Villanova @ Maine

[Gangtackle11]

When: Saturday, November 5th @ 12 noon
Expected weather: Cloudy no precipitation expected. High 47 Low 33

Tale of the tape:

Villanova (6-2; 4-1)
Head Coach: Andy Talley 37th season 255-153-2 ; 32nd season @ Villanova 227-135-1

Maine (5-3; 4-1)
Head Coach: Joe Harasymiak 1st season 5-3

Series is tied 9-9
Last Meeting: Villanova won 13-3 (2015)

- - - Updated - - -

A big game for both CAA combatants.

[caribbeanhen]

as there are no Maine or Nova fans around may I offer my 2 cents.....?

[dunbar]

When Andy Talley started coaching at Villanova back in 1985, Joe Harasymiak wasn't even born yet.

Big game for both sides. I think Maine can still get in by winning two out the last three, putting them at 7-4 (6-2 CAA), two FBS losses, and winning seven of the last eight. The Bears also have won the last five games by seven points or fewer, and with the exception Toledo, the other two losses were competitive deep into the fourth quarter. Maine will need to put forth a 60-minute effort similar to the first half yesterday at William and Mary.

[Gangtackle11]

as there are no Maine or Nova fans around may I offer my 2 cents.....?

Yet we have a good team to watch for the fans we have....how about you? xpeacex

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

This is going to be a really good game. Maine has been woefully overlooked all year.

[caribbeanhen]

Yet we have a good team to watch for the fans we have....how about you? xpeacex

Well darn it you should have more fans.... I agree

Maine didn't look that special against Delaware, that game slipped away from Delaware late as we were driving for the winning TD and fumbled ... Maine player scooped it up and rumbled all the way to the EZ and just like that it was over

having said that, Nova usually throws a few head shakers every year and the game is in Maine so it's a toss up

[Gangtackle11]

Well darn it you should have more fans.... I agree

Maine didn't look that special against Delaware, that game slipped away from Delaware late as we were driving for the winning TD and fumbled ... Maine player scooped it up and rumbled all the way to the EZ and just like that it was over

having said that, Nova usually throws a few head shakers every year and the game is in Maine so it's a toss up

I agree with the head shakers. I watched Maine against Albany & tbh wasn't impressed by either team that day. That proved to ring true for Villanova with Albany as the game was handily won by the Cats until our OC decided to point shave at the end.

Villanova is resting up on their bye week & I bet that Maine has their attention at 5-3. I'm not sure the Black Bears have seen a defense like Villanova since their FBS games. Villanova can limit the turnovers I like them to win here & by more than most would think. I like'em by 14+, but I'm a homer. xpeacex

[caribbeanhen]

I agree with the head shakers. I watched Maine against Albany & tbh wasn't impressed by either team that day. That proved to ring true for Villanova with Albany as the game was handily won by the Cats until our OC decided to point shave at the end.

Villanova is resting up on their bye week & I bet that Maine has their attention at 5-3. I'm not sure the Black Bears have seen a defense like Villanova since their FBS games. Villanova can limit the turnovers I like them to win here & by more than most would think. I like'em by 14+, but I'm a homer. xpeacex

my first thought is Nova wins, but weird thoughts start creepin in..... those Steven King Novels..Maine...... the woods....Orono can be creepy like.... 14 might be a stretch but you did say you were a homer

[Gangtackle11]

my first thought is Nova wins, but weird thoughts start creepin in..... those Steven King Novels..Maine...... the woods....Orono can be creepy like.... 14 might be a stretch but you did say you were a homer

I hear ya. A wild moose stampede forces the team bus off the road or zombies in LL Bean attire....scary stuff for sure.

[mainejeff]

Just don't pick up Kathy Bates if you see her hitchhiking!xpeacex

Maine plays a bit more focused on the road for some reason.......but I still like them to win this one 28-17.

[Gangtackle11]

Just don't pick up Kathy Bates if you see her hitchhiking!xpeacex

Maine plays a bit more focused on the road for some reason.......but I still like them to win this one 28-17.

You score 28 points on the 3rd best defense statistically in the entire FCS then we will certainly lose.

[KPSUL]

When Andy Talley started coaching at Villanova back in 1985, Joe Harasymiak wasn't even born yet.

