Villanova Football Preview: Can the ‘Cats Slip Past Richmond?

Villanova Football will host Richmond in a critical Patriot League clash at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. A win could propel the Wildcats (5-4, 4-2 Patriot League) to the top of the conference standings if the same day’s game between Colgate and Lehigh breaks Villanova’s way; a loss would all but end their hopes of making the FCS playoffs for the fourth year in a row.

Villanova enters as a heavy home favorite, listed at -400 on the money line according to FOX; the point spread sits at -9.5, while the over/under is at 47.5. The Spiders are trending in the wrong direction after a 33-14 blowout loss to Holy Cross, while the Wildcats have won three games in a row.

Here’s what to watch for in this game on ESPN+.

Scouting the Spiders

Richmond’s offense has depended on the ground game this season, with running back Aziz Foster-Powell (128 carries for 671 yards and seven touchdowns) their most productive skill player. Quarterback Ashten Snelsire has struggled, completing 159 of 292 passes for 1,562 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. That’s an average of barely 5.3 yards per pass and 173 yards per game.

After receivers Bryce Allen (31 catches for 381 yards and four touchdowns) and Quanye Veney (24 catches for 351 yards and two scores) Richmond’s passing production tails off significantly; 6-foot-4 tight end Sean Clarke is their third-leading receiver with just 229 yards. Kicking is another question mark for the Spiders, who have converted just six of 14 field goal attempts this season; they’re allowing 19.37 points to 22.6 scored in FCS contests this season, and their defense has helped keep them in games.

The Spiders have six interceptions, 10 fumbles recovered, 52 tackles for loss, 31 sacks and 35 pass breakups this season, so Villanova will need to take care of the football. Richmond’s abysmal 34 percent success rate on third downs, on the other hand, should give the Wildcats ample opportunities to get off the field.

Scouting Villanova

The Wildcats, similarly, have had the most success while running the football this season; shifty Ja’briel Mace (115 carries for 647 yards and seven touchdowns; 13 catches for 199 yards and three scores) and power back Isaiah Ragland (101 carries for 494 yards and nine scores) give Villanova a top notch 1-2 punch. Graduate quarterback Pat McQuaide (158-of-241 for 2,064 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions) has struggled this season, particularly with inopportune turnovers, but the Wildcats’ passing offense has started to gel in recent weeks.

McQuaide’s 2025 season took a similar trajectory, and receivers like Braden Reed (40 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns) and Brandon Binkowski (32 catches for 494 yards and two touchdowns) provide a good combination of over-the-middle consistency and downfield playmaking.

Villanova’s defense has struggled to get off the field at times this season, but reigning Patriot League player of the Week Omari Bursey (99 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown) and defensive back Jamie Tyson (three interceptions) provide plenty of splash plays.