Coming off a 48-14 blowout loss against University of Central Florida, Villanova is ready to bounce back for week four. The Wildcats failed to get offense drives going against the Knights, only converting 10 first downs the whole game. With Villanova’s first loss of the season, it enters conference play this weekend, 2-1. The Wildcats will now look ahead to their Family Weekend matchup against Rhode Island as they look to pick up their third win of the season.
As for the Rams, they too sit at 2-1 after their second conference matchup of the season against Maine this past Friday, winning, 34-17.
The last time the two teams met was in 2021 and resulted in a 44-0 Villanova win. This game marks the Wildcats’ first Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) game of the season.
While Villanova is known for its run-heavy lethal offense, Rhode Island stays balanced on defense when it comes to stopping both the run and pass. This season the Rams have allowed opponents to net 424 yards on the ground and 519 yards in the air. While they keep total yardage close on passing and running yardage, the touchdowns show something to exploit for the Wildcats. Rhode Island has allowed double the amount of rushing touchdowns to passing touchdowns, six to three respectively. Rhode Island also holds the edge over Villanova in average offensive yards through the first three weeks of the season, 458.0 to 367.3 yards.
Villanova needs to lock in its game plan against the pass. This past weekend, UCF’s backup quarterback, Timmy McClain, threw for 321 yards, 20 completions on 28 attempts and had two passing touchdowns. The Wildcats’ defense had no answer for the air game. On top of his passing stats, he had nine carries for 44 yards. Rhode Island’s quarterback, Kasim Hill, does not share the same dual-threat title. Hill prefers to air the ball to his wideouts Kahtero Summers and Darius Savedge.
In order to be successful on offense, running back Jalen Jackson needs to step up again for the Wildcats. Jackson has rushed 242 yards this season only while losing six yards, which is a 236-yard net gain for him in three games. The running back room is spread out well with a slight edge to Jackson. Villanova’s main three backs are contribute to about 15 percent of the total 102 carries. That makes Jackson stand out in a mildly crowded running back room. He averages 7.6 yards a carry and accounts for three of Villanova’s rushing touchdowns.
As for starting quarterback for the ‘Cats, graduate Connor Watkins has the chance to erase his game last weekend with a good performance against the Rams. With only 144 yards on nine completions, Watkins only found the endzone on his feet by running it in from three yards out against UCF. He has looked impressive and has a chance to bounce back in front of a home crowd at Villanova Stadium.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 23 at 2p.m. The game will be broadcast live on FloSports.