Big game for both sides. I think Maine can still get in by winning two out the last three, putting them at 7-4 (6-2 CAA), two FBS losses, and winning seven of the last eight. The Bears also have won the last five games by seven points or fewer, and with the exception Toledo, the other two losses were competitive deep into the fourth quarter. Maine will need to put forth a 60-minute effort similar to the first half yesterday at William and Mary.
The UNH game might be a must win for Maine. I don't think both teams teams would be selected 7-4, the obvious choice would be the head to head winner on the last day of the regular season. I see that game shaping up to be a battle for the last CAA playoff bid.

[KPSUL]

I hear ya. A wild moose stampede forces the team bus off the road or zombies in LL Bean attire....scary stuff for sure.
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23784&stc=1

Don't forget to visit the girls on the street in Bangor after the game!

[Gangtackle11]

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23784&stc=1

Don't forget to visit the girls on the street in Bangor after the game!

Heck I only thought they put lipstick on pigs in the MVFC states!

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23784&stc=1

Don't forget to visit the girls on the street in Bangor after the game! I know I have seen those girls on Main street Portsmouth!!!

[Gangtackle11]

Line is out:

Villanova - 6 1/2 (34 1/2)

[Ivytalk]

Line is out:

Villanova - 6 1/2 (34 1/2)
So that says about 20-14 Nova. I think Maine wins by the same score.

[CHIP72]

FWIW, the game will be televised by Fox College Sports Atlantic (Verizon FiOS Channel 300).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WrenFGun]

Line is out:

Villanova - 6 1/2 (34 1/2)

Give me Maine and the points here. I like Nova to win but I think it will be within a FG.

[KPSUL]

I know I have seen those girls on Main street Portsmouth!!!

Can't be, too much snow. Maybe Port land?

[Gangtackle11]

Give me Maine and the points here. I like Nova to win but I think it will be within a FG.

Villanova has 2 this season.

[ngineer]

Good they're kicking off at noon. It gets dark early up there. A number of years ago, Lehigh played up there and the scoreboard lights were starting to provide a glow over 1/3 of the field. This should be a great game. Maine gets overlooked, I think, because of it's locale and perception that no one lives up there, and 'who'd want to travel up there and suffer the winters', despite their history of playing FBS schools tough and, yet, they then turn around and do it in the woods. Will not be surprised to see the Black Bears win "or, no", I will give slight edge to 'nova for a bit more talent in the skill area and their monster DE. Wildcats 23-20.

[Lehigh'98]

I'll take the over here. Bryant put up 31 on Maine, URI put up 21. Game will be 24-23 Nova I predict.

[Gangtackle11]

I'll take the over here. Bryant put up 31 on Maine, URI put up 21. Game will be 24-23 Nova I predict.

Don't see Maine putting up 23 on the #1 CAA & #3 defense in all of the FCS. A close game may be more likely than an over.

[dunbar]

Good they're kicking off at noon. It gets dark early up there. A number of years ago, Lehigh played up there and the scoreboard lights were starting to provide a glow over 1/3 of the field. This should be a great game. Maine gets overlooked, I think, because of it's locale and perception that no one lives up there, and 'who'd want to travel up there and suffer the winters', despite their history of playing FBS schools tough and, yet, they then turn around and do it in the woods. Will not be surprised to see the Black Bears win "or, no", I will give slight edge to 'nova for a bit more talent in the skill area and their monster DE. Wildcats 23-20.


Hey, at least we've had lights for the past two decades. Can't say the same thing about our neighbors down in Durham.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

[QUOTE=dunbar;2404260]Hey, at least we've had lights for the past two decades. Can't say the same thing about our neighbors down in Durham.[/QUOTE

Not sure I understand the reference

[KPSUL]

Hey, at least we've had lights for the past two decades. Can't say the same thing about our neighbors down in Durham.

Could you post that again in larger font, the lighting is pretty poor here.

[Lehigh'98]

Don't see Maine putting up 23 on the #1 CAA & #3 defense in all of the FCS. A close game may be more likely than an over.

Fair enough, but I'll say a defensive or ST score gets thrown in.

[mainejeff]

Good they're kicking off at noon. It gets dark early up there. A number of years ago, Lehigh played up there and the scoreboard lights were starting to provide a glow over 1/3 of the field. This should be a great game. Maine gets overlooked, I think, because of it's locale and perception that no one lives up there, and 'who'd want to travel up there and suffer the winters', despite their history of playing FBS schools tough and, yet, they then turn around and do it in the woods. Will not be surprised to see the Black Bears win "or, no", I will give slight edge to 'nova for a bit more talent in the skill area and their monster DE. Wildcats 23-20.

