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Villanova Wildcats vs. Rhode Island
When: Saturday, November 9, 2013, 12:30 pm
Where: Kingston, RI
Rhode Island Season Record: 3-7, 2-4 CAA
Results/Record vs. Similar Opponents: 0-4
- Lost to Fordham (51-26)
- Lost to Stony Brook (24-0)
- Lost to William & Mary (20-0)
- Lost to New Hampshire (59-19)
- Plays Maine on Nov. 16
Key Players for Rhode Island: #7 Bob Bentsen (6-1, 213) Sr., QB; #15 Robbie Jackson (6-2, 205) Sr., WR/PR; #10 Andrew Bose (6-2, 232) Jr., LB; #25 Mackenzie Elliott (5-10, 185) Sr., CB/KR
Scouting Report: Coming off of back-to-back losses, Rhode Island will try to get back on the winning trail when they host Villanova for Senior Day this weekend. Rhode Island has been having an improved season from their winless 2012 campaign. However, their offense is not exactly something to be afraid of (averaging about 16 points per game). The Rams will look to their three-year starting quarterback, Bob Bentsen. Bentsen can get the job done with his arm and his legs. Although he is not having a stellar season at quarterback (9 TD passes with 10 interceptions), Bentsen is able to keep defenses honest by running the ball. He is second on the team in rushing yards and has added two touchdowns on the ground. His partner in crime is Robbie Jackson, who has been Bentsen’s top target and leads the team in all receiving categories. Jackson has 58 receptions for 530 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. Other targets in the passing game include juniors Jawaun Wynn and tight end Josh Gross. They may not have the numbers that Jackson has, but they have been reliable assets to the passing game. On defense, the Rams struggle, allowing an average of 31.6 points per game. They will turn to linebacker Andrew Bose to anchor the defense. Bose leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss. He has also added two forced fumbles on the season. As for the Rams’ secondary, Andre Scott is their best coverage man. Mackenzie Elliott will provide on defense as well as the kick return game.
Outlook: At this point in the season, both teams are playing for pride. After the loss last week to James Madison, Villanova’s hopes of earning a spot in the playoffs were also lost. Both teams are looking to snap a losing streak. As always, it is expected that the Rams’ defense will be keying in on star quarterback John Robertson who has been the heart and soul of the offense. It feels that Robertson has done almost everything for the Wildcats except special teams. This week’s matchup is exactly what Villanova needs before gearing up for Delaware in the season conclusion. Villanova needs a win to get back on track. Last week James Madison successfully contained Robertson and runningback Kevin Monangai. They forced the Wildcats to look to an aerial approach as both Robertson and Monangai were not having their usual performances. This week Monangai and Robertson should have no problem running wild on the Rhode Island defense. Villanova’s defense on the other hand has been having a hard time stopping opposing offenses. They just have not be able to have a real handle on cutting them off. The Rams’ offense is nothing to be too afraid of. Leading tackler Don Cherry has been playing well in his first season as a starter. He has 82 tackles so far on the season. Rakim Cox will be leading the fight in the trenches, in what should be a matchup where the defensive linemen are able to do what they want. I predict that Villanova wins by at least three-four touchdowns.
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