Underpreview: Delaware at Villanova

Football
Time: Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Location: Delaware Stadium

About Delaware: The Hens are 5-5 with a 2-5 mark in CAA play. Delaware has lost three straight games and five of the last six. The Hens are seventh in the CAA and in the middle of the pack in most statistical categories in the conference. The Hens are coming off a 23-17 loss to Richmond and are unranked.


About Villanova: The Wildcats, who are 7-3 overall and 5-2 in CAA play, harbor hopes of making it to the postseason. They lead the conference in rushing offense and were picked to finish eighth in the conference in the preseason coaches’ poll. Villanova leads the all-time Battle of the Blue series 23-21, with one tie. The Wildcats have won five of the last six meetings with the Hens.


Why the Hens can win:

Delaware is playing in its last game of the year and hoping to avoid its third losing season under head coach K.C. Keeler. With many seniors participating in a game for the last time, the Hens will be hoping to go out with a win at home. Delaware will be looking to upset Villanova and knock the Wildcats out of the playoff picture.


Why the Hens could lose:

Villanova has a better record and while the Hens are playing for pride, the Wildcats are looking to make the playoffs. The Wildcats are ranked No. 8 in the country in rushing offense, with two players averaging over 80 yards a game on the ground.


The numbers:

428.5: Villanova’s total offense per game, third in the conference.


347.9: Delaware’s total offense per game, eighth in the conference.


124.4: Sophomore quarterback Trent Hurley’s passer rating in the nine games he has played, ninth in the CAA.


The prediction:

Delaware’s graduating players will be highly motivated to upset the rival Wildcats and the Hens defend Delaware Stadium, giving the fans a reason to be hopeful about 2013.


Delaware: 24
Villanova: 16