Villanova looks to keep its unbeaten streak intact against CAA rival Towson

This weekend, league play begins for Villanova, which is looking to maintain its top 10 position in the FCS Top 25.

The No. 5 Wildcats (2-0) are coming off a 23-point win over Colgate (0-2) on Saturday. Now, Villanova returns home to take on Towson (1-1) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Week 3 is a big one for the Wildcats and Tigers. The two teams are the first to open conference play in the Coastal Athletic Association. It’s a good early test for a Villanova team looking to prove it’s on track to defend its CAA co-championship title.

Making room for big plays

Villanova’s first touchdown against Colgate was the highlight of the victory. The Wildcats didn’t score until their third drive, late in the first quarter.

While sixth-year quarterback Connor Watkins and the offense typically rely on the rushing game, it was a 71-yard pass to graduate wide receiver Devin Smith that got the Wildcats on board. The touchdown pass was just the seventh of 70 or more yards in Watkins’ career.

Head coach Mark Ferrante sees undeniable potential in Smith, a transfer from North Carolina Central, and expects him to be a playmaker this season. He proved Ferrante right against Colgate, as he hit an 8-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

“It was good to get (Watkins and Smith) going,” Ferrante said. “They’re still trying to get their timing together.”

Watkins may continue to rely on the passing game against Towson, but he also has reliable options in running backs Isaiah Ragland and David Avit. The freshmen flashed their agility in the first two games. Ragland rushed for 29 yards on three carries against Colgate, including a 1-yard touchdown dash.

Defense remains disciplined

The Wildcats lead the CAA in total defense, allowing an average of 292.5 yards in their two games. They also rank first in the conference in scoring defense (10.0).

A talented linebacker group is led in part by Brendan Bell. The five-year veteran reached double figures in tackles against Youngstown State and Colgate, including nine solo tackles against the Raiders.

Home advantage

Villanova has won 10 straight home games, including the season opener on Aug. 29 against Youngstown State.

Towson finished 10th in the CAA in 2023. In their last meeting, on Nov. 11 at Villanova Stadium, the Wildcats defeated the Tigers convincingly, 33-10.

The Tigers opened their season with a tough road game against FBS, losing to Cincinnati 38-20. Towson then hosted Morgan State last Saturday, taking the win in the Battle of Greater Baltimore 14-9.

After Towson, Villanova won’t play another CAA team until October 5 against Stony Brook.