touchdown run that really broke the game open in the second half. His final line of 16 carries, 170 yards and 2 TDs brings back memories of 2012 when he was running rampant every week. He now sits 4th on the all-time rushing list.
Doug Turrell - Tip of the cap to Turrell, who caught his first touchdown in the first quarter.
Jason Ceneus - The sophomore cornerback's 2 INTs were a couple of the few bright spots in the passing defense.
Pat Williams - The big fella blocked a punt. You are reading that correctly. Pat Williams blocked a punt.
Don Cherry - He only had 8 tackles, including 2.5 TFL.
Sinners
Poppy Livers - Not one, but two muffed punts that led directly to Morgan State points. Both seemed down to a lack of concentration during windy conditions which is inexcusable. I blame a ScHooboy Q hangover.
Steve Weyler - Another missed PAT. I'm not sure what Andy Talley will do if he ever needs a FG.
Passing Defense - Yardage-wise, it wasn't as bad as it felt. And Moses Skillon is clearly a better passer than Robert Council, and credit Lee Hull for surprising the 'Nova staff with his gameplan to air it out, but adjustments need to be made. Employing press coverage seems like a good place to start.