Villanova out to avoid trap at Maine

Villanova coach Andy Talley is very clear about what Saturday's game at conference foe Maine represents.

"It's a trap game," Talley said. "Without question, and that's exactly what I explained that we are up against. You are going to have to travel and play under adverse conditions against a team that is on the rise. There is going to be a lot of adversity. We'll have to show that we are able to handle it again."

On paper it might not appear that way. The Wildcats (3-1, 1-0 Colonial Athletic Association) are ranked fifth in the FCS coaches poll. Their only loss came in a double-overtime setback at Syracuse, but since that time the Wildcats have been on a roll.

After last week's 41-7 rout of Penn, the Wildcats have outscored their last three opponents by 140-44. They have racked up 1,644 yards and averaged 46.7 points during this stretch.

A big part of the success has been the way the veteran offensive line has protected junior dual-threat quarterback John Robertson. Recognized before the season as a quarterback who was more likely to make plays with his legs than his arm, Robertson is now passing the football better than he runs it.

He leads the Football Championship Subdivision in passing efficiency (194.0) and yards per attempt (9.92). Robertson is 54 of 72 for 783 yards and 11 touchdowns during the winning streak.

However, Robertson may face an adjustment period on Saturday. Senior center Ross Hall, a preseason first-team all-conference selection, will miss the game after suffering a high ankle sprain against Penn.

Hall will be replaced by junior Peter Sotiriou, who has played before. Hall, however, is viewed as the anchor of the line, which Talley says is a huge reason for Robertson's emergence.

Maine (2-2, 1-0 CAA) is coming off a 27-24 victory at Towson. In that game, Black Bears quarterback Dan Collins set career highs for completions (19), passing yards (225), and touchdowns (two).