No. 13 Villanova vs. No. 16 Maine: Preview, how to watch FCS clash NCAA.com

CHAMPS

PRESENTED BY After getting an overtime win over Towson last week, the Villanova Wildcats jumped up five spots in the latest FCS Coaches Poll. Next up is another Colonial Athletic Association challenge, with the No. 16 Maine Black Bears coming to town. Maine has had a mixed bag of results this season, starting out 2-2. The Black Bears have wins over Colgate and Sacred Heart, but losses to FBS Georgia Southern and conference foe Towson. The difference in the game could come down to the stars at the skill positions. Villanova running back Justin Covington leads all of FCS in rushing yards with 556 yards, while Maine wideout Earnest Edwards is coming off a week where he entered the end-zone three times. Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s big FCS match-up. COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY:

Villanova vs Maine Preview how to watch

The Basics

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. EST Where: Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Watch: John Fanta and Steve Pinone have the call for . Listen: or Junior Justin Covington leads with 5️⃣5️⃣6️⃣ rushing yards in the first four weeks of the season @jcov3_ rushed for over 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ yards in all 4 games this year. — Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) BY THE NUMBERS:

Last Meeting

After four straight losses to Villanova, Maine beat the Wildcats last season, taking a 13-10 victory on Oct. 6, 2018 in Orono, Maine. For the win, Kenny Doak kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Maine’s defense was strong, forcing a fumble and picking Villanova off twice. Jo Fitzpatrick rushed for 73 yards and the Black Bears lone touchdown. FCS RANKINGS:

The match-up

Villanova vs. Maine 8/13 Rankings (STATS FCS/Coaches) 12/16 12 All-time series wins 10 4-0 2019 Record 2-2 5-6 2018 Record 10-4 (FCS semifinals) Mark Ferrante
(14-12; third) Coach
(record; season) Nick Charlton
(2-2; first) 12 FCS Playoff Appearances 8 1 (2009) FCS National Championships 0 73rd (195.0) Passing offense (yards per-game) 11th (326.0) 12th (255.8) Rushing offense (yards per-game) 91st (105.8) 20th (19.8) Defense (points allowed per-game) 48th (26.5) HISTORY: After last week's monster game it's only fitting that this week's Featured piece looks at senior Earnest Edwards — CAA Football (@CAAFootball)

Extras

Maine will be looking for its first road win over Villanova since 2013. Villanova has the best red-zone offense in the country, scoring on all 14 attempts with 12 touchdowns and two field goals. Maine senior Earnest Edwards was named STATS FCS Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned two kickoffs for scores last week. His 198 return yards were a school record. The Maine-Villanova series dates back to 1988. Maine has the second best passing offense in the CAA (326 ypg) while Villanova has the second-worst passing defense in the league, allowing 252 yards per-game. Maine quarterback Chris Ferguson is fourth in the nation in passing yards with 1,275 so far this season. That mark also leads the CAA. Villanova enters the game with the best scoring offense (42.2 ppg) and the second-best scoring defense (19.8 ppg) in the CAA. Maine’s passing defense ranks 11th in the country, allowing 152.8 yards per-game. Villanova quarterback Daniel Smith is second in FCS in passing touchdowns with 13. FCS in 2019: . The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.

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