The Villanova football team got back to its winning ways on Saturday with a huge win over Atlantic 10 rival Richmond, 49-10. The win marked the first conference win for the No. 24 ranked Wildcats and improved their record to 4-3 and 1-3 in the conference.

“We had a great week of practice, it was the best week we’ve had,” coach Andy Talley said. “It was critical that we played good defense and got a rise out of our offense.”

The blow out began in the second quarter, when the ‘Cats were up 14-10 and the Spiders had the ball and were driving. However, quarterback Stacy Tutt dropped back to pass and was picked off by Terrance Reaves.

“I just did my job on their second receiver and then tried to push their first guy and the ball came right to me,” Reaves said. “I was surprised, but I got it anyway. I did my job and it paid off. That play definitely swung the momentum in our favor.”

Reaves interception came deep in the Spider’s territory and eventually lead to a Terry Butler three yard touchdown run and gave the ‘Cat’s a 21-10 lead.

“The interception by Terence was critical. We had some good offensive chances in the short field today,” coach Talley said. “Earlier in the season, our offense might have bungled a chance like that or gotten a field goal, but we were able to get a touchdown and make the defense pay for the turnover.”

The offense was lead once again by quarterback Marvin Burroughs, who is continuing his progression at the quarterback position and is weekly showing improvement. Burroughs threw for 260 yards and had five touchdown passes, to go along with 22 rushing yards.

“Marvin has very good numbers for this point in his career and his stats as a sophomore are better then Brett’s [Gordon] were and he has great wheels on top of it,” coach Talley said. “He has become a double threat.”

Burroughs numbers are very impressive, but he was quick to point out that it is not just him who is getting the job done.

“My confidence level has improved because of the offensive line. We have spent more time together outside of practice and become a more cohesive offensive unit,” Burroughs said. “The continuity we have had on offense has helped everyone become more familiar with each other’s techniques and procedures.”

The ‘Cats were also lead on offense by wide receivers J.J. Outlaw and Chris Polite. Outlaw caught five passes for two touchdowns, including a 32-yard touchdown. Polite caught two passes, but both were deep touchdown passes, going for 42-yards and 31-yards to give him a total of 73-yards receiving on the day.

The game started off with a bang. On the fourth play of the game, quarterback Marvin Burroughs dropped back and hit Terry Butler with a pass, and Butler went the rest of the distance for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead.

On the defensive side of the ball, Reaves was definitely the star of the game, not only did his interception lead to the blowout for the ‘Cats, but also he lead the team in tackling with 12.

“Terrence did a great job making a critical interception. After that, we came out and played hard,” senior defensive end Jamil Butler said. “We got our confidence back and didn’t play tentative. We played loose and got back to the level of play we should be at.”

Villanova’s Kalise Cook also had a big game as he had 11 tackles and an interception which he returned for 33 yards.

The ‘Cats defense kept the pressure on the scrambling Richmond quarterback all day and were able to record three sacks. Cornerback Jeremy Morgan and Linebacker Greg Bishop both brought Tutt down in the backfield for a sack, while Darrell Adams and Terrence Taylor combined to bring Tutt down.

The ‘Cats will take on Towson at the Stadium this Saturday during Homecoming Weekend at 3 p.m.