Villanova Wildcats Face Crucial Match Against Delaware Blue Hens with Playoff Spot at Stake

As Villanova University prepares to host Delaware in a pivotal football match on Saturday, both teams have significant objectives in mind. The game, set for 1 p.m. and broadcast on FloSports, is crucial for the Villanova Wildcats, who are vying for a spot in the FCS playoffs. Villanova, ranked 14th, aims to secure its second consecutive playoff appearance and third berth in four seasons.

Villanova’s head coach, Mark Ferrante, emphasized earlier this season the importance of reducing mistakes, noting the Wildcats have had a dominant season so far with an 8-3 overall record and a 5-2 record in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

«For starters, a spot in the FCS playoffs as the Wildcats seek their second consecutive playoff appearance and their third postseason berth in the last four seasons,» Ferrante said, highlighting the primary goal. The rivalry with Delaware adds to the stakes, as this will be their last matchup as FCS foes before Delaware transitions to the FBS as a member of Conference USA next season. Villanova is eager to send the Blue Hens off with a defeat, maintaining their unbeaten 5-0 home record this season and extending their 14-game winning streak at Villanova Stadium, which dates back to 2022.

The game holds significance for Delaware as well, as they not only wish to prove their readiness for the FBS but also seek revenge against Villanova. Last year, Delaware suffered a 35-7 defeat to Villanova, a game in which the Wildcats secured the CAA title on Delaware’s turf and qualified for the FCS playoffs.

The history of the rivalry between Delaware and Villanova is deep-rooted, dating back to the 19th century. Officially known as the Battle of the Blue since 1964, Villanova leads the series all-time with a record of 34-22-1.

For Villanova, a win over Delaware ensures they finish no lower than third in the CAA. The Wildcats are currently tied at 5-2 in conference play with New Hampshire and Stony Brook, both of whom they defeated this season.

Saturday’s game marks the final regular-season appearance for Villanova’s sixth-year quarterback Connor Watkins. The 6-foot-3 quarterback from Williamsport has been a key player since 2019 and a consistent starter since 2022. Coach Ferrante described Watkins as “having a third coach out there,” due to his ability to see «the big picture and make adjustments.» Watkins will need to be at his best, as Delaware’s defense ranks among the top 10 in the CAA.

Reflecting on his college career, Watkins shared with The Inquirer, “I’m just trying to enjoy it and appreciate what’s left of college football. If your dream is to play Division I football, you get here, and it’s a grind. Then you work your way through the ranks, and by the time you’re at the top, you’re like, ‘It’s almost over. We’re here at the end.’”