Old Dominion Benefits From Villanova’s Generosity, Wins 37-14 

Under head coach Andy Talley’s guidance, Villanova’s football program has established a pattern of winning.  In his 26 previous seasons at Villanova, his teams have finished with a winning record in 20 of them.

Following the Wildcats’ 37-14 loss to Old Dominion on Saturday, however, Coach Talley discussed a different pattern he’s seen from his team this season.  “Today we continued a pattern which is similar to what we’ve been doing (this year) – turning the ball over offensively and giving up big plays on defense.”

Playing before a Homecoming crowd of 7,471, Villanova committed four turnovers against the Monarchs; the turnovers led to 20 decisive points for ODU.  Old Dominion’s freshman quarterback Taylor Heinicke continued his stellar performance in place of injured starter Thomas DeMarco, completing 23 of 32 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.  The big plays Talley referenced included a 42-yard touchdown reception by Antonio Vaughan and a 53-yard touchdown run by Lorenzo Smith.

In the Zone’s preview of the game, there were three areas identified as key for Villanova to defeat ODU – utilize Dustin Thomas’ athleticism, confuse ODU quarterbacks and win the turnover battle.  Below is an analysis of the Wildcats’ performance in these areas.

Utilize Thomas’ Athleticism

Villanova RB Austin Medley's 20-yard touchdown run was one of the highlights for the Wildcats' Homecoming crowd.

The pure, athletic talent of Villanova’s freshman quarterback was on display on their two touchdown drives in the first half.  In the first quarter,  he scrambled on third and goal and completed a perfect pass on the run to Joe Price deep in the end zone.  In the second quarter his running and passing set up freshman Austin Medley’s 20-yard touchdown run.  The threat of Thomas’ running made ODU over-commit to him on Medley’s run, freezing defenders at the point of attack.

However, Talley pulled his quarterback midway through the third quarter after Craig Wilkins intercepted Thomas’ pass inside Villanova’s own 20.  The Monarchs blitzed Thomas regularly and although he eluded several defenders on designed (and improvised) runs, the pressure forced him into two fumbles and the INT.  Old Dominion sacked Thomas three times in less than three full quarters and contained him well on designed runs.

Confuse ODU Quarterbacks

While Thomas was making his fourth career start, ODU’s Heinicke himself was making only his third for the Monarchs.  The 3-3-5 defensive scheme Villanova employs is not common among college defenses, and affords the Wildcats a chance to disorient quarterbacks with multiple alignments.

Villanova brought more than four rushers on passing plays regularly throughout the first half, but neither the pressure nor the scheme hindered Heinicke.  The Atlanta native completed 20 of 26 passes in the first half alone for 191 yards and two touchdowns.  He was particularly effective in a back-breaking touchdown drive at the end of the half, throwing for 65 yards and rushing for 20 more in 2:18.  The score gave the Monarchs a 30-14 lead going into halftime.

Old Dominion’s scoring drive came after Villanova’s second touchdown had made the score 23-14 with less than three minutes in the half.  The Wildcats clearly had momentum on their side at that point, but Heinicke hit eight of nine passes on ODU’s drive and did not appear to be affected by Villanova’s scheme. Following the game ODU head coach Bobby Wilder was asked about the freshman’s play in general and specifically on that drive.

“That’s just typical Taylor Heinicke at this point,” Wilder responded.

Win the Turnover Battle

Villanova’s defense was unable to force Old Dominion into turnovers, and as mentioned its offense committed four of its own.  The Wildcats’ first three turnovers allowed ODU to start drives at Villanova’s 42, 16 and 2 yard line.  With such short fields to attack, the Monarch offense converted these drives into three touchdowns.  The young Wildcats offense could not overcome the mistakes.

Although the defense forced no turnovers, Villanova got another Herculean effort from linebacker Dillon Lucas.  The freshman from Medford, NJ, posted a dozen total tackles and one sack of Heinicke.  The effort was not lost on his head coach.

“Dillon’s had a phenomenal freshman year,” Talley said.  “He has a maturity that he brings to this team.  We don’t really have a mix of senior leadership and really good young players; what we have is a group of good young players who are trying to find their way.”

With a track record of putting winning teams on the field, there is little doubt that Coach Talley will help talented players like Lucas, Thomas and Medley find their way sooner rather than later.