NCAAF (Philly) PREVIEW – WEEK 12: Villanova Poised to Return to FCS Playoff
With two games left in the season, the Wildcats likely only need to win one of them to earn an FCS at-large bid. This week’s opponent Long Island University has yet to win a game this season and could propel the 13th ranked Wildcats into the playoff.
In the FBS, Temple needs one more win to become bowl eligible. Their opponent Tulane, however, is no pushover. It’s going to take a complete effort by Temple to pull off the win.
The Blue Hens of Delaware will try to spoil the playoff hopes of Stony Brook, while Philadelphia’s Ivy-League school Penn takes on Harvard in hopes of a winning season.
Stony Brook at Delaware
The Blue Hens are in a free fall. After starting the season 2-0, they’ve lost six of their last eight, and three in a row. The offense has sputtered despite the Blue Hens having running back Will Knight who is ninth in the FCS in yards per carry at 7.3. Head coach Danny Rocco simply isn’t giving him enough carries and is allowing other less productive backs take carries away from Knight. Stony Brook still has an opportunity to reach the postseason, and Delaware Stadium will likely be closer to empty than full. With no gameday atmosphere to motivate the team, the Blue Hens will drop their fourth straight.
Prediction: Stony Brook 25, Delaware 24
Pennsylvania at Harvard
Harvard has been on the wrong end of close games during their current three-game losing streak. Most notably, their last two losses came on a game-winning hail mary against first place Dartmouth and an overtime loss to Columbia. Harvard’s defense is tough and will make it really difficult for Penn to move the ball. On the other hand, the Quaker defense hasn’t been able to stop a team from reaching the endzone at least three times all season. This game will start off as a Harvard runaway, but Penn will score late in garbage time to pull closer.
Prediction: Harvard 30, Pennsylvania 22
Tulane at Temple
Don’t writeoff Tulane as an average opponent. The Green Wave are 6-3, and all three of their losses have come against ranked opponents. Tulane’s rushing attack has come in the form of a green wave, as they average 261 yards per game which is 10th best in the FBS. Not only is Tulane capable of sustaining long drives, but they often finish their drives in the endzone scoring 36 points per game. Temple will have a tough time becoming bowl eligible this week unless they can make every drive count.
Prediction: Tulane 27, Temple 20
Long Island at No. 13 Villanova
An eighth win in the tough CAA conference is as good as an unofficial playoff berth guarantee can be. Long Island is in its first year at the FCS level and has yet to win a game this season. They’ll have a tough time earning it against the Wildcats. Villanova should win this game by halftime, and be able to rest their starters in the second half. Villanova is a legit contender for the FCS Championship this year.
Prediction: Villanova 32, Long Island 17
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