Stony Brook, N.Y. -
In the sixth installment of #SeawolvesSnaps, GoSeawolves.org previews Villanova, the Colonial Athletic Association's preseason favorite. For season tickets, please call (631) 632-WOLF or CLICK HERE
Team: Villanova Wildcats
2012 Record: 8-4, 6-2 CAA
Coach: Andy Talley, 29th season at VU
Returning Starters: 9/2 (offense); 7/4 (defense)
Series History: Stony Brook leads 1-0
Last Meeting: Stony Brook 20, Villanova 10 (2012). The tone of last season's first-round playoff game against Villanova was set on Stony Brook's first offensive series. Starting for their own two-yard line, the Seawolves drove 98 yards, taking up almost 13 minutes of game action. Miguel Maysonet and Marcus Coker each rushed for more than 100 yards. Davonte Anderson had two interceptions.
Scouting the Offense: Sophomore John Robertson, who earned the Jerry Rice Award, given to the nation's top FCS freshman, returns as the starting quarterback. He recorded nearly 3,000 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns (19 passing). Villanova will feature two strong running backs in juniors Kevin Monangai and Austin Medley. The duo combined for 1,900 yards and 15 touchdowns. Senior Joe Price steps in for Norman White as the team's top receiver. Villanova has a lot of depth on its offensive line and features six players who have started in previous seasons.
Scouting the Defense: Seniors Antoine Lewis and Rakim Cox, who earned first team All-CAA honors last season, are the strength of the defensive line. Senior Pat Haggerty and sophomore Don Cherry likely are two of the three starting linebackers in Villanova's 3-3-5 formation. Junior Dillon Lucas, the 2011 CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year, will battle for the third spot with junior Joey Harmon. The Wildcats' secondary is deep and talented and will be led by senior Craig James and junior Joe Sarnese. Sophomore Matt McCann could start at strong safety.
2013 Schedule:
Aug. 31 at Boston College
Sept. 7 at Fordham
Sept. 21 vs. Stony Brook*
Sept. 28 vs. Penn
Oct. 5 vs. William & Mary*
Oct. 12 at Towson*
Oct. 19 at New Hampshire*
Oct. 26 vs. Maine*
Nov. 2 at James Madison
Nov. 9 at Rhode Island*
Nov. 23 vs. Delaware*
* CAA Football Game
Did You Know? Villanova earned the CAA's automatic bid to the Division I Football Championship last season despite a four-way tie for first place with New Hampshire, Richmond and Towson. The Wildcats were awarded the bid based
