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Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:13 PM
It is a beautiful day in the Franklin Field neighborhood as we move within an hour of the REAL battle for Philadelphia football supremacy. Who gives a rip about Temple and the Mayor's Cup?

Villanova has won two straight since losing to Temple on Labor Day weekend, but the Cats are banged up. I hear that Norman White is a game-time decision after hurting his shoulder last week against Rhode Island. No worries at QB, where John Robertson has been freshman of the week the past two weeks in the CAA and was named co-freshman of the week by College Sports Journal for his Rhode Island performance.

Penn had seven turnovers last week against Lafayette, but still almost came back to win. Ball security is obviously the issue for the Quakers as they tried to beat Villanova for the first time.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:20 PM
As always, feel free to contribute your thoughts, questions and observations for this game.

Teams just left the field as we are under 20 minutes to kickoff.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:23 PM
It was just announced that this is the 200th career game for legendary Penn coach Al Bagnoli. He has won 136 of them.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:24 PM
It was also just announced that fans are not permitted to throw things on Franklin Field, except toast at the end of the third quarter.

VUCats02
September 22nd, 2012, 02:28 PM
Everybody has been picking Nova to win this game on the CAA pickem page, but I'm very worried about this game - especially without Medley and White.

Backups are going to have to step up and I expect this one to be won in the fourth quarter like most UPenn/Nova games are.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:34 PM
The anthem has been played, the teams are back on the field and captains are in the center of the field for the coin toss.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:34 PM
Everybody has been picking Nova to win this game on the CAA pickem page, but I'm very worried about this game - especially without Medley and White.

Backups are going to have to step up and I expect this one to be won in the fourth quarter like most UPenn/Nova games are.

No matter who plays and doesn't this is always a war.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:36 PM
Villanova has won the coin toss and chosen to receive, with Penn defending the west goal (the building/Penn locker room side).

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:38 PM
Touchback on the kickoff gives VU the ball at the 25.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:39 PM
John Robertson on an easy completion to Joe Price for 9 on the first play. 2nd down run by Monangai is stuff by Moody.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:40 PM
Robertson tries a Wildcat run on third down and is stuffed. Same old Penn rushing defense. Punt gives the ball to Penn at the 19.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:41 PM
Ragone is sacked by Marlon Johnson on first down. Might not be many points today.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:42 PM
Jeff Jack breaks free to the VU 35 on a nice run to the right side.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:43 PM
Jack again on a trap to the VU 28. 2nd and 3.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:43 PM
Lyle Marsh is stopped after a gain of one. Third and 2.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:44 PM
Pitch to Jack is just short of the 25, fourth and short. Connor Loftus on for a 43 yard FGA that sails wide left. 10:05 left in the first period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:46 PM
Meanwhile in the UNH-ODU game, it is 61-54 ODU with four and a half minutes left in the fourth.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:47 PM
VU starts at the 25 after another touchback and gets a couple of yards running on first down. Robertson's pass to Pettway is knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Third and 8.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:48 PM
Nice moves by Joe Price to get open in the middle for a big first down and then he turns it to the sideline to get to the Quaker 30.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:49 PM
KM on the run for VU is stuffed for a yard loss and VU is penalized for a chop block on Poppy Livers to put it back to the 46.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:50 PM
Not to fear for the Cats as Price hauls in an over-the-shoulder catch at the 19 on a perfect Robertson throw.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:51 PM
Skinny post in the end zone to Norman White and he out-leaps and out-wrestles his defender for the TD pass from Robertson from 19 yards out. Villanova 7, Penn 0, 8:21 left in the first period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:52 PM
61-61 now at ODU as UNH scores again in other CAA action. Still 3:21 left there. No defense in that game.

VUCats02
September 22nd, 2012, 02:54 PM
Nova has abandoned the running game and probably rightfully so against that tough UPenn front 7. Lots of play action so far. Unlike Nova but it's working.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:55 PM
Penn ball on the 21 to start the next drive. Marsh gets one on the run. Marlon Johnson is all over the place for the VU defense.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:55 PM
Nova has abandoned the running game and probably rightfully so against that tough UPenn front 7. Lots of play action so far. Unlike Nova but it's working.

