Villanova vs. Richmond Preview | October 15th
Written by David Szczepanski on October 14, 2022
After a bye week, the Wildcats travel down I-95 to take on the Richmond Spiders.
Keys to Success
The Wildcats, with a record 3-2, will be fully rested to battle the Spiders after crushing Maine two weeks ago. In order to defeat Richmond, Villanova will need to control the passing game of the Spiders and effectively use all aspects of their offense.
Maine’s QB, Reece Udinski, has thrown the football 216 times through the first five games while the Spiders’ top running back, Aaron Dykes, has only 65 carries. The Wildcats’ defense will need to make tackles and stop the big runs, which they have been susceptible to all season. Although the Wildcats tackled better against Maine and kept the Black Bears rushing attack at bay, the Richmond Spiders are definitely a tougher task.
In terms of offense, in Maine, Connor Watkins was extremely effective by targeting Jaaron Hayek and the Wildcats’ running back duo of Jackson and Ayo-Durojaiye ran for 211 yards. After an amazing game two weeks ago with four touchdowns, Watkins will need to have another strong performance. All of the Wildcats offensive weapons, especially Jackson and Hayek, will need to be used this Saturday in order to win. But the Wildcats are definitely capable of defeating the Spiders.
Glance at the Opponent
The Richmond Spiders are also 3-2 on the season after having their bye week. The Spiders suffered an extremely tough two overtime loss in their last game on October 1st against Elon, who is currently second in the CAA standings with a 5-1 record. Richmond also lost to Virginia to begin their 2022-23 campaign. The Spiders have three wins against St. Francis, Lehigh, and a blowout 51-7 win over Stony Brook. Richmond is also undefeated at home with a record of 2-0.
Richmond’s QB, Reece Udinski, is off to a fantastic start to the season with completing 166 of 216 passes for 1499 yards and 13 touchdowns. Udinski has also only thrown one interception this season. Against Elon, Udinski threw for 383 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Spiders’ rushing attack has not been as effective as their passing game, but top RB Aaron Dykes does have 288 yards on the season while averaging 4.4 yards. The Wildcats’ defense will also have to stop WR Jakob Herres, who has 30 receptions this season for 365 yards. Although Herres only has one touchdown this season, he is averaging 12.2 yards per catch. The Spiders will also utilize WR Leroy Henley, who leads Richmond wide receivers in touchdowns with four.
My Prediction
Villanova 27- Richmond 24 (Overtime)
