Know Your Opponent: Q&A With VUhoops.com
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to answer a few questions about the Dukes for VUhoops.com. Brian Ewart was kind enough to return the favor and give us a look into the Villanova Wildcat program. Here’s a Q&A with did with him earlier this week.
1) The new Big East. What’s the general feeling on how everything has shaken down for Villanova? Is there fear that “mid-major” is very much back in the lexicon or do most people feel comfortable the correct decisions were made?
It’s definitely a mixed bag. People would be more universally happy if Creighton and Villanova had made more of a splash in the NCAA tournament and if the conference itself had played out a lot better. As far as the football side of it is concerned, fans are mostly just accepting of what happened at this point, a few are happy that the University didn’t end up roped into the new American Conference, while some think they should have taken the leap-of-faith, regardless.
I think the majority are generally bummed that the old Big East imploded the way that it did. There are some schools from the old league that honestly won’t be missed, but others may not appear on the schedule for long stretches, if at all, in the future. That’s a shame.
2) In our opinion, a Robertson-led Villanova (what is he, 32 years old or does it just seem that way?) is a true National Championship contender. Does the student body and the fan base, such as it is, “get it” and care or is this just a small speed bump on the way to hoops season?
Robertson only looks to be about 14, I’m not even sure that he shaves more than once per season, but he’s technically in his fourth academic year…
I honestly don’t know how much the student body is into it. A decent number usually show up for the home games, but the stands could certainly fit more of them. When the ‘Cats played the title game down in Chattanooga, the university had a bus trip for students to get down there and, again, a decent number made the trip (considering that it was right before Christmas). If they were to get to Frisco, I’m not sure a bus trip would be as easy for them.
For alumni, it’s a mix of reactions. Some will never care, many watch from afar (reading about it on our site or watching the televised games) and the diehards are out there on Saturday afternoons all Fall. The game-day atmosphere isn’t as good as it is at other schools, though, and that keeps away a lot of the casual fans who will show up in droves for a basketball game at the Wells Fargo Center.
3) Any weaknesses so far for the ‘Cats?
The kicking game is a particular concern. Chris Gough seemed to get the ship back on track two weeks ago, but he also had a relatively ugly showing up at Syracuse in the opener. The ‘Cats need to be able to make the chip shots and be consistent on extra points for when they eventually get into another close game. Gough likely has the job for this weekend still, and he’s going to have to make the easy ones to hold onto it.
The ‘Cats also had a kickoff returned for a touchdown against them last week that was ultimately called back for a blocking foul. Despite the foul, Coach Talley seemed a bit concerned about the coverage unit’s effort on that play, and it’s something that we’ll be keeping an eye on.
Other than that, there are probably a couple more flags against Villanova than we’d like to see and the pass defense gives up yardage (but not a lot of big plays), so maybe an opponent could chip away some yards via the air.
4) Last year’s Nova team looked like the class of the CAA one week and an underachiever the next. What makes this year’s team different?
I think maybe they’re a bit more focused. Last year a lot of guys were coming off of big seasons and were focused on their personal goals rather than just on executing and winning games. Their biggest loss last season was by 10 points (twice, at BC and at JMU), while the other losses were by 3-, 1-, and 2-points, respectively.
The defense last season struggled early against the run and had to go to a 4-man line to get that situation under control, but they lost a ton in pass-coverage when they did that. The teams that could run and throw were able to find a groove. The offense, meanwhile, was a little more one-dimensional, with Robertson trying to do it all himself, which worked better than it should have, but wasn’t going to be enough to run away with games.
This season, the defense looks a lot FASTER. Some of the young guys who have come up have some impressive athleticism and they’ve done a really good job of stopping the running game from their base 3-3-5 defense. That gives them more flexibility in pass coverage schemes, and while they’re still liable to allow some yardage to be picked up through the air, they’re making some big plays, getting turnovers, and otherwise disrupting things for the opposing offense.
Offensively, Robertson seems to be throwing the ball better, and the tailbacks have carried a lot more of the load, with a healthy Austin Medley and now Gary Underwood making a few plays and supplementing Kevin Monangai as well. Poppy Livers has been the main beneficiary of Robertson’s arm, but the ‘Cats have a deep bench of other receivers who all have pretty good hands and good size.
5) Has the tailgating gestapo on the Main Line loosened the reins at all?
If you want widespread tailgating, there are still better schools to be at on Saturdays. However, the university has made some efforts to expand the smaller “tailgate lot” action between the stadium and Pavilion. There’s not a whole lot of policing going on back there, and the Football club sets up a massive tent with beer, wine and liquor flowing pretty freely. Anyone can head back there, but it’s kind of an out-of-sight problem for most people who never think to venture into that lot.
Things are still pretty intensely-controlled in the other lots around campus (though, there is tailgating allowed).
Another great effort from JMUSB. Great work!