If Price can keep getting open, why not? He looks great today.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:56 PM
Pass catch for Penn for a first down is wiped out by an ineligible receiver downfield penalty. Stupid call that had NOTHING to do with the results of the play. So typical of Ivy League officiating.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:58 PM
Ragone scrambles away from Dylan Lucas on a blitz, but is forced to throw the ball away on third down. Punt time for Penn. FC for Livers at the VU 43.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 02:59 PM
KM and Gary Underwood runs move the ball to the Penn 46 for a first down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:00 PM
Robertson slings a side-armed pass to Norman White to the Penn 40.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:01 PM
Slow-developing sweep to KM nets two to the 38. 3rd and 2 for VU.

bulldog10jw
September 22nd, 2012, 03:02 PM
Pass catch for Penn for a first down is wiped out by an ineligible receiver downfield penalty. Stupid call that had NOTHING to do with the results of the play. So typical of Ivy League officiating.

Still thinking about that ineligible receiver downfield penalty Penn got against Yale in the OT game Yale won a few years ago?

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:02 PM
Robertson Wildcats it again and is stacked up for what looks like a spot short of the 41. Chain gang is on the field and it is short. That play looked like a Rugby scrum. VU going on 4th and a foot.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:03 PM
False start on the VU line. Punting time.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:04 PM
Still thinking about that ineligible receiver downfield penalty Penn got against Yale in the OT game Yale won a few years ago?

I'm sure Al Bagnoli was thinking of that as he steamed on the sideline. This call wasn't as bad as that one (from the half-yard line to wipe out a halfback option TD pass in double OT).

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:06 PM
Penn starts from its own 10 after the punt and gets a first down at the Penn 22 on a Ragone keeper.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:07 PM
First down pass from Ragone to Connor Scott for a 1st Down at the Penn 33.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:08 PM
Ragone waits too long with open space on a scramble and is caught for a 2-yard gain at the 35 as the first quarter ends. Villanova 7, Penn 0.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:11 PM
Ragone sweeps around the right side to the 39. 3rd and 4.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:11 PM
Ragone QB draw is stopped by Devon Bridges at the 40. Punt time again.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:12 PM
High snap, but good punt, Twombly with a nice hit on Livers on the return. VU ball at the 13.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:13 PM
Daniel Davis out of the secondary for a nice tackle on KM for no gain. Pettway with a catch from TE for a first down at the VU 32.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:14 PM
Price on the out for five yards on first down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:14 PM
KM on the draw for one yard. 3rd and 4.

VUCats02
September 22nd, 2012, 03:15 PM
Joe Price just eclipsed 100 yards receiving for the game.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:15 PM
Robertson does his best Chris Whitney imitation to loft the ball to Price for a first down at the Penn 33.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:16 PM
Livers on the reverse cuts inside to the 26.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:17 PM
Underwood to the near the first down sticks on a run inside.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:17 PM
He is a foot short. 3rd down and VU is going to go for it.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:19 PM
Monangai is stacked up and on 4th down, VU's Mark Hamilton is on for a 41-yard FGA, which splits the uprights. Villanova 10, Penn 0. 9:18 left in the second quarter.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:20 PM
Joe Price just eclipsed 100 yards receiving for the game.

