NCAAF (Philly) PREVIEW – Week 13: Villanova Looks to Continue Its Dominance over Delaware in the Battle of the Blue
November 19th, 2011… That was the last time the Blue Hens were able to beat Villanova.
In a series that the Wildcats lead 30-21-1, Villanova has dominated ever since Delaware fired legendary coach Tubby Raymond’s hand-picked replacement K.C. Keeler. The Blue Hens lost their FCS powerhouse status, and have zero playoff wins and just one playoff appearance since the firing.
In the American, Temple will face No. 19 Cincinnati who has yet to lose a conference game. The Owls are bowl eligible, and a win on Saturday would be their third over a ranked opponent this year.
The Penn Quakers can finish no worse than .500, however, a win against their archrival Princeton would match last year’s total and give the Quakers their fifth straight winning season.
Princeton at Pennsylvania
Are you ready for the 111th meeting between the Tigers and Quakers? This rivalry has been one-sided with Princeton winning 66 times. Princeton’s defense (with the exception of last week) has been really good, and the Tigers have spent time in the FCS STATS top-25 this season. The Tiger offense can be stopped, but the Quaker pass rush has to get pressure. If the Quakers can defend the pass well, they have a chance in a low scoring game, because Princeton has struggled mightily on the ground.
Prediction: Princeton 31, Pennsylvania 23
Temple at No. 19 Cincinnati
Cincinnati would be undefeated if not for a visit to Columbus, Ohio. The Bearcats will be attempting to clinch the American East and a spot in the AAC Championship game with a win. Temple has won the last four meetings between the schools including overtime upset against undefeated Bearcats a season ago. Cincinnati’s defense is the strength of their team, and they’ll be able to control field position against a mediocre Owls offense. If the Owls settle for field goals instead of touchdowns, they’ll be playing just the type of game Cincinnati wants. Temple head coach Rod Carey has to be aggressive on fourth down to win.
Prediction: Cincinnati 17, Temple 14
Delaware at No. 10 Villanova
There’s not much to look forward to if you’re a Blue Hen fan. Delaware who has been eliminated from playoff contention will be playing the spoiler role… But can only spoil Nova’s seeding, because their playoff spot is essentially locked. It won’t get better next year for the Hens, as their schedule will be even tougher.
The only way the Hens can make this game close is if they give the ball to running back Will Knight virtually the entire game. He is one of the best athletes in the FCS, however, Delaware coach Danny Rocco has failed to give him enough touches. If Knight doesn’t get at least 25 carries, the Hens won’t be able to run the clock and keep the volatile Wildcat offense off the field.
Prediction: Villanova 42, Delaware 10
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