Red Zone Defense Propels Villanova Football To A Win Over UNH
Red Zone Defense Propels Villanova Football To A Win Over UNH
With both teams coming off of disappointing losses, UNH and Villanova look to get back on track a they face off to try to stay on top of the CAA standings.
Villanova improved to 6-2 on the season and remains toward the top of the CAA standings after a win over New Hampshire on Oct. 26.
Led by a pair of huge red zone stops, their defense stifled the New Hampshire offense when it mattered most. Despite the fact that Nova only had three more yards than UNH overall on offense, they were able to punch the ball in the end zone when needed and came up huge defensively. They go on the road at Hampton next year in hopes to finish out the season strong.
The Wildcats sit at 5-2 on the season with losses to Maryland and Maine. They were consistently a Top 5 team prior to the Maine loss and now sit at No. 14. Meanwhile UNH sits at 4-3 with losses to UCF, Harvard, and Rhode Island. Prior to their loss, they were ranked in that 15-20 range, but currently sit as the second team out. A win for them would definitely bring them back into the polls.
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The University of New Hampshire Wildcats now fall to 4-4 on the season after a rough stretch the past two weeks. They look to rebound next week at UAlbany. Their priority should be their offensive effectiveness in the red zone. Despite having a 50+ yard advantage over Villanova at times, they were unable to produce points and continually trailed after leading 3-0 in the first quarter. While their season is a bit derailed, cleaning up their offense needs to be a number one priority if they hope to finish their season strong.
Reread the live updates below or click the link for.a replay of the game.
Final: Villanova - 14, UNH - 6
Villanova recovers the onside kick and kneels as the fourth comes to a close.
1:01 To Go: UNH - 6, Villanova - 14
UNH gives up with trying to go for it on fourth down and takes the three points with a 40 yard field goal. They have a minute left and are hoping for a miracle as their red zone inefficiency has truly cost them the game.
UNH Offense Continues To Struggle
UNH is unable to do anything offensively, giving the ball back to Villanova who burns plenty of clock before giving the ball back to UNH with 2:30 to go. They will have to score quickly and come up with a huge stop to even attempt to pull away with a victory.
Villanova Makes UNH Pay
Villanova capitalizes on UNH's struggles to put points on the board as Connor Watkins finds Devin Smith from 19 yards out to put Nova up 14-3 with 8:21 left to play.
Another Red Zone Stop For Nova
Villanova comes up huge with another red zone stop as UNH's red zone woes continue. Villanova takes the ball back, deep in their own territory, looking to burn some clock and extend their lead.
Scoreless Third Comes To A Close
UNH is in the red zone as the third quarter comes to a close. They now lead the yardage battle 203 to 153, looking to solve some of their red zone issues as the fourth quarter begins.
UNH Defense Comes Up Huge
Duncan Moreland forces and recovers a fumble on the Villanova 30 yard line that puts UNH in prime position to score. He hands the ball back to their offense who looks to get something going as despite their numerous trips into Villanova territory, they have been unable to put up points.
Long UNH Drive Results In Zero Points
Despite the UNH Wildcats marching downfield methodically on an eight minute drive, they are unable to add to their points with a missed 38 yard field goal.
Opening Drive Stills
Villanova is unable to put points up after getting into UNH territory. They punt and give the ball to UNH who looks to close on the Villanova lead.
End Of The Half: UNH, 3 - Villanova, 7
A low scoring half has Villanova up by four; they will also receive the ball to begin the third. UNH has a total of 55 yards while Villanova has 106, the key difference in this game has been efficiency in the red zone.
Scoring Slowdown
After several long and exciting drives, both teams still and exchange scoreless drives as Villanova gets the ball back with a minute left in the half.
Penalties Can't Help UNH Score
Despite a few huge penalties in their favor, one overturning a pick that was returned 100 yards down the other way, UNH is stilled at the one yard line and turns it over on downs with a huge go line stand for Villanova.