Price has been the best player on the field on offense. Marlon Johnson earns the same honors defensively thus far.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:22 PM
Good kick coverage for Villanova. Penn takes over at the 17.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:23 PM
Ragone completion to Joe Holder for a 1st down Penn at their own 30.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:25 PM
The Ivy League officials just threw a flag for no penalty before a play. Marsh rips off eight yards on 1st down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:26 PM
Tough 1st-down run to the Penn 42 by Greg Schuster tackle by Lucas.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:26 PM
Ragone no gain on a 1st down run

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:27 PM
Jack on a zone play runs to the 47. 3rd and 6.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:28 PM
Ragone to Mitchell for a 1st down, Mitchell might have broken it, if he hadn't fallen down at the VU 40.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:29 PM
Time Out for Penn after some mix ups. First time out used. 4:47 left in the half as Villanova leads 10-0.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:32 PM
3rd and long upcoming after an incomplete pass for Penn at the VU 42

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:33 PM
Pressure on Ragone again, he spins out of trouble, but then throws the ball away. Punt time. VU ball at the 20.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:34 PM
Helmet-to-helmet contact on Penn on a hit that levels Livers. 1st down at the 45 of VU for the Cats.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:35 PM
Monangai burst free to the Penn 44 on a nice run.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:36 PM
Brandon Copeland has looked good for Penn at DE and he forced Robertson to scramble to the 43.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:36 PM
High pass from Robertson that even Price can't haul in. 3rd and long.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:37 PM
Robertson bounces a 3rd-down pass to force a punt from Hamilton with 2:05 left in the half. Penn ball at its 20.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:38 PM
Pass to Scott is incomplete. 2nd down

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:39 PM
Schuster runs for a couple of yards. Tackle by Lucas. Time out Nova with 1:45 left on 3rd and 8 from the Penn 22.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:42 PM
Short pass completion to the 26. Punt time with 1:38 left in the half.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:42 PM
Great punt with a wind at his back from Scott Lopano to the VU 7.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:43 PM
The clock is going to run out on the half as VU goes on the ground with KM twice.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:44 PM
SCreen pass to KM to the VU 30 with 16 seconds left.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 03:45 PM
KM run loses yardage and its halftime. Villanova 10, Penn 0.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:01 PM
Halftime Stats

Villanova 22 yards, 152 passing (Robertson 9-of-12 for 152 and 1 TD), 70 rushing.
Penn 140 yards, 44 passing (Ragone 4-of-7 for 40), 96 rushing.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:07 PM
Second Half kickoff is returned to the 34, but a penalty will back the Quakers up for holding. I hate penalties on returns. Give us XFL rules on kickoffs and punts. 1st down at the 15.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:09 PM
Al Bagnoli goes to the bullpen and replaces Ragone for QB Andrew Holland to start the 2nd Half.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:09 PM
And Holland winds and delivers ... a three and out. Dylan Lucas and Antoine Lewis on a third-down sack.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:11 PM
Holding on the VU punt return and the Cats will start at the 30.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:11 PM
Robertson on the bomb to Norman White for 43 yards on first down to the Penn 27.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:12 PM
QB run near the 20 is coming back on an illegal chop block. VU is back to the Penn 36.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:13 PM
KM is stacked up and we have the 4th flag of the 2nd Half. 4 flags in like 9 plays. Holding on Nova.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:15 PM
3rd and 17 from the Penn 34 for VU.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:15 PM
Bad read by Robertson and poor throw makes it 4th down and Hamilton is on to punt. 10:41 left in the third.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:16 PM
Delay of game on VU to the Penn 39 as the penalty-fest continues. FC of the punt for Penn at the 9.

VUCats02
September 22nd, 2012, 04:17 PM
Penalties...

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:20 PM
Another play and another flag for holding against Penn. This is getting ridiculous. Penn is backed up to the five.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:21 PM
Penalties...