Must have been quite a "number of years ago".......more like decades ago! Maybe 1960s or 1970s? It gets dark between 5:30 and 6:00 right now.......what time does it get dark in Bethlehem, PA???

[van]

never dark in Bethlehem, we have the Christmas star!!

[mainejeff]

And the old steel mill that's been turned into a casino.

[Gangtackle11]

Fair enough, but I'll say a defensive or ST score gets thrown in.

I watched Maine vs. W&M replay last night & had watched them against Albany too. They have some talent in the passing game that Villanova must contain. Nova is #1 ranked in CAA defensively, but 8th against the pass. Collins & friends ranked 2nd in CAA passing offense may find some success there if Villanova can't apply pressure.

Interestingly, Maine ranks 11th and only ahead of hapless Rhode Island defensively. Villanova will look to exploit the Black Bears on the ground with the CAA's 3rd best rushing game vs. Maine's 10th rated run defense. The Wildcats would like to exploit the conference's worst pass defense, but it's not the strong suit of Villanova as they are 8th in the league with 147 ypg.

Another positive for Villanova is they are coming off a bye week which allowed 4 starters time to heal up including 2 defensive backs. Coach Talley said without the bye they wouldn't have been able to play vs. Maine.

I see the 2 keys of this game being will Maine keep future NFL DE Tanoh Kpassagnon & company off Collins long enough to make big plays to their talented receivers & can Villanova solid run game play keep away against a statiscally inferior Black Bear defense?

They say defense wins championships & judging from the numbers I'd say Villanova is the pick.

I also believe if I was a betting man I'd have to like that no one has picked Villanova to cover the points except me now.

I'm hoping for a nice crisp Saturday afternoon in Orono with lots of wind to hinder the Maine passing game. I think this game goes to Villanova 21-10. (Originally posted 21-7 in my CAA picks, but I'll give Maine an extra 3)

[mainejeff]

Interestingly, Maine ranks 11th and only ahead of hapless Rhode Island defensively. Villanova will look to exploit the Black Bears on the ground with the CAA's 3rd best rushing game vs. Maine's 10th rated run defense. The Wildcats would like to exploit the conference's worst pass defense, but it's not the strong suit of Villanova as they are 8th in the league with 147 ypg.



The thing to note about Maine's D is that while they are not doing well statistically........they are a very active D and have been a bend but not break in key situations. They have been hurt by big plays for big yardage in every game.....both run and pass plays. I would say their weakness is tackling in the open field and poor coverage at times. So while they could give up a big play.......don't expect to march up and down the field.

I think that this comes down to Maine's offense........if Maine scores less than 20 they probably lose....more than 20 then they have a good shot at winning.

[Gangtackle11]

The thing to note about Maine's D is that while they are not doing well statistically........they are a very active D and have been a bend but not break in key situations. They have been hurt by big plays for big yardage in every game.....both run and pass plays. I would say their weakness is tackling in the open field and poor coverage at times. So while they could give up a big play.......don't expect to march up and down the field.

I think that this comes down to Maine's offense........if Maine scores less than 20 they probably lose....more than 20 then they have a good shot at winning.

Should be a battle. Villanova is not a big play team. They have a huge OL and 3 talented backs that rotate along with a run 1st QB. They usually don't score on big plays, but can get into the secondary a lot with that OL & backs. You will win if Nova has to rely on the passing game to score. It's not our strength offensively.

The defense is quick & not overly big. They play a 3-3-5 that remarkably has shut down most run games including Pitt in the season opener. Our LBs are as good a unit as there is in the CAA. They are quick to the ball.

Even though they have talent in the secondary they have had trouble mostly in the middle of the field as our safeties are young with the exception of Rob Rolle who is having a all-conference type season.

Can't wait.

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

Nice overview guys agree with most of what was said. I never would have thought our pass D was last in the league though as I thing both Najee Good #1 and Patterson #26 are very good DB's. We also have a NFL potential player in DE #5 Ricard, he is constanly dbl teamed and drew the attention of 7 NFL scouts last w/e at W&M.

The one major improvement for us this year is special teams where Micha Wright #10 is tops in the league kick returns, had a 65yd punt return for a TD. Our kicking game is suspect and have no idea if we could make one as I can't recall us trying one during the winning streak. Sounds like you guys might be in a similar situation on the kicking game?

[Gangtackle11]

The one major improvement for us this year is special teams where Micha Wright #10 is tops in the league kick returns, had a 65yd punt return for a TD. Our kicking game is suspect and have no idea if we could make one as I can't recall us trying one during the winning streak. Sounds like you guys might be in a similar situation on the kicking game?

