Villanova Football Preview: Expect Fireworks at Monmouth

Villanova Football will open conference play on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they travel to face the No. 18/No. 21 ranked Monmouth Hawks. The Wildcats (No. 11/No. 12) hold a 1-1 record after suffering a blowout loss at Penn State last week and have never defeated Monmouth in their program history. 

Their last meeting, a 40-33 Hawks win, took place at Villanova Stadium last November. Monmouth played to a 2-1 record through their first three games, picking up a comeback win over Colgate — who the Wildcats defeated 24-17 — after the Raiders’ quarterback went down before cleaning up against Fordham 49-28 and suffering a tough 42-35 road loss against the Charlotte 49ers (FBS). 

Flo College holds the telecast rights for this matchup, set to begin at 1 p.m.

Scouting the Hawks

Quarterback Derek Robertson leads the Hawks’ high-powered offense and is averaging more than 400 yards and four touchdowns per game: through three games so far, he’s completed 99 of 137 pass attempts for 1,243 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

5-foot-9 receiver Josh Derry serves as his top target, hauling in 24 passes for 357 yards and six touchdowns, while Gavin Nelson provides a big play threat with 15 grabs for 308 yards and three touchdowns. The Hawks’ running game isn’t a slouch either, with tailback Rodney Nelson picking up 326 yards on 58 carries so far… including a long of 75 yards. Kicker Hudson Fiene has yet to attempt a field goal but has converted 14 of 15 extra point attempts.

Monmouth’s defense has logged seven sacks, a pair of interceptions and one forced fumble so far, but they rank towards the bottom of the FCS (No. 111) with an average of 508.3 yards surrendered per game. Expect plenty of fireworks.

Scouting the Wildcats

Villanova Football had to juggle their quarterbacks against Penn State, with starter Pat McQuaide exiting briefly with an ankle injury. Head coach Mark Ferrante announced during the week that No. 2 quarterback Tanner Maddocks, who helped the Wildcats land atop the SportsCenter Top 10 list with a last second touchdown pass against the Nittany Lions, is doubtful for the game against Monmouth due to a left shoulder injury.

McQuaide has completed 25 of 43 passes for 326 yards, one touchdown and one interception this season, adding another touchdown with his legs. Receiver Luke Colella leads the team with six catches for 127 yards, while Lucas Kopecky trails him closely with six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.

The Wildcats’ running game, their main offensive strength in recent seasons, has struggled to get going so far. David Avit, the CAA’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, has 25 carries for 102 yards, while Isaiah Ragland managed just 35 yards on 23 carries so far. Villanova’s defense also ranks toward the bottom of the FCS (No. 77) with 407.5 yards allowed per game, but struggling at the hands of a powerhouse Penn State team tips the scale out of their favor.