Villanova hosts Stony Brook this Saturday for Homecoming weekend, as both teams try to bounce back from losses. Villanova comes into the game on an extra week of rest after losing in heartbreaking fashion to James Madison, 38-24. Villanova led the No. 2 ranked Dukes going into the final quarter, but three late interceptions killed any hope of a ‘Nova upset. The Wildcats only fell two spots to seventh in both the Top 25 polls. Stony Brook fell out of the top 25 after losing to James Madison and New Hampshire in consecutive weeks. The Seawolves kept both contests close, however, losing by only a touchdown in both losses.

The Wildcats will look to establish the run game against a stout Stony Brook run defense. The committee of underclassmen running backs struggled against JMU, but will hope to bounce back against a mortal defense. James Madison turned the game around in the fourth quarter when the forced ‘Cats’ quarterback Daniel Smith to make plays with his arm, so creating a balanced offense will be key for Villanova.

Stony Brook also boasts a dangerous running back corps who have combined for 13 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards from scrimmage this year. The most dangerous of the group is Ty Son Lawton, who is coming off of back to back 100-yard rushing games. On the season, Lawton has found paydirt six times six touchdowns on the season.

Stony Brook’s biggest weakness, however, is their passing defense. Smith is looking to get back on track after throwing three picks in the last quarter of football he played. Villanova’s ability to move the ball through the air to free up the running game will play a huge role if the Wildcats want to secure the win.