Our kicker has become consistent (albeit close range attempts) over the past few games. We now make our extra points and he has made 2 Fgs in as many attempts in the past few games. Coach Talley is going to let his offense go for it in a lot of obvious FG situations and that isn't changing on Saturday. The kicking game has cost Villanova a few wins dating back to 2014 opener when a 25 yard FG at the end of regulation vs. Syracuse.

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

Our kicker has become consistent (albeit close range attempts) over the past few games. We now make our extra points and he has made 2 Fgs in as many attempts in the past few games. Coach Talley is going to let his offense go for it in a lot of obvious FG situations and that isn't changing on Saturday. The kicking game has cost Villanova a few wins dating back to 2014 opener when a 25 yard FG at the end of regulation vs. Syracuse.

Welcome to FCS where the kicking game is totally unpredictable.
Weather sounds ideal for Maine's passing attack 46F, partly sunny,5-7 westerly wind.
As far as the crowd size goes, heard an interview with the AD indicating he wanted 12K which would be a record breaker. I havn't heard any advertising for the game and knowing this is deer season I'll throw out a 9K estimate.xdrunkyx

Here are the stats for both teams and a game overview. Definitely your defense vs our passing and your running. A win for us evens the series at 10 eachxthumbsupx





http://umaine.sidearmsports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2016/11/2/Team_Running_US_Cell.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_nl

Gameday Central: Football Hosts Villanova, Looking for Sixth Consecutive Win (http://umaine.sidearmsports.com/news/2016/11/2/gameday-central-football-hosts-villanova-looking-for-sixth-consecutive-win.aspx?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)
11/2/2016 | Football
Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine football team, going for its sixth consecutive victory, returns home to take on No. 10/12 Villanova on Saturday, Nov. 5 at noon. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting GoBlackBears.com or at the UMaine box office in person or by phone at 207.581.BEAR.

FULL GAME PREVIEW (http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/umaine.sidearmsports.com/documents/2016/11/2/Villanova_Game_Notes.pdf?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)

GAME STORYLINES:


Maine (5-3, 4-1 CAA) goes for its sixth-straight win when it hosts Villanova (6-2, 4-1) at Alfond Stadium. A win for Maine would snap a two-game losing skid against the Wildcats.
The Black Bears have won five in a row for the first time since 2013 but it has not been easy. For the first time in Maine's 125 year football history, the Black Bears have won five-straight games with each decision being decided by seven or fewer. In Maine's last two games, it has forced eight turnovers including six interceptions.
Maine is coming off a 35-28 road victory at William & Mary. For the second-straight week, a last second defensive turnover sealed the win for Maine. Micah Wright (http://umaine.sidearmsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1000&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win) was named CAA Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 67-yards for a score; the first punt return TD for the Black Bears since 2011. Wright also had a receiving touchdown and was one of eight receivers catching a pass for the spread out Maine offense.
Villanova, coming off a bye, defeated UAlbany 24-13 in its last outing back on Oct. 22. The Wildcats, who are 2-2 on the road this season, are coached by Andy Talley who is in his 32nd season at Villanova.
A key matchup on Saturday will be Maine's second-ranked CAA pass offense (222.8 ypg) against Villanova's third ranked pass defense (163.8 ypg). Maine, which is averaging 191.3 ypg on the ground over its last three games, meets Villanova's CAA leading rush defense (96.0).

GAME COVERAGE:


BUY TICKETS (http://goblackbears.com/sports/2016/5/20/tickets-football.aspx?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)



WATCH (http://goblackbears.com/watch/?Live=22&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)



LISTEN (http://goblackbears.com/watch/?Live=1079&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)



LIVE STATS (http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=134732&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)



TWITTER (http://www.twitter.com/blackbearsfb?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)




TICKETS:
There's no better way to follow your Black Bears than being at Alfond Stadium LIVE on game day! Tickets are still available HERE (http://bit.ly/2cDcUTd?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win) or by calling 207.581.BEAR!


WATCH: If you can't make it to Alfond Stadium - there's a variety of ways to watch your Black Bears! Saturday's game will be live locally on WVII-ABC 7 in Bangor and WPME in Portland and nationally on Fox College Sports.
WEB STREAM: Saturday's game will also be streamed live through GoBlackBears.com (http://goblackbears.com/watch/?Live=11&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)
LISTEN (Radio): Rich Kimball and Bob Lucy return to the booth for their 20th season calling UMaine football. Fans can listen to Rich and Bob's call on the following Black Bears Sports Networks:

103.9 WVOM-FM Bangor
101.3 WVQM-FM August
1310 WLOB-AM Portland
1450 WVOM-AM Rockland
Listen to the online audio stream at GoBlackBears.com by clicking here (http://goblackbears.com/watch/?Live=8&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win).


