NCAAF (Philly) PREVIEW – Week 5: Philadelphia’s Biggest Schools Are Coming off of Major Wins, Can They Keep It Going This Week?
Penn, Temple, and Villanova were victorious last weekend marking the first time this season all three Philadelphia Div. 1 football programs won on the same day. Although they don’t play on the same day this weekend, Philly’s football teams will have a chance to add to their win columns.
Dartmouth at Pennsylvania
The fourth quarter against Lafayette was a wild one for Penn, but they held on for the 28-24 victory. This week they open Ivy League play against a resilient Dartmouth squad that has only allowed nine points this season. Despite being unranked, the Big Green would undoubtedly be a playoff contender if the Ivy League participated in it. Penn will have to start fast and play mistake-free football to pull off the upset against one of the Ivy League’s best. It’ll be close at halftime, but inevitably Dartmouth will pull away via the turnover.
Prediction: Dartmouth 31, Pennsylvania 16
Temple at East Carolina
Temple ought to be unbeaten, as that loss to Buffalo still haunts the teams “what if” dreams. The Owls rebounded against Georgia Tech holding them to just a safety, but will have to get ready to play again without much preparation. Thursday night games can be problematic for player recovery and add a new obstacle to game planning. Temple overall has better talent and should run through ECU, however, the short week of rest will make this game closer than it should be.
Prediction: Temple 26, East Carolina 19
No. 5 Villanova at William & Mary
Don’t be fooled by the Pride’s record. They may be 2-3, however, two of those losses were at FBS programs, and the other one was a blown 11-point lead against another tough CAA foe. The Wildcats can’t sleep on any CAA opponent, as anyone can beat anyone in this league. If the Wildcats can stay focused on this week’s opponent, and not look ahead to next week’s showdown with No. 2 James Madison, Villanova should roll to victory.
Prediction: Villanova 33, William & Mary 22
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