The #18 ranked Villanova Wildcats began their CAA Conference play against the Towson Tigers this week. Junior Taurus Phillips led the assault on Towson this week with seven receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-21 win. Phillips was able to have such a good day because of sophomore Zach Bednarczyk‘s play. Bednarczyk broke 120 passing yards for the first time this season in an impressive performance. This game should give the Wildcats confidence as they travel next week to face the Lafayette Leopards. Here is the LWOS analysis of the Villanova win.
Villanova Wildcats – Towson Tigers Analysis
Zach Bednarczyk
Overall, this was a great game for Bednarczyk. He ended the day with 230 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Bednarczyk also ran for 37 yards on nine attempts. These are the kind of games that will get Bednraczyk noticed at the next level. He looked more confident in the pocket than he has at any point this season. Head coach Andy Talley should be thrilled to see Bednarczyk comfortable again as they begin the bulk of their conference play soon. As long as Bednarczyk can continue to pass the ball as confidently as he did today, Villanova should be on their way to an FCS playoff appearance.
Javon White
Unlike last week when the Wildcats combined for almost 400 yards rushing, senior Javon White had to put the bulk of the rushing attack on his back. White accounted for 80 of Villanova’s 152 rushing yards and scored the only two rushing touchdowns of the day. This is White’s second consecutive game with over 15 carries and two touchdowns. White missed the majority of last season after breaking his leg last season. If White can stay healthy, he will certainly add another dimension to the Wildcat’s offense along with Bednarczyk.
Villanova Front Seven
For the second week, the Villanova front seven did an excellent job in putting pressure on the quarterback. Sophomore Ellis Knudson only completed 19 of his 35 pass attempts for 238 yards. Knudson was sacked once and threw two interceptions to one touchdown. Senior Tanoh Kpassagnon recorded the only sack for the Wildcat’s defense for his second of the season. The Wildcat’s defense was also able to catch senior Darius Victor in the backfield five times. Victor still has a good game however against Villanova with 115 rushing yards on 22 carries. However, the Villanova front seven did more than enough to win yet again. If the Wildcats were to make a deep playoff run, the front seven will have to maintain this high level of play for the remainder of the year.
Overall
Talley will be excited about this Villanova win. The offense looked comfortable for the first time this season, and the defense continued its high level of play. Bednarczyk will look to lead his offense similarly next week against Lafayette. The Leopards defense has been strong this season and ranks 36th among all FCS defense’s this season.
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