No. 17 Villanova looks to lean on its run game in matchup with Elon: ‘It all starts up front’
The Wildcats’ 13 rushing touchdowns rank second in the CAA. They'll rely on the run game against an Elon defense allowing 127.5 rushing yards.
No. 17 Villanova faces a crucial midseason test with a road matchup at Elon on Saturday (1 p.m., FloSports).
The Wildcats enter their next Coastal Athletic Association matchup with a confidence boost after last weekend’s 37-7 rout of New Hampshire.
Villanova (3-2, 2-1 CAA) will look to end Elon’s undefeated start in CAA play — the Phoenix (4-2, 2-0) are one of three undefeated teams in conference play. A win would be a prime opportunity for the Wildcats to rise in standings.
Prioritizing the ground attack
Villanova’s depth in the backfield has made its offense formidable. At the forefront is sophomore running back David Avit, who leads the Wildcats in rushing yards with 94.4 per game.
Through five games, the Wildcats’ 13 rushing touchdowns are second-most, behind only Elon’s 14, in the conference. An offensive line largely comprised of upperclassmen also has been indispensable.
“The O-line is the returning line from a year ago, so the more they play together, the better they are going to get each year,” head coach Mark Ferrante said during this week’s CAA coaches meeting. “The unselfishness of [the running back] room is what makes that room go. … No matter who you talk to, they will say that it all starts up front.”
» READ MORE: Led by rushing attack, Villanova steamrolls New Hampshire, 37-7
Villanova had its most productive offensive performance yet against New Hampshire, with five rushing touchdowns and 238 rushing yards. Sophomore running back Ja’briel Mace scored on each of this three carries.
The Wildcats have leaned less on passing, but graduate wide receiver Luke Colella has turned into a key target. He recorded a career-high 139 receiving yards on nine catches last Saturday.
Elon’s defense has allowed 127.5 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the CAA. Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide could use Saturday’s matchup to develop Villanova’s two-way offense.
Defense improving
Some of the brightest spots for Villanova last weekend were on defense. The Wildcats shut out New Hampshire through three quarters and limited it to 207 yards of total offense.
Villanova has allowed an average of 403 yards of total offense. The Wildcats have been less vulnerable since starting conference play, with young players gaining more experience.
Redshirt freshman defensive back Anthony Hawkins’ interception during New Hampshire’s opening drive was a sign of that progress. It led to a Villanova touchdown by Avit on the next play.
“We played complementary football,” Ferrante said. “All three phases fed off the other for the first time this season, starting with the opening interception. It was a great spark.”
Senior linebacker Shane Hartzell leads the defense with 34 total tackles. Junior linebacker Turner Inge got off to a hot start against New Hampshire, leading the Wildcats with five tackles.
Containing Elon’s offense
With redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark at the helm, Elon has one of the strongest offenses in the CAA.
The Phoenix rank second in the conference for rushing, averaging 201.3 yards. Junior running back Jimmyll Williams leads the team on the ground. He also caught a 47-yard pass in Elon’s 17-3 win over Towson last week.
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Clark is averaging 204.3 passing yards with a 52.41% completion rate. He’s thrown five interceptions. Villanova will need to limit Clark’s dual-threat ability, as he has five rushing touchdowns this season.