I don't care if there are infractions on every play, officials need to be judicious of when to throw them. They are ruining the second half.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:22 PM
High throw from Holland on third down and Penn will punt from its end zone. 9:25 left in the third.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:23 PM
FC by Livers at the VU 46.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:24 PM
Completion to Livers at the Penn 44.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:26 PM
QB sneak on 3rd and inches give Robertson a first down at the Penn 43.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:27 PM
Taylor Brown with the inside pressure on Robertson forces an incompletion. Underwood for a gain to the 37 on second down. 3rd and four.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:28 PM
Delay route to Underwood for a first down at the Penn 32. Nice catch, going up high for the grab.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:30 PM
Robertson missed a wide-open Pettway on a post for what would have been a TD on play-action on 1st down. KM for five on 2nd down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:32 PM
A hold by Josh Bucci on the next play opens a hole for Robertson to scramble up the middle for a touchdown. Now that is one that should have been called, because it had a direct influence on the play. Villanova 17, Penn 0, 5:43 left in the third period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:33 PM
Ironically, I am sitting by the officials observer in the 2nd Half. He has been writing furiously in the third period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:34 PM
Penn return to the Quaker 25.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:35 PM
Fumble is covered by Penn's LG Steve Szostak to avert further disaster on 1st down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:36 PM
Spencer Kulcsar goes to the VU 47 on a second-down draw play.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:37 PM
Quick pass to the 38 and a run for a first down at the VU 37 for Jack.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:38 PM
Kulcsar catches a pass to the 34 on first down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:38 PM
Delay of game on Penn. 2nd and 12.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:39 PM
Good protection on a blitz and a nice back-shoulder throw by Holland, but Scott is called out of bounds.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:40 PM
Scott on the hitch screen to the 34 again. 4th and 7 and Penn is going for it.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:40 PM
Time out Penn, the Quakers' first of the half. 1:32 left in the third period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:42 PM
Very poor throw by Holland on fourth down with an open receiver across the middle and the ball goes to VU at its own 34.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:44 PM
Time out VU with 15 seconds left in the third period after nearly getting a delay of game.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:46 PM
3 and out for VU and Hamilton punts. FC Penn at the Quaker 20 with 6 seconds left in the third period.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:47 PM
Jeff Jack runs to the 21 as the third period ends.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:47 PM
Raise a toast to Penn. It's time for the toast toss, one of the finest in Franklin Field traditions. One of the last times I was here for football, the Yale fans actually booed the Penn fans as they tossed toast. Maybe it was because the Bulldogs were losing ...

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:50 PM
Over 13,000 in the house for today's game. I'll never understand why Philadelphia fans are so CLUELESS about college football. Beautiful day to be out for a football game between great rivals.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:50 PM
Jeff Jack on a draw play for a 1st down at the Penn 31.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:51 PM
Nice cutback by Spencer Kulcsar to the VU 41.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:52 PM
Flea flicker is well covered by Nova and Holland has to throw it away.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:52 PM
Nice diving catch by Joe Holder at the VU 35. 3rd and 4.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:53 PM
Sack off the edge by Rakim Cox at the VU 42. Punt time for Penn with 11:46 left and the ball is downed at the VU 5.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:56 PM
KMon to the 9 on 1st down

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:56 PM
And KMon back to the 9 on 2nd down. 3rd and 6.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:57 PM
Nice call and nice blocking up front as Robertson takes a QB draw through the right side for a 1st down at the 19.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:59 PM
PF dead ball on Penn after the next play and VU has a first down at the Cat 44.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 04:59 PM
Third Quarter stats

VU 337 yards
Penn 188 yards

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:00 PM
KMon scampers to the Penn 29 for another 1st down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:00 PM
Underwood to the 14 of Penn for another 1st down. VU is starting to dominate up front against the smaller Quakers on this drive.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:01 PM
Monangai churns in for 14 off-tackle to the right for a TD that makes it 24-0 after the Hamilton PAT. 8:09 left.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:03 PM
The only question now is if Penn can score. This is Al Bagnoli's 200th career game at Penn and the Quakers have never been shut out in his years as the coach here.

VUCats02
September 22nd, 2012, 05:05 PM
And Nova has yet to give up a single point to an FCS team in the 2nd half so far this season...

