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Here’s how Villanova’s emphatic win over New Hampshire made its CAA championship hopes real

With just two regular-season games left, the No. 17 Wildcats are in prime position for a berth in the CAA championship game.

Jalen Jackson scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns that fueled an big win for Villanova and kept its hopes for playing in the title game alive.
Jalen Jackson scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns that fueled an big win for Villanova and kept its hopes for playing in the title game alive.Read moreCharles Fox / Staff Photographer

Villanova continued its case for a spot in the postseason with a 45-33 win over New Hampshire on Saturday. Fueled by a 21-point second quarter, the Wildcats earned their fourth straight win and moved into a tie for second place in the Coastal Athletic Association.

With just two regular-season games remaining, the No. 17 Wildcats (7-2, 5-1 CAA) are in prime position for a spot in the CAA championship game.

Against New Hampshire (4-5, 2-4), Villanova’s run game proved tough to stop behind senior running back Jalen Jackson’s 145 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns.

» READ MORE: Villanova will retire Mikal Bridges’ jersey on Nov. 17

What we saw

It was evident Villanova used the first quarter as a feeling-out period, as a dominant offensive charge in the second quarter left the Wildcats up, 24-20, at the half after they ended the first quarter down, 10-3.

Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins wasn’t as explosive as his career day last week against Stony Brook, but New Hampshire felt his presence. Watkins accounted for four touchdowns, throwing for two on 15-of-25 passing (188 yards) and rushing for a pair.

Rayjuon Pringle capped the scoring with a 65-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, Villanova found it hard to keep New Hampshire off the board, with the New England version of Wildcats electing the slow-and-steady scoring method. It was effective early, but Villanova picked off New Hampshire on consecutive third-quarter drives and held New Hampshire to just 13 second-half points.

The Wildcats made it a rough day at the office for New Hampshire quarterback Max Brosmer, who threw three interceptions. Brosmer finished with 279 yards on 27-of-40 passing.

Next up

Villanova’s final regular-season home game is against Towson at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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