Villanova Looks To Get On Track Saturday At Rhode Island
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Villanova will try to snap a three-game losing streak on Saturday when they take to the road to visit Rhode Island.
Last weekend, the Wildcats fell to 4-5 (3-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association) with a 31-21 loss to James Madison down in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Dukes did something few have been able to do this season in that one, and that is contain Villanova sophomore quarterback John Robertson. After rushing for more than 600 yards and ten touchdowns in the previous three games, Robertson finished with just 44 yards on the ground against the Dukes, although he did throw a pair of scores.
"They were a very fast defense," Villanova head coach Andy Talley tells KYW Newsradio. "We knew going in that (Robertson) would have to stay north and south. They're just a really quick, fast team. And of course, it was their Homecoming, they were sky high, and it was an elimination game. They needed to win the game, and they played great."
The loss dashed any playoff hopes for the Wildcats, but Talley says that doesn't mean there are no goals left to strive for.
Andy Talley Interview
"We still have a chance for a winning season," Talley says. "And that's what's important right now."
Rhode Island is just 3-7 (2-4 in the CAA), but Talley is impressed with their quarterback.
"Bob Bentsen, he's been there for three years," Talley says. "He's done a really good job. He can run and throw. He's one of those dual-threat quarterbacks that you really don't like to see."
Bentsen has nine touchdown passes this season. He has also rushed for 386 yards and two scores.
Rhode Island is coached by former Villanova defensive coordinator Joe Trainer.
"Joe is a Philly guy," Talley says. "Love him. He's done a great job there and at Millersville (Trainer was head coach there from 2005-07). Just a fun guy, and I know he'd like to whip one up on Villanova."
Saturday's game will kick-off at 12:30pm up in Kingston, Rhode Island.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.
