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No. 6 Villanova Visits Rival Delaware Saturday

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The Villanova Wildcats will wrap up their regular season on Saturday as they travel down to Newark to visit their rival the University of Delaware.

Villanova is ranked 6th in FCS with a 9-2 record (6-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association) and they are well on their way to the NCAA Tournament. They picked up their ninth win last weekend as they beat visiting Albany 48-31 behind yet another impressive performance from junior quarterback John Robertson. He completed 15 of 21 throws for 225 yards two touchdowns while also rushing for 168 yards and three more scores.

"John had probably his best game of his career," Villanova head coach Andy Talley tells KYW Newsradio. "He was really on. I think since the cast (for a fracture) is off his (non throwing) hand, he's more comfortable running and throwing. He was the show, he had a great day."

Listen to the entire interview with Villanova's Andy Talley:

 

Robertson's 393 yards of total offense represent a season high. His effort earned him the CAA's Offensive Player of the Week honor for the sixth time this season.

As for the match-up with Delaware, Talley says it is always a battle.

"This is a game where there's so much passion, so much intensity," Talley says.

The Blue Hens will bring a 6-5 record into Saturday's match-up. They are coming off a 43-14 loss to #1 New Hamsphire. Talley likes what they are doing on offense, especially in the running game.

"They have terrific backs right now," Talley says. "And they're doing a good job mixing the pass and run and (Delaware quarterback) Trent Hurley can run the ball as well. He's not quite John Robertson, but pretty good runner and thrower. And I just think they present a total package with the run and pass."

Villanova has dominated this rivalry as of late, winning 7 of the last 8 match-ups. But Talley says that doesn't matter at all come Saturday.

"Very, very dangerous football team," Talley says. "And of course, we're playing at Delaware and it is always more difficult down there. It's a great game for us to play in to get ready for the playoffs. I think with our record we should be a playoff team and if we could beat Delaware down there, I think we'd be a top eight seed (which would mean a first round bye in the NCAA Tournament). So we expect a classic Villanova/Delaware game."

Last season Villanova rallied late to beat the Blue Hens, 35-34, in Chester.

Saturday's game in Newark will kickoff at noon.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

 

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