No. 2 Villanova ices No. 9 New Hampshire to advance in FCS playoffs, 46-7

Villanova, PA - In a cold, wet, windy, driving snow storm, the Villanova Wildcats played like "snowcats" to annihilate No. 9 UNH Wildcats who played like pussycats, 46-7.  Drenched and cold, we left at halftime like most everybody else as Villanova (12-1) dominated the first half advancing to a 24-0 lead.  UNH showed no penchant to make a comeback as they were held to -33 yards total offense in the first half.  New Hampshire (10-3) defeated Villanova for its only loss earlier in the season, 28-24.  We noted one distinct advantage Villanova had over their visitors from the north in this particular game.  Check out the photo below.  See any heaters across the way?

     Nova scored on the first play from scrimmage when the snap to UNH QB RJ Toman  went right through his hands and was recovered in the end zone by DB John Dempsey for a 7-0 lead fifteen seconds after the game started.  Nick Yako's 32-yard FG FG and Angelo Barbarro's 25-yard TD run made it 17-0 before the end of the first quarter.  UNH went backwards every time it had the ball and Villanova capitalized to gain good field position.  QB Chris Whitney scored in the second period on a one-yard run to cap a 69-yard scoring drive with 3:23 left in the half for a 28-0 lead.  Some nearby 'Nova fans nearby said they had enough, and I felt the same way.  What was expected to be a good, competitive game was a romp.  The best move made was following signs to the free parking garage at Villanova's Law school.  It was covered, so cold wet garments could be removed comfortably and the car did not have to be brushed off.  The 2:15 trip took to the game without snow took about 3:30 to return as the snow flew directly at the windshield no matter what direction we headed to to go home.  Listening to the radio on the way home,  most of the 2,661 in attendance left after the first half as we did.

   UNH could not muster a comeback.  It was the fifth time in the last six years that these Wildcats could not get past the second round.  For  'Nova, it is the most wins ever in school history.  They host another conference foe, William and Mary, next Friday night.  Due to Eric's HS football banquet, we will not be able to attend.  Go 'Cats!

Extra points:  Traditionally, this has always been the coldest weekend of the year!  However, we always attributed that to being played on the weekend of the Army-Navy game.  Well Army and Navy pushed their traditional finale back one week and will meet in Philly next Saturday.  We've attended that rivalry on frigidly cold days and in driving rainstorms, but Saturday was a combination of the two.  Had it been close, we probably would have stayed.  Thankfully it wasn't, and gave us reason to leave at the half. We can't wait to see what the weather will be like next week at the Linc when Army meets Navy.  We'll finally hang a couple of Christmas decorations outside and watch on the game on TV.  Go Navy!

When play stopped, Villanova students shoveled off the 5-yard lines so everyone could see the markers on the field.  The game was stopped for TV timeouts a few times as it was broadcast in the Philly area.

Angelo Barbarro had no problem trudging through the snow.  He had 148 yards on 13 carries and two TDs for Villanova. UNH finished with 84 yards net total offense including -66 on the ground. 

Most of 'Nova's key playmakers return next season for their senior season.  They should have a good chance at winning the Colonial again.

Seriously:  why should only the home team get to use heaters on the sideline during a game like the one this past Saturday?  The rule should be that both teams should have them or neither should have them.  There's such a thing as home field advantage, but just because the home team has  the phone number of the local service company and the visitors do not does not mean that such an advantage should be enjoyed by only the home team on such a miserable day for both.  The NCAA should come up with a rule under these circumstances.

Montana crushed Stephen F. Austin, 51-0. and will host Michigan's favorite team, Appalachian State, next Saturday.  ASU defeated defending champ FCS Richmond on Saturday, 35-31.  The winner of this game and 'Nova vs. William and Mary will meet in Chattanooga for the national championship on Dec. 18.  Wish we could go.

Our next game will be in Salem, VA for the D-3 championship the following Saturday on Dec. 19.