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:06 PM
Great pass and catch under pressure at both ends for Penn for a 1st down to the Quaker 48.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:06 PM
Holder for a catch at the VU 38.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:07 PM
O'Malley catch to the VU 15.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:08 PM
Rakim Cox with a sack at the VU 18 on 1st down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:08 PM
Jack on the draw to the VU 15, 3rd and 10.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:10 PM
Schuster battles to near the first down on a 3rd down catch. 4th and 1 for Penn and Holland sneaks for a 1st down at the VU 4.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:10 PM
VU smells out the bootleg draw to Jack and stuffs him at the 5. 2nd down.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:12 PM
Holland runs a bootleg to the right, almost waits too long and then throws to Connor Scott, who pulls in the TD toss. Two-point pass on a deep pattern in the back of the end zone. Villanova 24, Penn 8. 3:14 left.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:13 PM
And here comes the onside kick

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:15 PM
Kevin Gulyus makes a smart fair catch at the VU 35 of a high-popped kick for the Cats. Well-prepared on that play. Good coaching there.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:16 PM
Chris Polony is on at QB for the final three minutes for Villanova.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:16 PM
Unless Nova fumbles, we won't get another wild finish in this game like we've seen so often in the past.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:17 PM
With 1:15 left, Penn calls its second time out as Villanova faces a 3rd and 2 from the Quaker 46. Ballgame right here.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:19 PM
Steve Jones clinches it with a four-yard burst.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:19 PM
Victory formation for Chris Polony and the Wildcats. Villanova 24, Penn 8. Final from Franklin Field.

Mr. C
September 22nd, 2012, 05:37 PM
Final Stats

Villanova 438 yards, 213 passing (Robertson 13-of-20, 1 TD)
225 rushing (Monangai 17-109, 1 TD)
Price 5-113 receiving

Penn 300 yards, 142 passing (Holland 11-of-17, 102, 1 TD, Ragone 4-of-7, 40 yards)
158 rushing (Jeff Jack 14-88)

HailSzczur
September 22nd, 2012, 06:43 PM
What a game. I wish I was there, but alas St. Thomas of Villanova service day called me away from football for the day. Great to see the Cat's offense become 2 dimensional and put up a great passing game. Robertson probably just won himself rookie of the week in the CAA again this week. And the defense was huge as they have been all season. 3-1 feels pretty good after the disaster that was last season. Real excited for a great matchup next weekend in Orno. If the Cats win up there, then we know they are for real.

Some interesting Nova facts and tidbits courtesy of a @NovaFootball and @Brian_Ewart

Penn's late score broke a 91 minute scoreless stretch by the Nova Defense.
For a young team it is very impressive to note that this is now 3 straight games without turning the ball over once.
Villanova has rushed for 200+ yds in each of the first 4 games.
Tonight was the first time since playing SFA in the 2010 playoffs that the Nova offense threw for 200+ yds. The same game was the last time Nova had a 100 yd receiver (Matt Szczur) prior to Joe Price's 113yds.

VUCats02
September 23rd, 2012, 12:30 AM
The turnover point is a big one. I have noticed that too. Robertson has had zero turnovers so far, which is remarkable for a red shirt freshman. He is a really smart player, and whenever he misses, he misses at a spot where the defense can't intercept it. I am highly impressed by the kid. The announcers on the TV feed compared him to Szczur about 3 or 4 times today. This year he will most likely struggle as Nova gets into the heart of their schedule, but I think the next couple of years look incredibly bright for Nova.

Tubby Raymond
September 23rd, 2012, 05:25 AM
The 27 people who cared about this game were all in that decrepid ball yard

Ivytalk
September 23rd, 2012, 06:26 AM
Always good to see Penn take it in the nuts.:D

Pards Rule
September 23rd, 2012, 06:56 AM
And how!! Especially "big" Al!!

Mr. C
September 23rd, 2012, 07:35 AM
The 27 people who cared about this game were all in that decrepid ball yard

Amazing how some Delaware fans are such party-poopers. Some one who watches games at the Tub, calling Franklin Field decrepit (note the spelling of the word)?