TWITTER: Fans can stay up-to-date with Maine football on Twitter! Follow @BlackBearsFB (http://www.twitter.com/BlackBearsFB?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win) for live updates, photos, video and behind the scenes looks!

TAILGATING:
Come join fellow members of Black Bear Nation for the experience of a UMaine football tailgate! There's several, exciting changes to this year's game day experience and tailgating is one! Lots open three hours prior to kickoff and will remain open until the start of the second half. All tailgating is now FREE! All season members will have the right to the EXCLUSIVE Leadbetter's Lot B tailgate. Those who purchase a season membership will receive a special tailgate parking pass to gain entrance to the lot.


http://goblackbears.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=15&image_path=/images/2016/9/14/TailgateInsert16.jpg

For all your tailgate questions - please visit our tailgate headquarters HERE (http://goblackbears.com/sports/2016/8/31/tailgating-information.aspx?elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win)!


TALE OF THE TAPE:




Team Statistics (Rank)




MAINE (CAA Rank)


CATEGORY


VILLANOVA (CAA Rank)




23.8 (6)


Points


25.6 (5)




368.2 (4)


Total Offense


372.1 (3)




145.5 (9)


Rushing Yards


225.1 (3)




222.8 (2)


Passing Yards


147.0 (8)




9/14


Rush TDs/Pass TDs


17/8




28:30 (10)


Offensive Time of Possession


32:35 (2)




27.1 (10)


Points Allowed


15.9 (1)




411.0 (11)


Total Defense


259.8 (1)




181.1 (9)


Rush Yards Allowed


96.0 (1)




229.9 (12)


Pass Yards Allowed


163.8 (3)




15/12


Rush/Pass TDs Allowed


8/7




31:30


Defensive Time of Possession


27:25




+5 (5)


Turnover Margin


+4 (6)



SERIES HISTORY:
Maine and Villanova are meeting for the 20th time in history ... The Wildcats hold a 10-9 advantage in the all-time series and have won two-straight meetings ... Villanova defeated Maine 13-3 last season ... The Wildcats have won three-straight in Orono ... Maine won the first two meetings in history, including a 20-17 victory in the first-ever meeting back in 1988 ... Maine is 5-4 all-time at home against Villanova, with its last home victory in the series coming in 2006 ... Maine's last win against Villanova came in 2013, a 37-35 thrilling road victory over, then, No. 18 Villanova.

A WIN FOR MAINE...:
...Be Maine's sixth-win in a row, longest streak since 2013 (7-straight).
...Be Maine's 10th against Villanova, evening the all-time series.
...Be Maine's fifth-straight overall, longest streak since 2013 (7-straight).
...Be Maine's fifth-straight CAA win.
...Be the first time Maine has defeated 2+ ranked opponents in a single season since 2013.
...Be Maine's highest ranked opponent it has defeated since a win over #8 Richmond in 2014.
...Give Coach Harasymiak 6 wins in his first year, the most by a Maine head coach in their first year since Tom Lichtenberg (9-1989).

LAST 10 MEETINGS IN THE SERIES:
Year Winner Place Score
2015 Villanova Villanova, PA 13-3
2014 Villanova Orono, ME 41-20
2013 Maine Villanova, PA 37-35
2012 Villanova Orono, ME 35-14
2011 Maine Villanova, PA 41-25
2010 Villanova Orono, ME 48-18
2007 Villanova Villanova, PA 24-17 (OT)
2006 Maine Orono, ME 20-7
2003 Maine Orono, ME 14-10
2002 Maine Villanova, PA 21-14

HEAD COACHES:
Maine: Joe Harasymiak (http://umaine.sidearmsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=5&elinkdata=535291&utm_medium=sidearm-email&utm_source=goblackbears.com&utm_campaign=Gameday+Central%3a+Football+Hosts+Vil lanova%2c+Looking+for+Sixth+Consecutive+Win) (Springfield Col. '08)
Career Record (Seasons): 5-3 (First season)
vs. Villanova: 0-0
Villanova: Andy Talley (Southern Conn. '67)
Career Record (Seasons): 255-153-2 (37)
vs. Maine: 10-9

-UMaine-

[Gangtackle11]

Villanova Game Notes:
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nova/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2016-17/release/release_20161103aaa.pdf

[Gangtackle11]

http://www.villanova.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110316aaa.html

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

Nice comments from Coach Talley toward Maine and how the Maine team visited and took care of Nova player who had broken his leg while playing Maine and had to spend two weeks in the hospital;)

[ngineer]

Must have been quite a "number of years ago".......more like decades ago! Maybe 1960s or 1970s? It gets dark between 5:30 and 6:00 right now.......what time does it get dark in Bethlehem, PA???

