Villanova @ Temple                       

Series: Villanova 15-13-2

Last Meeting: Sept 3, 2010 Temple 31-24

Keys:  Don’t ask Villanova coach Andy Talley to describe or predict how his team will perform against Temple in the 3^rd Annual Mayor’s Cup between the Philadelphia schools. 

He doesn’t know.  “We are in a complete rebuilding stage with so much talent graduating.  This is the youngest team we’ve ever had to put on the field.  I don’t know what to expect.” 

How young?  Villanova will start two freshmen on the offensive line, a freshman TE, three freshmen RBs will see action, and redshirt freshman QB in Dustin Thomas will be under center. 

Asked to discuss his young QB, Talley simply said, “I don’t know enough about him in a game situation.” 

It’s typical for any coach to downplay his team prior to a football game, but in Talley’s case he really doesn’t know what to expect. 

The freshman RB slated to start for the Wildcats, Lawrence Doss, has a pulled groin and may not play according to Talley. 

The Cats may be without the services of All-Conference WR Norman White who is dinged-up and may be held out of the game. 

Talley did mention the team returns three starters in the defensive backfield, but against a running team like Temple who returns TBs Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown, the young linebackers of Villanova will be tested early and often. 

With an offensive line returning four seniors and a junior (averaging 320 lbs.) the Owls will surely attempt to control the ball against a smaller and inexperienced Villanova defense.

Pregame Quote of Note:  Villanova coach Andy Talley on his young, but talented team’s chances against Temple – “Most of your flaws will show up quickly (in a game) when you play a team that is bigger, stronger, and faster.  We will try to be competitive.”