Have you ever been to a Villanova-Penn game? If not, you are clueless about one of the great rivalries of FCS. I guarantee you that this was a more fun game than that great Delaware-Bucknell rivalry from the previous week, or that Delaware-West Chester game.

caribbeanhen
September 23rd, 2012, 11:05 AM
Amazing how some Delaware fans are such party-poopers. Some one who watches games at the Tub, calling Franklin Field decrepit (note the spelling of the word)?

Have you ever been to a Villanova-Penn game? If not, you are clueless about one of the great rivalries of FCS. I guarantee you that this was a more fun game than that great Delaware-Bucknell rivalry from the previous week, or that Delaware-West Chester game.


what was the attendance?

Ivytalk
September 23rd, 2012, 11:07 AM
what was the attendance?

Just under 14K

caribbeanhen
September 23rd, 2012, 11:35 AM
Just under 14K

more than I would have thought, the Hens are only about 4K over that

HailSzczur
September 23rd, 2012, 09:40 PM
Highlights from yesterday's game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4-CJh2TIDx4

Mr. C
September 26th, 2012, 02:55 AM
Here is the link to the column on Saturday's Villanova-Penn game. Hope you enjoy reading:

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/ncaa-division-i-sports/fcs-football/357-villanova-penn-play-familiar-roles-as-a-philly-rivalry-plays-out-to-another-cat-win

GannonFan
September 26th, 2012, 09:07 AM
Amazing how some Delaware fans are such party-poopers. Some one who watches games at the Tub, calling Franklin Field decrepit (note the spelling of the word)?

Have you ever been to a Villanova-Penn game? If not, you are clueless about one of the great rivalries of FCS. I guarantee you that this was a more fun game than that great Delaware-Bucknell rivalry from the previous week, or that Delaware-West Chester game.

Amazing how some Appy St homers get all riled up whenever UD fans talk about nova games. Talk about a party-pooper. And yes, I've been to Franklin Field and to nova and Penn games. And no, I would not consider nova/Penn to be one of the great rivalries in FCS football, unless you're making a real long list of great rivalries.

HailSzczur
September 26th, 2012, 09:34 AM
Amazing how some Appy St homers get all riled up whenever UD fans talk about nova games. Talk about a party-pooper. And yes, I've been to Franklin Field and to nova and Penn games. And no, I would not consider nova/Penn to be one of the great rivalries in FCS football, unless you're making a real long list of great rivalries.

Very forced one. It works for basketball because of the collection of rivalries that is the Big 5 and all the history there. But football, no way. I mean they're 12 miles away and we'eve played them less than 20 times? Plus I don't know of too many rivalries that thrive being played almost exclusively on 1 teams campus.

A better way to phrase it would be crosstown rivalry maybe? Just to imply that any sense of a rivalry is because they are the 2 FCS teams in the this corner of the state.

Go Green
September 26th, 2012, 10:37 AM
Very forced one. It works for basketball because of the collection of rivalries that is the Big 5 and all the history there. But football, no way. I mean they're 12 miles away and we'eve played them less than 20 times? Plus I don't know of too many rivalries that thrive being played almost exclusively on 1 teams campus.

A better way to phrase it would be crosstown rivalry maybe? Just to imply that any sense of a rivalry is because they are the 2 FCS teams in the this corner of the state.

There's also the fact that Penn hasn't beaten Villanova since 1911. While Penn has put up a good fight and come close when they've been strong, it's only a matter of time before Penn has rough years and multiple-touchdown Nova victories become the norm in the series. That's pretty much what happened with Dartmouth-UNH and Yale-UConn. We will see if Penn still has the stomach to continue the series after that, or cry "uncle" like Dartmouth and Yale did.

bluehenbillk
September 26th, 2012, 11:21 AM
Very forced one. It works for basketball because of the collection of rivalries that is the Big 5 and all the history there. But football, no way. I mean they're 12 miles away and we'eve played them less than 20 times? Plus I don't know of too many rivalries that thrive being played almost exclusively on 1 teams campus.

