Villanova Football’s Playoff Path: Fordham Lends a Helping Hand

Villanova Football got a lucky break during their bye week when Fordham knocked off the Richmond Spiders (5-2, 3-1 Patriot League), previously undefeated in Patriot League play. If the Wildcats (2-4, 1-2 Patriot League) hope to make it back to the FCS Tournament for the fourth consecutive season, though, they’re going to need more help like that.

Last season, Villanova started 1-2 before going on a run and earning an at-large bid to the FCS Tournament. With four losses already, a conference title and automatic bid is their only hope of punching their ticket. No longer in control of their own destiny, they need Lehigh (6-0, 4-0 Patriot League) to lose at least two games, including their head-to-head matchup on the Main Line on Saturday, Oct. 24. If the Wildcats were to win out, beating Richmond on Nov. 7 would push them past the Spiders; Colgate (4-2, 3-0 Patriot League) is Villanova’s current biggest obstacle, as they hold a head-to-head win over the Wildcats.

As such, Villanova needs at least three Colgate losses in order to secure a Patriot League title. Richmond (Oct. 24) and Lehigh (Nov. 7) will both host the Bears and can help in that regard… but again, the Wildcats will need to win out in order to have a prayer of catching Colgate. Fordham (2-5, 2-2 Patriot League) and Holy Cross (2-4, 2-2 Patriot League) are also half a game ahead of Villanova, but with head-to-head matchups remaining on Oct. 17 and Nov. 14, respectively, the Wildcats can surpass them with little fanfare.