2R - Villanova @ (8) South Dakota St.

[Mvemjsunpx]

A classic battle of offense vs. defense. I like the Jackrabbits for two reasons: Villanova went 0-2 against the top two teams in the CAA—losing by double digits both times—while South Dakota State went 2-0 against the other two best teams in the Missouri Valley. SDSU also showed an ability, despite being an offensive team with mediocre defense, to win low-scoring games against both NDSU & Youngstown. So, in other words, this will probably be Andy Talley's final game as a head coach.

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- South Dakota St.
      
      Running Backs - (push)
      
      Receivers/TEs - South Dakota St.
      
      Offensive Line - South Dakota St.
      
      
      Defensive Line - Villanova
      
      Linebackers --- (push)
      
      Secondary ---- Villanova
      
      
      Kicking ------ (push)
      
      Punting ------ Villanova
      
      Return Teams - South Dakota St.
      
      Kickoffs ------ South Dakota St.
      
      
      
      
      
      • Villanova 21-27 South Dakota St.

[vutomcat]

Good analysis. Thanks.

Not sure about the linebackers being a push though. All three of Nova's starters are VERY good and they have a Freshman (Wiley) as depth who figures to be a star.

Nova's offense has been too inconsistent to pick them for the upset, but if they are able to move the ball this should be a great game.

[Gil Dobie]

Linebackers are big when playing the Jacks.

[Mvemjsunpx]

A real barnburner here… 7-7; mid-3Q

[Mvemjsunpx]

Now 10-7 Jackrabbits with 1:21 to go.

A Vinatieri just made a 40+ yard field goal in bad weather. Where have I seen that before?

[Mvemjsunpx]

Jackrabbits win 10-7.