<em>College Football:</em> Villanova Two Wins Away from National Title
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Villanova is readying for its National Semifinals showdown with Eastern Washington on Friday night in the 1-AA ("FCS") playoffs.
The Wildcats have already won on the road at Stephen F. Austin and in the semifinals over top seed Appalachian State, 42-24 (see previous story).
In that game the Wildcats' Matt Szczur was phenomenal. The senior wide receiver (in file photo above) was responsible for five touchdowns: three on the ground, a touchdown catch, and a touchdown pass. And he led a great team effort, according to head coach Andy Talley.
"Matt was unbelievable, and (quarterback) Chris Whitney," Talley told KYW Newsradio. "Our defense was terrific -- goal line stand and had some very significant stops during the game.
"You know, you are playing the number one seed in the country, at their place," Talley added. "It was a very significant win for us."
Hear the entire interview in this CBS Philly SportsPod...
The only two road playoff wins in Villanova program history have come in the last two weeks, and the Wildcats will hope to make it three in a row on Friday night in Cheney, Wash.
The Eagles finished the regular season ranked #1 in the country in both polls, and last week they advanced by outlasting North Dakota State in overtime, 38-31.
Talley says the Eagles aren't still standing just by accident:
"It's a very well balanced offensive football team -- they throw the ball, they run the ball. They are a lot like us, they can do both. And they have a very sound defense. And of course they are playing at home -- this is their third home game (in the playoffs)."
However, they are missing a key weapon from their arsenal: All-America running back Taiwan Jones is not expected to play after suffering a fractured bone in his foot in the win over North Dakota State. He is the nation's second leading rusher, with 1,742 yards.
The Wildcats are not the only local squad bidding for this national title, as Delaware is also still alive. The Blue Hens will host their National Semifinal match-up as they welcome Georgia Southern to Newark, Del. on Saturday afternoon.
Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.
