Boston College Football 2013 Previews: The Villanova Wildcats

Earlier this year, Brad Bates made the move to change the FCS matchup game they had set up against Stony Brook, and instead decided to schedule fellow Catholic school Villanova. The move made a lot of sense, because BC and Villanova actually have a long history in football. They were regular scheduled partners up until 1980 when the Wildcats decided to drop football and BC went on to the Big East. BC ended the rivalry with a 29-15-1 record, but the last game went the Wildcats way when they defeated the Eagles in 1980.

Last year the Wildcats finished the season with an 8-4 record, which was good enough for 2nd in the Colonial Athletic, eventually losing to Stony Brook in the FCS Playoffs. The Cats played one FBS team last year, who just so happened to be Steve Addazio and the Temple Owls. Temple proceeded to paste 'Nova 41-10. The Wildcats are a young team, but they are bringing back a majority of their starters from last including sophomore QB John Robertson who threw for 1,965 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

The biggest Villanova story has to be off the field this year. As the old Big East falls apart, and 'Nova enters the new Big East, will they eventually get an offer to go FBS with their football program? Many Nova fans and bloggers have clamored for it to happen, but as of now nothing has come to pass. As the realignment carousel spins to a close, Nova continues to be on the outside looking in, but with new leagues forming and spots open, a spot in the big dance could be in their future.

BC and Villanova's rivalry extended to basketball as well, as many of us can remember the Wildcats knocked out Jared Dudley and the Eagles in 2006. But we took Gene DeFilippo from them, so in the end we win right?

Things You Need To Know About Villanova:

Head Coach: Andy Talley, 29th season, 198-120 record.
Leading Returning Passer: John Robertson, Sophomore QB, 1965 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Leading Returning Rusher: Kevin Mognani, Junior RB, 212 rushes 1210 yards, 11 touchdowns.
Leading Returning Receiver: Joe Price, Senior WR, 30 receptions, 616 yards, 3 touchdowns
Recent Success: In 2009 Villanova went 14-1 on their way to winning the FCS National Championship.
Famous Alumni: Brian Finneran, Brian Westbrook, Howie Long

Villanova Twitter Accounts To Follow:

Villanova Athletics: @NovaAthletics
Villanova Football: @NovaFootball
SB Nation Villanova Blog Nova Hoops (they cover football too): @VUHoops
Brian Ewart, SB Nation Villanova blog writer, @Brian_Ewart

Upcoming Schedule for Villanova Week:
Tuesday: Preview of Villanova Quarterback John Robertson
Wednesday: Boston College's Key To Victory
Thursday: Interview With VU Hoops' Brian Ewart