Against LIU, expect to see the lessons Villanova learned in its loss to Maryland
One takeaway from the Wildcats' 38-20 loss to the Terrapins was clear: they were persistent. They plan to take this into a showdown with nonconference foe Long Island on Saturday.
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Consistency has been an issue for Villanova’s offense in its last few games.
But last Saturday in a 38-20 loss against Maryland, one takeaway was clear: the Wildcats were persistent. Head coach Mark Ferrante’s offense found ways forward, although it took until the second half to see successful drives.
Wildcats quarterback Connor Watkins went through the first quarter without completing a pass. By halftime, the Terrapins led 24-0.
“We challenged the guys at halftime to go out there and forget about everything that occurred in the first half, forget about what the scoreboard says, just go out and play a good second half,” Ferrante said postgame. “I think our guys responded and did that, so this will help us down the road.”
That road down comes on its home turf when Villanova hosts winless Long Island University (0—4, 0-1 Coastal) in its last nonconference game of the regular season on Saturday (6 p.m., FloFootball).
Villanova (3-1, 1-0 CAA) discovered some ways to thwart a sturdy Maryland defense. The Wildcats outscored the Terps in the second half and racked up the most points Villanova has scored against an FBS opponent in 10 years. In 2014, the Wildcats narrowly lost to Syracuse, 27—26.
Going into Saturday’s contest against LIU, Villanova is looking especially strong on defense and special teams, both led by veteran talent. A critical third-quarter interception by graduate defensive back Ty Trinh, sparked a momentum shift in Villanova’s favor against Maryland. Graduate defensive back Ethan Potter was also effective, registering a game-high 10 tackles.
Graduate kicker Ethan Gettman made two of three field goal attempts and recovered an onside kick.
“We just have to keep striving for consistency [on offense],” Ferrante added postgame.
LIU seeks its first win
After spending the last three weeks at No. 5 in the FCS rankings, Villanova dropped to No. 6 following the Maryland loss. They’ll look to move up again against LIU.
It has been a struggle for the Sharks as they search for their first win of the season.
LIU lost, 45-0, to TCU in Week 2 in its last road game. Last week, the Sharks lost to CAA opponent Rhode Island, 28—21.
Villanova topped LIU in both of their previous two meetings, the last a 38-21 win on Sept. 10, 2022.
Following LIU, Villanova dives into conference play with Stony Brook on Oct. 5 (3:30 p.m., FloFootball).