Daylight savings time kicked in earlier years ago. Things up Orono way get dark a 30 min to hour before us 'southeners'. The game was a good number of years ago..late 70's or early 80's perhaps.

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

Any Nova fans making the trip, dress warm today was 42 F with a 20mph wind? Hopefully calmer tomorrow. tailgating at UMaine is right adjacent to stadium, makes it awful convenient.xdrunkyx

[Gangtackle11]

Any Nova fans making the trip, dress warm today was 42 F with a 20mph wind? Hopefully calmer tomorrow. tailgating at UMaine is right adjacent to stadium, makes it awful convenient.xdrunkyx

Thanks for the update, but only football parents & Andy's lifelong buddy travel to Orono in November. Heck we don't travel to Villanova most Saturdays in the fall.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

This is a really interesting game! Any 'Nova fans making the trip up to Orono?

I'd love to see Lehigh to a h & h with Maine. It's a great state to spend a weekend. Especially in September! Some really good golf courses too!

[CenMEBlackBearFan]

This is a really interesting game! Any 'Nova fans making the trip up to Orono?

I'd love to see Lehigh to a h & h with Maine. It's a great state to spend a weekend. Especially in September! Some really good golf courses too!

I agree, we have a trip to Yale in 18 and Lehigh in 19 would be greatxthumbsupx

[caribbeanhen]

I watched Maine vs. W&M replay last night & had watched them against Albany too. They have some talent in the passing game that Villanova must contain. Nova is #1 ranked in CAA defensively, but 8th against the pass. Collins & friends ranked 2nd in CAA passing offense may find some success there if Villanova can't apply pressure.

Interestingly, Maine ranks 11th and only ahead of hapless Rhode Island defensively. Villanova will look to exploit the Black Bears on the ground with the CAA's 3rd best rushing game vs. Maine's 10th rated run defense. The Wildcats would like to exploit the conference's worst pass defense, but it's not the strong suit of Villanova as they are 8th in the league with 147 ypg.

Another positive for Villanova is they are coming off a bye week which allowed 4 starters time to heal up including 2 defensive backs. Coach Talley said without the bye they wouldn't have been able to play vs. Maine.

I see the 2 keys of this game being will Maine keep future NFL DE Tanoh Kpassagnon & company off Collins long enough to make big plays to their talented receivers & can Villanova solid run game play keep away against a statiscally inferior Black Bear defense?

They say defense wins championships & judging from the numbers I'd say Villanova is the pick.

I also believe if I was a betting man I'd have to like that no one has picked Villanova to cover the points except me now.

I'm hoping for a nice crisp Saturday afternoon in Orono with lots of wind to hinder the Maine passing game. I think this game goes to Villanova 21-10. (Originally posted 21-7 in my CAA picks, but I'll give Maine an extra 3)

despite all of that, the game is still being played in Maine....... think Randall Flag

[ccd494]

Villanova opened the game with a 3 and out.

Maine took over near midfield, hit two 20+ yard passes, but then threw an interception at the goal line.

Villanova hit a 30 yarder near midfield, now have 2nd and long. They just called timeout.

[ccd494]

Villanova stopped on 3rd and long, forced to call another timeout because their long snapper wasn't on the field for the punt.

[ccd494]

Maine moves the ball on their second possession, starting at their own 9, getting to the Villanova 20, but after a holding penalty get very conservative from the 30, punt from the 34 on 4th and 14, touchback. Villanova to start at the 20.

[Schism55]

Get em Maine!!

[ccd494]

Maine holds on 4th and 2 at the Maine 29.

Both teams are moving the ball, but not getting in the end zone. 0-0 after 1Q.

[ccd494]

Maine punts from near midfield. Villanova will start from their own 14.

[ccd494]

Villanova hits a 50ish yard pass, but the drive stalls at the Maine 25. Villanova's 42 yard field goal is good.

