Villanova looking to keep its unbeaten streak intact against CAA foe Towson

Conference play kicks off this weekend for Villanova, which is eager to maintain its top 10 place in the FCS Top 25.

The No. 5 Wildcats (2-0) got a 23-point win over Colgate (0-2) last Saturday. Now, Villanova returns home to face Towson (1–1) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday..

Week 3 is significant for the Wildcats and the Tigers. The two teams are the first to open conference play in the Coastal Athletic Association. It’s a good early test for a Villanova team looking to prove it’s on course to defend its CAA co-championship crown.

Villanova’s first touchdown against Colgate was the highlight of the victory. The Wildcats couldn’t find an opportunity to score until their third drive, late in the first quarter.

Although sixth-year quarterback Connor Watkins and the offense typically rely on the rushing game, it was a 71-yard pass to graduate wide receiver Devin Smith that put the Wildcats on board. The touchdown pass was just the seventh of 70 yards or more in Watkins’ career.

Head coach Mark Ferrante sees undeniable potential in Smith, a North Carolina Central transfer, and is expecting him to be a playmaker this season. Against Colgate, he proved Ferrante right, as he went on to connect on another touchdown pass, of 8 yards, in the fourth quarter.

“It was good to get [Watkins and Smith] going,” Ferrante said. “They’re still trying to work their timing together.”

Watkins may continue to lean on the passing game against Towson, but he also has dependable options in running backs Isaiah Ragland and David Avit. The freshmen put their agility on display in the first two games. Ragland rushed for 29 yards on three carries against Colgate, including a 1-yard touchdown dash.

The Wildcats lead the CAA in total defense, giving up an average of 292.5 yards in their two games. They are also ranked first in the conference in scoring defense (10.0).

A talented set of linebackers is led in part by Brendan Bell. The five-year veteran reached double digits in tackles against Youngstown State and Colgate, including nine solo tackles against the Raiders.

Villanova has won 10 straight at home, including the Aug. 29 season opener against Youngstown State.

Towson finished 10th in the CAA in 2023. In their last meeting, at Villanova Stadium last Nov. 11, the Wildcats defeated the Tigers soundly, 33–10.

The Tigers opened their season with a tough road FBS matchup, falling to Cincinnati, 38–20. Towson then hosted Morgan State last Saturday, claiming victory in the Battle of Greater Baltimore, 14–9.

After Towson, Villanova won’t face another CAA team until Stony Brook on Oct. 5.