The No. 23 Wildcats (5-3, 2-3) kept their playoff hopes alive, as they won their second straight game in the form that inspired people to pick them as the preseason Atlantic 10 South Division champs. Villanova blew out Towson 41-6, for a homecoming victory every alumnus could appreciate.

The Wildcats got the scoring underway in the first quarter on their first drive. Villanova drove the field, after two big completions from Marvin Burroughs to J.J. Outlaw set the ‘Cats up just outside the 10-yard line, they stalled and had to settle for a field goal and an early lead, one they would never relinquish.

Burroughs found Outlaw with an 11-yard touchdown pass with just a little bit more then two minutes remaining in the first quarter and the ‘Cats lead hit double digits just before the end of the first quarter.

Defensive back Terrance Reaves had his second straight big game in as many weeks. Reaves had 11 tackles, forced two fumbles and two pass break-ups. These stats garnered him the co-defensive player of the week for the Atlantic 10.

Quarterback Marvin Burroughs is continuing to impress, as he threw for 232 yards, connected on 18 of his 28 passes and two touchdown passes, to go along with his 49 yards rushing.

J.J Outlaw and John Dieser were the main threats for Burroughs. Outlaw caught nine passes for over 110 yards, to go along with a touchdown pass. Dieser had four receptions on the day to go for 62 yards.

The ‘Cats had a big rushing day, as running backs Martin Gibson and Terry Butler both participated significantly. Gibson ran for 54 yards on six carries, including a 23-yard sprint. Butler had 48 yards on 13 carries to go along with a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball Reaves was the leader, however, Jamil Butler also played well. Butler was second only to Reaves in tackles with seven in the game, including one sack, and two tackles behind the opponent’s line of scrimmage.

Furthermore, other contributions were made on the defensive side of the ball, most notably Darrell Adams and Blake Shubert. Adams collected four tackles, which also included a sack for minus seven yards. Shubert had three tackles, one of which was a sack for a loss of six yards.

The Wildcats will hope to keep their drive for the playoffs alive when they travel to Rhode Island to take on the Rams (4-3 overall, 2-2 Atlantice 10) this Saturday at noon.