Villanova 3
Maine 0

10:04 to go in the 2nd quarter.

[Nova09]

Maine going all out to stop the run...doing well...daring Bednarczyk to put it in the air...and he is...and connecting...for big gains...and then our coaches decide to run into line 3 times

[caribbeanhen]

Maine going all out to stop the run...doing well...daring Bednarczyk to put it in the air...and he is...and connecting...for big gains...and then our coaches decide to run into line 3 times

from a Delaware fan, your offense looks great ;)

[ccd494]

Maine will start on their own 23.

[HailSzczur]

I think thos 2 timeouts in the first 7:23 were a record for Andy Talley

[Nova09]

Why do we still let him field punts?

[ccd494]

Maine punts from Villanova territory- again- but it results in a muff. Maine ball at the Nova 22.

[Nova09]

Inches from 87 (I think) touching that ball while out of bounds and making it dead ball

[ccd494]

Maine has to settle for a field goal attempt from 29. And misses. There is no scenario where Maine should ever kick a field goal.

[HailSzczur]

SOMEONE IS WORSE AT KICKING THAN WE ARE!!!!!

[ccd494]

I really think that losing a leg would not inhibit Patrick Leonard's performance as a football player. Maine is better off taking a knee on 4th downs in enemy territory.

[HailSzczur]

I really think that losing a leg would not inhibit Patrick Leonard's performance as a football player. Maine is better off taking a knee on 4th downs in enemy territory.
Would have saved you 12 yards....

[ccd494]

Villanova with a drop on 3rd and 3. Maine starting at the Villanova 28. 2:14 left in the half.

[ccd494]

Maine looks deep and throws an interception. Villanova with the ball at their own 31.

[ccd494]

Touchdown Villanova with 11 seconds left in the half. Maine could not have coached their way to a 10 point half time deficit any more effectively.

[HailSzczur]

Beautifully executed last minute drive by Zach B and the Cats

[PantherRob82]

Not shaping up to be the game we expected.

[Nova09]

Should have gone for 2. Maine is not trying a fg again this game anyway, better to be a fg away from 14 from our perspective

[CHIP72]

That was a big TD by Villanova right before halftime.

[ccd494]

Maine returns the opening kickoff of the second half 96 yards for a touchdown. Earnest Edwards reversed field completely, looked wrapped up, still took it for 6. Great individual effort.

Maine gets 15 for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play.

Somehow PAT is good. Villanova 10 Maine 7, 14:41 left in 3Q.

[CHIP72]

That was one hell of a kickoff return by Maine to start the 2nd half.

Now 10-7 Villanova.

[ccd494]

Villanova will start at the 48 thanks to the 15 yard celebration penalty.

[ccd494]

Villanova stalls at the Maine 26. 43 yard field goal is good.

Villanova 13
Maine 7

11:22 FG

[CHIP72]

I gotta say - as a Villanova fan, I think Maine puts together a solid broadcast. The announcers, particularly the PBP guy, are calling things pretty fair with only a little Maine bias.

[ccd494]

Maine returns the kickoff on a reverse to the 39.

[HailSzczur]

Gerard Smith hit a career best 42 yarder in the first half. Breaks it with a 43 yarder. Sports are weird

- - - Updated - - -


I gotta say - as a Villanova fan, I think Maine puts together a solid broadcast. The announcers, particularly the PBP guy, are calling things pretty fair with only a little Maine bias.
I turned it on midway through the 1st. I'll be honest, I didn't realize this was a Maine broadcast until the commercials came

[HailSzczur]

Listening to this whenver Maine gets in the red zone

https://youtu.be/ZnHmskwqCCQ

[HailSzczur]

Ah, the old Pagano play. Turned out slightly better than the Colts version, but still not right

[ccd494]

Maine had 2nd and goal from the 3. A bad snap, an illegal forward pass penalty, and Maine lines up a 30 yard field goal, fakes it, and comes up empty.

That play wasn't as bad as the Colts vs. the Pats a few years ago, but it was close. It's been a debacle for Maine in the Villanova red zone today.

[CHIP72]

That fake FG attempt by Maine was pretty bad.

Good stand by the Villanova defense after one of the few solid drives so far by Maine.

[HailSzczur]

3 red zone trips:
1. INT
2. Missed 24 yd FG
3. Pathetic fake punt after an illegal forward pass

[ccd494]

That fake FG attempt by Maine was pretty bad.

Good stand by the Villanova defense after one of the few solid drives so far by Maine.

