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Villanova’s football team executes a game plan similar to Delaware’s, but the Black Bear football team is hoping that the outcome of their match-up will be a little different.
“They are similar teams in a lot of ways with their abilities,” said coach Jack Cosgrove. “We have to finish the football game, which we didn’t do down in Delaware.”
Many people may have forgotten the Delaware game because of the outstanding win Maine had last week at Morgan State University, but the players and coaches know they will have to play like they did last week, if not better, in order to be successful against the Wildcats.
“If we just go out and play like we did last week and then some, in every aspect of the game,” said freshman receiver Arel Gordon. “It’ll be another team we can say we played our all against and got the ‘W’ for it.”
That’s exactly what the team will have to do.
The Wildcats are ranked number 13 in the nation, with a record of 5-2 in the Atlantic-10 and 7-2 overall. That puts the team just above Maine in the conference rankings at third place.
Villanova plays two quarterbacks, two tailbacks and uses a variety of receivers as well.
“They have become a balanced offense with run and pass threats,” said Cosgrove. “They have really talented, skilled players. They have a list of guys that you just have to be aware of.”
Cosgrove said the Wildcats’ offensive line is what allows the offense to have great versatility.
“It’s going to be tough for our defense,” said Cosgrove. “It will be a real challenge to defend the multiplicity and abilities of their offense.”
The Wildcats’ defense is led by linebacker Brian Hulea, who averages more than 12 tackles per game.
“They are just good all across the board,” said tailback Marcus Williams.
Last season, at Villanova, Maine came away with a 21-14 win over the Wildcats, the second victory in a row against the team.
The Bears hope to make it three.
“We go in to every game knowing we need to win,” said Williams. “It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
If Maine puts it all together, in this game and their last one with the University of New Hampshire, it just may have a shot at the playoffs. After all, Villanova must play Delaware to finish out its regular season.
“Someone else has to determine [the playoffs] for us,” said Cosgrove. “It’s not something we have direct control over.”
But the Bears don’t want to get wrapped up in making it to the postseason before the regular season is over.
“We don’t want to look too far ahead,” said Williams. “We just know we have to win this game [in front of us].”
The game with Villanova is the last regular season home game for the Bears. It is set for a 3 p.m. kickoff and will be televised on WABI-TV.