Gutsy Call Gets Nova 7
Villanova elects to go for it on fourth and seven as they then put up seven as Connor Watkins completes a 25 yard pass to Lucas Kopecky. Villanova now leads 7-3.
Connor Watkins finds Lucas Kopecky👏@CAAFootball | @NovaFootball | #CAAfb pic.twitter.com/jFOlji6Vc0
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 26, 2024
UNH Strikes First
UNH goes on a long drive called off with a field goal from 21 yards out to score first and put up a 3-0 lead. Villanova gets the ball back to end the quarter.
Scoreless Start To The First
Both teams exchange scoreless possessions, six minutes into the first as both defenses shine.
UNH vs Villanova Is Now Live!
Villanova won the toss and elected to defer as UNH starts their drive to kick off the game.
UNH Football Remaining Schedule
- Nov. 2: at UAlbany
- Nov. 9: vs Monmouth
- Nov. 16: vs Stony Brook
- Nov. 23: at Maine
Villanova Football Remaining Schedule
- Nov. 2: at Hampton
- Nov. 9: vs North Carolina AT&T
- Nov. 16: at Monmouth
- Nov. 23: vs Delaware
Five Things To Know About The Matchup
Check out this FloFootball article on matchup history, schedules, players to watch, and more for this crucial CAA matchup.
UNH Football Roster
Fans can find the UNH Wildcats' roster here.
Villanova Football Roster
Fans can find the Villanova Wildcats' roster here.
CAA Standings
Take a look at where things stand in the CAA as of today here.
CAA Week 9 Schedule
Looking for more CAA football? Here is the full schedule streaming live on FloSports and FloFootball today.
- Richmond vs. Bryant, 12:00 p.m. EST
- Maine vs. Rhode Island, 1:00 p.m. EST
- Towson vs. Monmouth, 1:00 p.m. EST
- Elon vs. Hampton, 2:00 p.m. EST
- UAlbany vs. Delaware, 3:00 p.m. EST
- UNH vs. Villanova, 3:30 p.m. EST
- William & Mary vs .Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m. EST
- NC AT&T vs. Campbell, 4:00 p.m. EST
How To Watch UNH Football vs. Villanova
The clash of the Wildcats is streaming live on FloSports and FloFootball.
Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.
UNH vs. Villanova Football Kickoff Time
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST at Villanova Stadium.
AFCA NCAA FCS Football Rankings In Week 9
- North Dakota St. (24) 7-1
- Montana St. (2) 8-0
- South Dakota St. 5-2
- South Dakota 6-1
- UC Davis 7-1
- Southeast Missouri St. 7-1
- North Dakota 5-2
- Tarleton St. 6-1
- Montana 5-2
- Central Arkansas 5-2
- UIW 5-2
- Idaho 5-3
- Richmond 5-2
- Villanova 5-2
- William & Mary 5-2
- Rhode Island 6-1
- Mercer 6-1
- Missouri St. 5-2
- ACU 5-3
- Illinois St. 5-3
- North Carolina Central 5-2
- Dartmouth 5-0
- Jackson St. 5-2
- Stony Brook 5-2
- Chattanooga 4-3
Dropped Out: Florida A&M (18), New Hampshire (19)
Others Receiving Votes: Duquesne, 37; New Hampshire, 22; East Tennessee St., 18; UT Martin, 18; Western Carolina, 18; Florida A&M, 15; Monmouth (N.J.), 15; Tennessee St., 13; Sacramento St., 10; Harvard, 8; Drake, 7; Columbia, 5; Lafayette, 4; Robert Morris, 4; Lamar, 3; Butler, 2; Northern Arizona, 2; Samford, 2; Southeastern Louisiana, 1.
What Are The Top Conferences In The FCS?
Curious about the top performers and strongest conference within the FCS ranks? We’ve got you covered.
See the FCS conferences ranked using a unique system that originally was developed for chess.
When Do The 2024 FCS College Football Playoffs Start?
The FCS playoffs begin on November 30, 2024.
The 2024 Division I FCS College Football Championship game will be played on January 6, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
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