A better way to phrase it would be crosstown rivalry maybe? Just to imply that any sense of a rivalry is because they are the 2 FCS teams in the this corner of the state.

That's a fair assessment. I've been in or around Philly for about 95% of my life & I work a stone's throw away from St. Joe's and about 10-15 minutes max from VU. The VU-TU game has got some play around here & some local interest. Penn football, even when they were winning they Ivy a few years ago is invisible. Philly is MUCH more a college hoops town than a college FB town, always has been.

HailSzczur
September 26th, 2012, 11:35 AM
There's also the fact that Penn hasn't beaten Villanova since 1911. While Penn has put up a good fight and come close when they've been strong, it's only a matter of time before Penn has rough years and multiple-touchdown Nova victories become the norm in the series. That's pretty much what happened with Dartmouth-UNH and Yale-UConn. We will see if Penn still has the stomach to continue the series after that, or cry "uncle" like Dartmouth and Yale did.

That may just be the most leading fact in all of Villanova football. Sure we have now won 12 in a row against them (that's the part thats impressive, not the 100 yr part), but those 12 times have been the only times we've played them in that 100 year span.

HailSzczur
September 26th, 2012, 11:39 AM
That's a fair assessment. I've been in or around Philly for about 95% of my life & I work a stone's throw away from St. Joe's and about 10-15 minutes max from VU. The VU-TU game has got some play around here & some local interest. Penn football, even when they were winning they Ivy a few years ago is invisible. Philly is MUCH more a college hoops town than a college FB town, always has been.

Temple can't even fill the bottom bowl of the Linc on a weekly basis. It's a common thing through out much of the Mid Atlantic and New England area. Football just doesn't draw that big of crowds.
But like you say, basketball on the other hand....We have over a 20 year wait on season tickets. SJU just expanded their gym. Every year Drexel whines because they aren't in the Big 5. Basketball more than dominates the college sports scene

Lehigh Football Nation
September 26th, 2012, 12:55 PM
I remember that OT game where I thought Penn was going to take you guys out... then the interception.

bulldog10jw
September 26th, 2012, 01:07 PM
There's also the fact that Penn hasn't beaten Villanova since 1911. While Penn has put up a good fight and come close when they've been strong, it's only a matter of time before Penn has rough years and multiple-touchdown Nova victories become the norm in the series. That's pretty much what happened with Dartmouth-UNH and Yale-UConn. We will see if Penn still has the stomach to continue the series after that, or cry "uncle" like Dartmouth and Yale did.

Actually, UConn dropped Yale because of the bowl eligibility factor. I'm not saying Yale was not glad the series ended, the beatings were only going to get worse, but UConn made the first move.

Go Green
September 26th, 2012, 01:27 PM
Actually, UConn dropped Yale because of the bowl eligibility factor.

But didn't UConn replace Yale with other I-AA opponents for a couple of years? If bowl eligibility was the reason for ending the series, replacing Yale with Colgate, Maine, and Northeastern didn't seem to make any sense for UConn.

Yes, I understand that the current rules allow FBS teams to count (one) win against a scholarship FCS team. But I don't think that was the case in the late 1990s.

HailSzczur
September 26th, 2012, 01:28 PM
I remember that OT game where I thought Penn was going to take you guys out... then the interception.

You and me both.

That game was HUGE for the history of Villanova football though, It turned the tide of not only that season, but the next 2 years as well. After that game Whitney took over and we never looked back, going 31-8 in the rest of his starts.

bulldog10jw
September 26th, 2012, 01:38 PM
But didn't UConn replaced Yale with other I-AA opponents for a couple of years? If bowl eligibility was the reason for ending the series, replacing Yale with Colgate, Maine, and Northeastern didn't seem to make any sense for UConn.

Yes, I understand that the current rules allow FBS teams to count (one) win against a scholarship FCS team. But I don't think that was the case in the late 1990s.

I have no idea who replaced Yale on UConn's schedule. I do know Yale was not sad to see the series end.