Q&A with Villanova Gurus at VUHoops.com
Huge thanks to Brian Ewart from SB Nation’s VUHoops.com for running it back another year with us on this Q&A. Tons of good stuff in here explaining this week’s matchup from the other side. We also did the same for them and you can check that out here. We always enjoy interacting with Villanova because their media coverage is so strong based on their hoops program, but they really do have a few football fans too. Enjoy!
1) We caught a few of the first post-Robertson games and it looked like the new QB1 was really struggling – has he turned it around or the team just rallied or has the schedule eased up at all to create this great, late run by Villanova back into contention? (and yes, it’s really sad for both fanbases to miss out on the Lee/Robertson matchup we all dreamed of and it couldn’t have happened to two better kids from everything we know about Vad and have heard and read about JR)
I think the team had to find the right formula to start winning games. Villanova’s defense is the best it’s been in recent memory this season, but in the first couple games after Robertson’s injury, they may have been a bit gassed, spending a lot of time on the turf. Zach Bednarczyk is a guy who has some potential to become a good fit for Villanova, but I think the team benefitted from the coaching staff taking a step back, and refocusing the offense to it’s strength in the running game.
With Robertson on the field, the play calling was designed to be more balanced between the pass and run; partially because Robertson was capable in both areas, and partially as a way for the senior QB to prove that his arm was good enough. Bednarczyk is still getting used to the speed of the game, and an offensive line that was in flux early on (a lot of shuffling around) didn’t help him keep his wits in the pocket.
… and yes, it did help tremendously to get a game in against lowly Albany to help Nova find its confidence and a little bit of momentum. The Richmond game last weekend, however, proved that Nova’s resurgence wasn’t just a matter of beating up on the dregs; they aren’t the powerhouse that they were expected to be with a healthy John Robertson, but the pieces are there to hang with the top of this league.
2) Speaking of contention, are Villanova fans back on board and excited again about the chance to punch their playoff ticket this weekend?
It was a rough couple of weeks after John Robertson went down for the count. Expectations were very high entering the season, but I think a pretty good homecoming result against Richmond does have the football faithful fired up heading into this Saturday. It didn’t seem plausible when the ‘Cats dropped that game to Penn, but they’re looking like a team that can compete once again.
3) One huge problem last year for ‘Nova was in the kicking game. At least from the stats (3-10 on FG’s) it looks like maybe more of the same. Is that “accurate” and if so, has Coach Talley been going for 2 or just going for it on 4th even more than usual? (both of which could be very successful against JMU’s suspect defense)
Last year, and earlier this year, the decision to go for it on 4th down was pretty easy: You have the best player in the game at QB, and one of the least-reliable players in the game at kicker — you take your chances. Steve Weyler lost the kicking job a few weeks back to walk-on freshman Gerrard Smith, and while Smith hasn’t been 100%, he’s been reliable enough to trust with some reasonable-length chances. Without Robertson, Talley may still go for it on 4th down, or try for two, in the right spots, but he’s much more likely to let Smith line up a kick than he would have been last season.
4) Who are the big names for VU that JMU fans should keep an eye on Saturday?
Offensively, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Matt Gudzak at tailback, who had a huge game against Rhode Island (okay, sure, yeah), and has been taking on a bigger and bigger role for the Wildcats as this season has progressed. He’s part of a multi-faceted rushing attack along with Gary Underwood and freshman Aaron Forbes, that helps the offense grind out yardage. QB Zach Bednarczyk has also had some moments as a runner, and slot-receiver/running back Jarrett McClenton has also been taking carries.
McClenton is kind of a utility player for the ‘Cats, lining up at slot receiver and having the third-most catches on the team this season. He’s a potential playmaker for the Wildcats. When it comes to receiving, however, Kevin Gulyas has been the key player all season, averaging 15.7 yards per catch.
Defensively, Villanova is stacked with talented players. Tanoh Kpassagnon is an athletic freak on the defensive line who will create trouble and try to collapse the pocket. Cameron McCurry is the big playmaker in the secondary, lining up at safety, he has a nose for the ball, and leads the team in interceptions, tied for third in sacks, and is third on the team in tackles. Linebackers Don Cherry (last year’s runner up for best defensive player in FCS) and Austin Calitro are the top two tacklers for the ‘Cats and both are also playmakers who get into the backfield.
5) Finally, we heard Coach Talley make some comments about JMU on one of the CAA pressers early this season. In particular he seemed awful sure the Dukes would slow down against better competition later in the season. Despite last week’s fairly dreadful effort at UD, JMU has managed to keep the hammer down even in their losses (49 in loss to UR and 41 in loss to WM). Do you think Villanova is still confident they know how to stop the Dukes?
The one thing I know about Coach Talley, is that he certainly respects his opponents. This obviously isn’t the same JMU team that Nova had its hands full with last season, but the Dukes have rarely been a pushover in recent years, and I’m sure that Talley understands that. That said, if there is anything that Villanova is confident in this season, it’s the defense. The ‘Cats may not stop the Dukes, but they’ll walk into Bridgeforth Stadium confident that they can slow them down.
Lastly, this isn’t a question but we just wanted to say what a great thing it is that VU’s work with Be The Match has turned into a larger effort. We generally do our best not to laud the CAA because we kind of hate it (remember we have to watch this conference in every sport), but we’ve got nothing but love for this effort and huge thanks go out to Coach Talley for his decades of work on this project and of course to former Wildcat great Matt Szczur for providing the spark towards the partnership with CAA Football.
I’ll take the opportunity presented by this non-question to note that two Villanova football players missed time this season to donate marrow as part of that program. Offensive lineman (and starter!) Jake Prus donated marrow early on, and returned to action quickly (thankfully for Bednarczyk) and wide receiver Jacob Gribb was selected to donate a few years later. Matt Szczur has certainly been a great story for the league and the marrow program, but there are countless others who have donated marrow and saved someone’s life.
6) Bonus question: Jalen Brunson – good enough to make the difference and get over the early exit curse?
He’s real good, you guys… I think as long as he keeps growing his chemistry with this team, he will make everyone around him better — which is exactly what you want to hear about your point guard. So far, so good.
“Prayer mainly.” sounds about right.