NCAAF (Philly) PREVIEW – WEEK 6: No. 5 Villanova Battles No. 2 JMU to Cap off an Exciting Week in Mid-Atlantic Football
We’re halfway through the college football season (already), and this weekend will weigh heavy on every school in the Philadelphia metro.
Fifth-ranked Villanova takes on second-ranked James Madison in what may be the FCS game of the season. The Wildcats have surged up the FCS rankings, but this will be their toughest test.
Temple takes on one of college football’s last remaining undefeated teams. Temple is 4-1 and unbeaten in AAC play. A win Saturday would give Temple its second top-25 victory of the season.
15th ranked Delaware heads south to take on Elon. The Blue Hens are coming off of their bye, and need a win to keep pace in the playoff race as well as the CAA.
Lastly, Penn looks to bounce back against Sacred Heart after coming up short against Dartmouth.
Sacred Heart at Pennsylvania
Playing in a nonconference game with no playoff aspirations makes Penn a dangerous team this week. Penn will rely on a strong performance from running back Karekin Brooks. Brooks was the lone bright spot against Dartmouth as he tallied 91 yards and two touchdowns. The Quakers played up to the level of 15th ranked Delaware and could pull out all of the tricks to win this game as they have nothing to lose. Similarly to the Delaware game, however, one of those tricks could backfire and cost the Quakers the game.
Prediction: Sacred Heart 26, Pennsylvania 25
No. 15 Delaware at Elon
CAA play is no joke. The Colonial Athletica Association is often referred to as the SEC of the FCS. Being a lifelong member, the Blue Hens know they can’t take any games off. Elon’s offense has sputtered during a three-game losing streak. They haven’t scored more than 10 points on their current streak. Elon quarterback Davis Cheek threw four interceptions including two that were returned for points last week against New Hampshire. Other than last week Cheek has played very well. A strong defensive performance coupled with at least 20 carries for Blue Hen running back Will Knight will be needed for the Blue Hens to be victorious.
Prediction: Delaware 29, Elon 24
No. 23 Memphis at Temple
To think that this could’ve been a mid-season clash of unbeatens if the Owls didn’t falter at Buffalo. The undefeated season may be lost, but to remain perfect in conference play, the Owls will have to feed running back Re’Mahn Davis. Memphis is going to score points, but their defense has been vulnerable against the run. If Davis can control the clock on the ground, and find the endzone, Temple could pull off the upset. If the Owls get greedy through the air, however, Memphis will get the ball, and they will score when they get it.
Prediction: Memphis 28, Temple 24
No. 5 Villanova at No. 2 James Madison
Harrisonburg will be rocking on Saturday. The Dukes are playing their first home game in a month and this game won’t be just their biggest home game of the year. It’s the biggest game on the FCS calendar thus far. The key for Villanova to win this game is to stop the run. JMU has a plethora of running backs that it will use. Averaging 268 yards per game with 19 total rushing touchdowns, the Dukes’ offense not only scores, but it controls the clock. Their defense has been just as good at stopping the run allowing only 71 yards per game.
The Wildcats will need to keep seven guys in the box at all times on defense. Offensively the Wildcats will need a big game from quarterback Daniel Smith. The Dukes secondary is the weakness (although not that weak) of this team. If he can play mistake-free football, he could give Nova an opportunity to win the game late.
Prediction: James Madison 31, Villanova 27
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