Villanova squares off against Eastern Kentucky in Round 1 of the 2024 FCS Playoffs at Villanova Stadium | Villanova vs. Eastern Kentucky Preview

VILLANOVA, PA–Villanova had its biggest win of the season last Saturday in the Battle of the Blue against Delaware to get into the FCS Playoffs. The Wildcats will have an opportunity to get their new largest win of the season in Round 1 of the FCS Playoffs today against Eastern Kentucky at Villanova Stadium, where Villanova has won 15 consecutive games.

Villanova finished its regular season with a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 record in conference play. The Wildcats ended the schedule with four wins in the last five weeks to capture third place in the conference standings.

In the Wildcats’ win over Delaware, Villanova forced four turnovers. Wildcats’ QB, Connor Watkins, threw for 203 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He also exploded for 79 rushing yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. David Avit, Villanova’s star freshman running back, ran for 29 yards and a touchdown. Kenyon Miles, a freshman wide receiver from Huntington Station, NY, recorded the touchdown reception.

Villanova defeated Delaware, 38-28, last Saturday at Villanova Stadium to win the 2024 Battle of the Blue.

CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, David Avit + Villanova Individual Awards

This week, Avit was announced as the CAA’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Avit finished his first collegiate regular season with 793 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Villanova’s second-leading tackler, Brendan Bell, grabbed a pick-six in the first quarter against Delaware. He also scored the final touchdown of the day on a six-yard rush. With that rushing touchdown, Bell now has two rushing touchdowns this season. He was the first player in Villanova program history to record an offensive and defensive touchdown in the same game. Bell and his fellow linebacker, Shane Hartzell, were named to the CAA First Team.

Villanova offensive lineman Jake Picard and defensive back Isas Waxter were also named to the CAA First Team. Waxter, who had 33 total tackles in the regular season, is questionable to play today after suffering an injury against Delaware.

Ty Trinh, a graduate student from Owings Mills, MD, earned CAA Second-Team honors with 47 total tackles this season.

Avit, Watkins, Stephane Voltaire, and Obinna Nwobodo were all honorable mentions for CAA All-Conference teams.

Villanova earned a spot in the 2024 FCS Playoffs with their win over the Blue Hens. The Wildcats are the #11 seed in this year’s playoff bracket. Villanova’s first stop in this playoff run will be a home game against Eastern Kentucky today at 2pm.

Eastern Kentucky’s Five-Game Winning Streak

Eastern Kentucky, a member of the United Athletic Conference, finished its regular season with eight wins in 12 games. The Colonels had a 6-2 conference record this season. Eastern Kentucky lost four of its first seven games, but the Colonels ended the season on a five-game winning streak. However, the Colonels’ last four wins were all decided by a touchdown or less. EKU’s most recent win was last Saturday against North Alabama by a final score of 21-15.

Joshua Carter and EKU’s Explosive Rushing Attack

EKU’s offense depends on Joshua Carter and their rushing attack. Carter, a redshirt senior from Navarre, FL, rushed for more than 1,100 yards in the regular season. He recorded 13 rushing touchdowns in 2024. Carter also averaged 92 rushing yards per game in the regular season.

As a team, the Colonels average 190 yards on the ground per game. They finished the regular season with 22 rushing touchdowns.

Eastern Kentucky’s Passing Game Struggles

Matt Morrissey, a senior from Elmhurst, IL, threw for 2,013 yards and 13 passing touchdowns in the regular season. However, Morrissey also allowed eight interceptions. Eastern Kentucky’s passing attack is averaging around 170 yards per contest.

Marcus Calwise Jr. and Dequan Stanley are EKU’s top wide receivers. Calwise Jr, a freshman from Covington, GA, is off to a tremendous start in his collegiate career with 40 receptions for 507 yards. He also finished the regular season with four touchdowns.

Stanley, a junior from Saint Augustine, FL, leads the Colonels with five touchdown receptions. He had 27 catches for 372 yards in the team’s first 12 contests. Stanley played his freshman season at the University of South Florida.

Besides Calwise Jr. and Stanley, Eastern Kentucky does not have another receiver with more than one touchdown reception. The Colonels’ offense sometimes struggles, averaging just 22.8 points per game this season. Despite their inconsistent offense, Eastern Kentucky converted 45% of its third-down plays in 2024.

The Colonels’ Strong Defense

Eastern Kentucky’s defense is its biggest strength in the 2024 campaign, especially during this five-game winning streak. During this five-game stretch, the Colonels have allowed more than 24 points to an opponent just once. They have not allowed more than 27 points to an opponent since October 19^th against Abilene Christian.

EKU’s defense allowed opponents just 23.8 points per game in the regular season. Their rushing defense is excellent, allowing only 148 rushing yards per contest. However, Eastern Kentucky’s passing defense is somewhat of a weakness. The Colonels have allowed an average of 245 passing yards per game.

WXVU’s Coverage of the 2024 FCS Playoffs

WXVU’s live coverage from Villanova Stadium begins with the pregame show at 1:30 p.m. The kickoff of #11 Villanova vs. Eastern Kentucky is scheduled for 2 p.m.