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Villanova vs. William & Mary: 3 Keys to Victory

Here are 3 keys for the Villanova Wildcats as they face the well-rested William & Mary Tribe.

By Chris Lane
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

Following Villanova's victory over Penn, the Wildcats will look to make it three in a row against the William & Mary Tribe. Bill & Mary are coming off a bye week, but are off to a solid start in their 2013 campaign. Despite playing in the cozy confines of Villanova Stadium, this should be a complete 180 from last week's cakewalk victory. Here's what Villanova needs to do to emerge victorious.

More: Villanova-William & Mary Game Center

1. Win the turnover battle

I'm sticking with this as the most important aspect of the game for the third straight week, with a minor tweak. Following turnover-ridden efforts vs. Boston College and Fordham, Villanova didn't turn the ball over once against Stony Brook and Penn en route back-to-back 35-6 wins at home.

Moreover, the defense is suddenly forcing turnovers galore, especially with their backs against the wall. Joe Sarnese recorded two INTs in the endzone a week ago, while Craig James returned a FG blocked by Rakim Cox for a touchdown. Those types of big plays are what propel the team to victory.

2. Supporting cast must step up

John Robertson appears to be back on track after his 398 yard explosion last week against Penn, but the consensus, even from the coaches themselves, appears to be that Robertson can't be overworked for risk of injury. His improved passing to the likes to Poppy Livers and Joe Price is a huge plus and should open up the running game even more.

Talley has said on a good day, Kevin Monangai will get 15-17 carries. That was true last week when he went over 100 yards rushing. Austin Medley and Jamal Abdur-Rahman can help carry some of the load too, with the latter group capable of breaking the big play for a touchdown.

3. Momentum shifts

Speaking of big plays for a touchdown...while Sam Venuto resisted his weekly urge to break out the trickery against Penn, Villanova did use a blocked field goal for a touchdown to shift momentum solidly into their favor and put the game to bed.

After a tough opening week loss where they played West Virginia incredibly close, William & Mary played three straight snoozers before last week's bye. Villanova has used the big play effectively this year to grab momentum, and that could be a great way to send some warning shots over the bow to an opponent who has had their number since the 2009 National Semifinal victory for 'Nova.

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