Maine's had 3 or 4 very solid drives. They've had 50+ yard drives into the redzone and have zero points to show for it.

[CHIP72]

Maine's had 3 or 4 very solid drives. They've had 50+ yard drives into the redzone and have zero points to show for it.

You'll have to excuse me - I'm trying to watch 3 games at the same time, and I was thinking Maine's scoring chances were set up by Villanova mistakes.

[HailSzczur]

Maine's had 3 or 4 very solid drives. They've had 50+ yard drives into the redzone and have zero points to show for it.

Maine's moving the ball at will....7.3 yards per throw, 4.6 yards per carry against a great defense. 3 red zone trips. And the defense is holding our great running attack to 1.5 yard per carry.

They should be up by multiple scores the way the offense preforms from ME 20 to Nova 20 and the way the run defense has played

- - - Updated - - -


You'll have to excuse me - I'm trying to watch 3 games at the same time, and I was thinking Maine's scoring chances were set up by Villanova mistakes.
There was one muffed punt at the 20, thats it

[ccd494]

TD Villanova. Maine's lack of a field goal game is going to cost them the playoffs.

[Nova09]

Should have gone for 2. Maine is not trying a fg again this game anyway, better to be a fg away from 14 from our perspective

Deserved to have that blocked for stupidly kicking it instead of doing what logic dictates

[HailSzczur]

7-0 SBU early for scoreboard watchers

[HailSzczur]

a TD here would probably put this away

[CHIP72]

a TD here would probably put this away

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[HailSzczur]

Bell. Dagger

[HailSzczur]

That touchdown looked like the old "Brian Finneran play"

roll the qb out, throw a ball to the back corner of the endzone. Have your WR go up for and hope he stays in bounds. Impossible to pick off, either TD on incomplete

[CatsWin]

Huge game all around for the Cats. Zach Bednarczyk with a personal passing yard record and 3 touchdown passes.

Our often maligned kicker kicks a new personal record of 42 and 43 yard field goals.

And, what can you say about the defense. . . . . Huge shutout by the defense. The only score that Maine has was on a 93 yard return.

Maine had a ton of opportunities to score and just couldn't convert. Their redzone offense was abysmal to say the least.

Andy Talley is 13-3 after bye weeks.
Great win for the Wildcats.

Next up JMU. . . .

[mainejeff]

Congrats Nova fans. I don't need to tell you what went wrong for Maine....Collins was terrible. You can't go to the redzone 7 times and come up empty. Embarrassing to say the least.

[Gangtackle11]

Congrats Nova fans. I don't need to tell you what went wrong for Maine....Collins was terrible. You can't go to the redzone 7 times and come up empty. Embarrassing to say the least.

Good luck the rest of the way. The top ranked defense in the CAA & 3rd best in FCS had a lot to do with it. Only Maine score on special teams,

[Terry2889]

I actually think you guys match up very favorably against JMU. Great football coming up in the next couple of weeks. And don't sleep on Delaware. There seems to be a pulse in Newark...

[Gangtackle11]

I actually think you guys match up very favorably against JMU. Great football coming up in the next couple of weeks. And don't sleep on Delaware. There seems to be a pulse in Newark...

I'll have to look at this Richmond/JMU video before I give u my opinion, but I like our defense.

Delaware is our arch rivals. Nova never sleeps on the dirty birds!!!

[caribbeanhen]

just from what I saw of Nova today JMU better get ready to lose

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Great win 'Nova! Would love to see you the first week of December!

[Lehigh'98]

Very solid performance here. One that won't get a lot of notice, but beating Maine up there in November when they're good and you aren't UNH is damn hard.

[ngineer]

Possibility we could see the Black Bears in the first round at Goodman.

[CHIP72]

Great win 'Nova! Would love to see you the first week of December!

Yeah, especially if Temple wins the AAC East and hosts the AAC championship game on Saturday 12/3! Can anyone say "football doubleheader"?

(BTW, it IS likely that if Villanova earns a 1st round bye and hosts a game on 12/3 that they will play in the late afternoon because the "Holy War" game - St. Joe's/Villanova basketball - is scheduled for a 1 PM ET start at the Pavilion. Villanova would want to avoid having the games overlap. The same scenario came into play in 2014 - SJU/VU basketball at VU at 1 PM, VU football R16 home playoff game - and the Wildcats' playoff game against Liberty started at 4:30 PM ET. That football doubleheader would likely happen if Temple hosts the AAC title game because the AAC championship game is locked in for a 12 PM ET start.)